Multi-Connectivity Path Selection Using Dual Data Buffer Thresholds

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Solution Overview

Problem

In dual connectivity scenarios, existing technologies face challenges in efficiently managing multiple connectivity paths, leading to unnecessary overhead and difficulty in turning off paths efficiently, especially when dealing with small data amounts or varying network conditions.

Innovation Solution

The introduction of multiple data buffer thresholds allows a wireless user equipment (UE) to dynamically select the appropriate connectivity paths based on the data buffer levels, enabling more efficient use of bandwidth and reducing unnecessary path activation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a single uplink data split threshold is used to determine path selection, then the system can simplify the decision logic, but it cannot efficiently manage multiple connectivity paths when dealing with varying data amounts and network conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepath selection simplicityVSAvoidadaptability to varying data amounts
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces multiple uplink data split thresholds (first threshold and second threshold) instead of a single threshold, allowing the system to adapt to varying data buffer levels. When the data buffer level exceeds the first threshold, the UE activates multiple connectivity paths; when it falls below the second threshold, the UE deactivates secondary paths. This multi-parameter approach resolves the contradiction by maintaining simple threshold-based logic while improving adaptability to different network conditions and data amounts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If multiple connectivity paths are always activated to maximize bandwidth utilization, then the system can achieve higher throughput, but it increases power consumption and signaling overhead

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebandwidth utilizationVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic path activation and deactivation based on real-time data buffer levels. The UE monitors its data buffer and compares it against configured thresholds to dynamically adjust the number of active connectivity paths. When data is abundant, multiple paths are activated to maximize throughput; when data is scarce, secondary paths are deactivated to reduce power consumption and signaling overhead. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between bandwidth utilization and energy efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If secondary connectivity paths are activated for small data amounts, then the system can provide redundancy, but it creates unnecessary overhead and fails to efficiently turn off paths

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection redundancyVSAvoidsignaling overhead
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses multiple thresholds (first threshold for activation, second threshold for deactivation) to control secondary path activation. By setting appropriate threshold values, the system ensures that secondary paths are only activated when there is sufficient data to justify the overhead, and deactivated when data amounts are small. This threshold-based control mechanism resolves the contradiction by providing redundancy only when beneficial, thereby reducing unnecessary signaling overhead and simplifying system operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS20250071654A1Method and Apparatuses for Three Cell Group Multi-Connectivity Using Two Uplink Data Split Thresholds
Publication Date: 2025.02.27 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)
  • US20250071654A1 patent drawing
  • US20250071654A1 patent drawing
  • US20250071654A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A method performed in a wireless communication device (1500) having a data buffer and connected to three network nodes in a radio communication system includes connecting (1001) to three different cell groups where the wireless communication device is configured to use a primary transmission path in a first cell group of the cell groups, a secondary transmission path in a second cell group of the cell groups, and a tertiary transmission path in a third cell group of the cell groups; receiving (1003) a configuration having first and second data split threshold values for modifying a data transmission path; and transmitting data via only the primary transmission path (1007), via only the primary transmission path and the secondary transmission path (1011) and via the primary transmission path, the secondary transmission path, and the tertiary transmission path (1013) based on the first and second data split threshold values.