Multi-Connectivity Controller Path Correlation Scheduling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current multi-connectivity systems in 3GPP do not consider the correlation between communication paths for scheduling decisions, leading to suboptimal performance in terms of reliability and resource utilization.
Innovation Solution
A method for determining correlation values between communication paths and using a multi-connectivity controller to divide or duplicate payload data based on these correlations, optimizing egress data streams for transmission over multiple physical wireless channels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If packet duplication is used to increase transmission reliability, then reliability is improved, but resource utilization efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the multi-connectivity scheduling scheme adaptive and changeable based on real-time path correlation conditions. The system dynamically selects between packet duplication and packet division schemes according to the observed correlation values, allowing the transmission strategy to be optimized continuously rather than using a fixed approach. This resolves the contradiction by enabling the system to use packet duplication only when necessary (high correlation) while using packet division for better resource efficiency when paths are uncorrelated.
2Device complexity
If path correlation is not considered for scheduling decisions, then system complexity is reduced, but performance in terms of reliability and resource utilization deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-establishing a correlation observer that continuously monitors and determines correlation values between different communication paths before making scheduling decisions. This pre-computed correlation information is then used by the multi-connectivity controller to select the optimal scheduling scheme. By performing the correlation analysis in advance and using it to guide scheduling decisions, the system achieves high reliability without excessive complexity, as the correlation observer operates independently and provides ready-to-use information for scheduling.
3Loss of time
If packet division is used to reduce transmission latency, then latency is improved, but transmission reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction through dynamic scheme selection based on path correlation. When path correlation is low (paths are independent), the system uses packet division to minimize latency since failure on one path does not affect others. When path correlation is high (paths are dependent), the system switches to packet duplication to ensure reliability, as sending copies over correlated paths provides better protection against failures. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize for latency when appropriate while maintaining reliability when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for operating a first network device of a communications network, wherein the method comprises: determining or receiving, by means of an ingress interface, an ingress data stream comprising payload data to be transmitted towards a second network device; determining or receiving, by means of a correlation observer, at least one correlation value for a plurality of communication paths between the first network device and the second network device, wherein each of the plurality of communication paths comprises a different one of a plurality of physical channels; determining, by means of a multi-connectivity controller, a plurality of egress data streams in dependence on the at least one correlation value and in dependence on the ingress data stream; and transmitting, via a respective one of a plurality of egress queues, wherein each egress data stream is associated with a different one of the plurality of paths.


