Multi-Connectivity Packet Duplication for Consecutive Error Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication systems face challenges in managing multi-connectivity and data duplication efficiently, leading to resource waste and increased interference, particularly in applications with strict reliability and latency requirements, such as industrial automation, where consecutive packet errors can exceed survival time and trigger costly emergency procedures.
Innovation Solution
A mechanism that optimizes packet transmission by using different radio links for consecutive packets and allows for packet duplication, determined by packet transmission pattern information, to minimize consecutive errors and improve resource efficiency and network reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If data duplication is activated for all consecutive packets, then reliability is improved, but resource usage deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically changes the packet duplication parameter based on channel conditions. When channel quality is good, duplication is deactivated to save resources. When channel quality degrades or survival time constraints are approached, duplication is activated to ensure reliable delivery. This parameter adaptation resolves the contradiction by making resource consumption conditional rather than constant.
Solution Approach 2:
The packet duplication mechanism transitions from a static always-on approach to a dynamic conditional approach. The system continuously monitors channel quality indicators and survival time metrics, adjusting the duplication state in real-time. This dynamic behavior allows the system to optimize between reliability and resource usage based on current network conditions.
2Reliability
If packet transmission uses fixed radio links, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to correlated errors
Solution Approach 1:
The transmission system is segmented into multiple radio links (primary and secondary) that can be independently selected. Instead of using a single fixed link, the system divides transmissions across multiple paths, reducing the impact of correlated errors on any single link. This segmentation improves reliability without requiring complex dynamic switching logic.
Solution Approach 2:
Different radio links are assigned different qualities based on channel conditions. The system identifies which link currently offers better quality and prioritizes transmissions on that link. This local quality optimization allows the system to improve reliability by exploiting heterogeneous link characteristics without implementing full-blown complex routing protocols.
3Reliability
If packet duplication is activated frequently, then reliability is improved, but loss of time increases due to processing overhead
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of always duplicating packets (excessive action), the system applies duplication only when necessary to meet survival time requirements (partial action). The system calculates whether duplication is needed based on current channel conditions and survival time constraints, activating it only for the minimum necessary duration. This partial application reduces processing overhead while maintaining reliability compliance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system autonomously determines when packet duplication is required by monitoring its own performance metrics and channel conditions. It self-adjusts the duplication state without requiring external control signals, making rapid decisions based on real-time conditions. This self-service capability minimizes processing latency by eliminating round-trip signaling delays.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method, apparatus, and a computer-readable storage medium are provided for providing optimized multi-connectivity and/or data duplication.In one example implementation, the method may include receiving, by a user equipment (UE), packet transmission pattern information from a first network node of one or more network nodes and transmitting, by the user equipment (UE), the consecutive packets using the different radio links indicated in the packet transmission pattern information. In an additional example implementation, the method may include determining, by a network node of a set of network nodes, packet transmission pattern information for a user equipment (UE). The example method may further include transmitting, by the network node, the packet transmission pattern information to the user equipment (UE). In a further additional example implementation, the method may include determining, by a network node of one or more network nodes, packet transmission pattern information of a user equipment (UE) and transmitting, by the network node, the packet transmission pattern information to another network entity. The example method may further include transmitting, by the network node, one or more packets received from the another network entity.