Multi-Connectivity Flow Control Through Dynamic Packet Rescheduling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing flow control mechanisms in multi-point transmission systems struggle to handle sudden decreases in data rate, leading to potential data traffic interruptions and packet drops due to unmanaged buffer dwell times and reordering delays, especially in 5G networks with beamlike propagation and increased radio shadowing.

Innovation Solution

A method and network node that reschedule a subset of packets from a first transmitting node to a second transmitting node in response to an indication of decreased data rate, utilizing transmission-delay related times to optimize data distribution across multiple connectivity paths, ensuring minimal performance reduction by maintaining adequate data rates.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If flow control algorithms are used to balance buffer fill state in dual connectivity, then data transfer efficiency is improved, but the system cannot respond dynamically to sudden changes in radio link quality

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transfer efficiencyVSAvoidresponse to sudden radio link quality changes

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic packet rescheduling based on real-time radio link quality measurements. When degradation is detected, the system dynamically switches packets between transmitting nodes to maintain optimal performance, transforming the static flow control into an adaptive system that responds to changing conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors radio link quality through measurement procedures and uses this feedback to trigger packet rescheduling when degradation thresholds are exceeded. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables the system to adapt to sudden changes in radio conditions while maintaining data transfer efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Area of stationary object

If multiple transmitting nodes are used for beamlike propagation in 5G, then coverage is improved, but delay differences between paths increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoverage areaVSAvoiddelay difference between transmission paths

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary measurements of transmission delay for multiple paths and pre-configures rescheduling decisions. When a packet is scheduled for transmission, the system already has measurement data ready to quickly determine if rescheduling is needed, reducing the overall delay while maintaining coverage benefits.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the scheduling parameter from static time-based allocation to dynamic quality-based allocation. By monitoring radio link quality parameters and adjusting packet distribution accordingly, the system minimizes delay differences while maintaining the coverage advantages of multi-point transmission.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If packets are buffered in transmitting nodes, then data rate is maintained, but buffer dwell time increases causing potential packet drops

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata rateVSAvoidbuffer dwell time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system maintains continuous packet transmission by dynamically redistributing packets between transmitting nodes. When one node experiences high buffer dwell time, packets are rescheduled to other nodes that have available capacity, ensuring continuous data flow without packet drops while maintaining optimal buffer utilization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a coordination mechanism that acts as an intermediary between transmitting nodes. This mediator monitors buffer states and coordinates packet scheduling across multiple nodes, preventing individual nodes from experiencing excessive buffer dwell times while maintaining overall system throughput.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Reliability

If reordering capability is implemented in mobile, then data delivery is improved, but reordering delays increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata deliveryVSAvoidreordering delay

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary ordering of packets based on scheduled transmission times before actual transmission occurs. By pre-organizing packets in the correct sequence and using the measurement data to predict arrival times, the system reduces the reordering delay while maintaining the reliability benefits of ordered data delivery.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS12363591B2Method and arrangement for flow control in a split path communication system

Publication Date: 2025.07.15 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)

AI summary

A method for transmission control in a multi-connectivity communication system comprises obtaining (S1) of an indication of decreased data rate through a first transmitting node of a multi-connectivity communication system. At least a subset of packets, originally scheduled for, and buffered in, the first transmitting node is rescheduled (S2) to at least one second transmitting node, different from the first transmitting node, of the multi-connectivity communication system, in response to the obtaining of the indication. A network node for transmission control is also disclosed.