Multi-Path Data Duplication Control Under Network Congestion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing communication systems face inefficiencies in managing data duplication over multiple paths, leading to network congestion and resource wastage, particularly in wireless communication networks like 5G systems.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus and method to determine and modify or suspend data duplication over multiple paths between communication devices and network entities, based on network congestion, device criteria, and path usefulness, using control plane and user plane information to adjust data transmission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If data duplication is maintained over multiple paths, then reliability of data transmission is improved, but network congestion increases and resource utilization deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission reliabilityVSAvoidnetwork efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic adjustment of data duplication based on real-time network conditions. The network entity monitors path quality metrics and dynamically modifies duplication levels - maintaining high duplication when paths are reliable, reducing or suspending duplication when network congestion occurs. This dynamic approach resolves the contradiction by adapting the system behavior to current conditions rather than using a fixed duplication strategy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of data duplication level based on network conditions. By monitoring path quality indicators and network congestion states, the system adjusts the duplication parameter - switching between full duplication, partial duplication, and suspension of duplication. This parameter change allows the system to maintain reliability when needed while improving network efficiency when conditions deteriorate

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If data duplication is increased over multiple paths, then data transmission reliability is improved, but network resource utilization worsens

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission reliabilityVSAvoidnetwork resource consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically changes the duplication parameter based on monitored network conditions and path quality metrics. When path quality is high and network resources are abundant, full duplication is maintained for maximum reliability. When resources become constrained or path quality deteriorates, the system reduces or suspends duplication, thereby optimizing resource consumption while maintaining adequate reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If data duplication is suspended to reduce resource usage, then network efficiency is improved, but data transmission reliability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork efficiencyVSAvoiddata transmission reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic decision-making process that continuously evaluates network conditions and path quality to determine the optimal duplication level. Rather than statically suspending duplication, the system dynamically adjusts between suspension, partial duplication, and full duplication based on real-time conditions, ensuring reliability is maintained when possible while improving efficiency when appropriate

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs feedback mechanisms where the network entity monitors path quality metrics and transmission outcomes, then uses this feedback to adjust duplication levels. This closed-loop control ensures that duplication is suspended only when network conditions or path quality indicate it would be wasteful, while maintaining duplication when it provides tangible reliability benefits, thus resolving the contradiction through informed decision-making

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS20260046686A1Apparatus, methods, and computer programs
Publication Date: 2026.02.12 NOKIA TECHNOLOGIES OY
  • US20260046686A1 patent drawing
  • US20260046686A1 patent drawing
  • US20260046686A1 patent drawing

AI summary

An apparatus comprising means for determining, that data duplication over a plurality of respective paths between one or more communication devices and a network entity is to be modified to reduce or suspend the data duplication.