Multi-Connectivity Buffer Control via Delayed Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing data flow control protocols in multi-connectivity networks, such as LTE dual connectivity, lack accurate measurement of buffer filling state at secondary base stations, leading to inefficient data flow management and potential interruptions due to buffer overflow or underutilization.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a refined feedback mechanism that includes latency measurements and additional information in the flow control protocol, allowing the master base station to estimate the buffer window size at the secondary base station, thereby controlling data flow more accurately and minimizing dwell time and buffer overflow risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the existing feedback protocol is modified to report the filling state of the SeNB buffer, then the accuracy of data flow control is improved, but the complexity of the SeNB and control signaling overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The SeNB autonomously determines its buffer filling state and generates feedback information without requiring complex modifications to the feedback protocol. The buffer state is self-measured and self-reported, reducing the need for complex control mechanisms at the SeNB while still providing accurate buffer state information to the MeNB for flow control decisions.
2Measurement precision
If the existing feedback protocol is modified to report the filling state of the SeNB buffer, then the accuracy of data flow control is improved, but the control signaling overhead on the backhaul network increases
Solution Approach 1:
The buffer filling state information is extracted as a separate, dedicated feedback element from the existing flow control protocol. This allows the buffer state to be reported efficiently without requiring comprehensive protocol modifications, minimizing the increase in signaling overhead while still providing the necessary measurement precision for accurate flow control.
3Reliability
If data packets are sent from the MeNB to the SeNB without accurate buffer state information, then the data flow control accuracy deteriorates, but the buffer overflow risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The SeNB provides feedback information about its buffer filling state to the MeNB, enabling the MeNB to make informed flow control decisions. This feedback mechanism allows the MeNB to adjust the data packet transmission rate to match the SeNB's buffer capacity, thereby maintaining accurate data flow control while preventing buffer overflow conditions.
Data Source
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AI summary
A technique for sending data packets in a radio access network (304) including a master base station (308) and a secondary base station (310) for providing multi- connectivity to a user equipment (306) is described. As to a method aspect of the technique, at least one first data packet to be transmitted through the secondary base station (310) to the user equipment (306) is sent via a first link (314). A feedback including an acknowledgment for at least one second data packet transmitted through the secondary base station (310) to the user equipment (306) is received via a second link (316). An indicator for the at least one first data packet is delayed by a delay time depending on the first link (314) and the second link (316). At least one further data packet to be transmitted through the secondary base station (310) to the user equipment (306) is sent via the first link (314). The sending of the at least one further data packet depends on the delayed indicator for the at least one first data packet and the feedback for the at least one second data packet.