Multipath Data Transmission Scheduling for Buffer Blocking

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Solution Overview

Problem

In multipath transmission systems, significant differences in transmission rates between paths can lead to reduced merge performance and buffer-blocking issues, especially when the receive buffer is limited.

Innovation Solution

A packet scheduling method that restricts scheduling on slower paths when buffer-blocking is predicted, allowing for continued transmission at the faster path's rate, and reverts to scheduling on the slow path when conditions improve.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If data is transmitted through multiple paths simultaneously, then data transmission rate is improved, but merge performance deteriorates when transmission rate differences between paths are large

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission rateVSAvoidmerge performance
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The packet scheduler dynamically adjusts its behavior based on real-time transmission rate measurements. When a path's transmission rate falls below a threshold, the scheduler restricts scheduling on that path and redirects packets to faster paths, thereby maintaining merge performance while utilizing multiple paths for high-speed transmission.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the scheduling parameter by introducing a transmission rate threshold that determines whether to restrict or allow packet scheduling on a given path. This parameter-based control enables the system to adapt to varying network conditions and maintain optimal merge performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If data is transmitted through multiple paths simultaneously, then data transmission rate is improved, but buffer-blocking occurs when receive buffer is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission rateVSAvoidbuffer-blocking
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The packet scheduler dynamically monitors transmission rates and buffer status, adjusting its scheduling decisions in real-time. When buffer-blocking is detected or predicted, the scheduler restricts scheduling on affected paths, preventing the harmful buffer-blocking effect while maintaining high transmission rates on healthier paths.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system takes preliminary action by restricting scheduling on paths that are likely to cause buffer-blocking based on their transmission rates. This preventive measure stops buffer-blocking from occurring in the first place, rather than reacting after it has happened.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

3Reliability

If scheduling is restricted on slower paths, then merge performance is maintained, but transmission rate utilization is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemerge performanceVSAvoidtransmission rate utilization
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The packet scheduler dynamically switches between restricting and allowing scheduling based on real-time transmission rate measurements. When a path's transmission rate is sufficient, scheduling is allowed and its capacity is utilized; when the rate falls below the threshold, scheduling is restricted to protect merge performance. This dynamic approach optimizes both merge performance and transmission rate utilization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3471354B1Method and apparatus for transmitting data in wireless communication system
Publication Date: 2025.04.09 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3471354B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3471354B1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP3471354B1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a communication technique for converging an IoT technology with a 5G communication system for supporting a higher data transmission rate beyond a 4G system, and a system therefor. The present disclosure may be applied to an intelligent service (for example, a smart home, a smart building, a smart city, a smart car or connected car, healthcare, digital education, retail business, a security and safety related service, or the like) on the basis of a 5G communication technology and an IoT related technology. Disclosed are an apparatus for transmitting data through at least one of a first path and a second path, and a method therefor. A method for an apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention may comprise the steps of: identifying the size of data transmittable through a first path during a reference time for a second path; comparing the identified data size with the buffer size of a reception device; and determining a transmission mode on the basis of a result of the comparison, and transmitting the data to the reception device according to the determined transmission mode.