Multiple MAC Entities Per UE for Service Multiplexing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems struggle to efficiently support multiple different communication types in the Medium Access Control (MAC) layer of User Equipment (UE), as they typically only allow for a single MAC entity per UE.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of multiple Medium Access Control (MAC) entities per User Equipment (UE) allows for the simultaneous support of various communication types, such as enhanced mobile broadband, massive machine type communication, and ultra-reliable low latency communications, by configuring each MAC entity to handle specific communication types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single MAC entity is used per UE, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to support multiple communication types deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the MAC layer into multiple independent MAC entities (first MAC entity, second MAC entity, etc.), where each entity is configured to support specific communication types. This segmentation allows the system to handle diverse communication requirements (eMBB, mMTC, URLLC) simultaneously while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
Each MAC entity is designed with multi-functionality to support various communication types depending on its configuration. The patent enables a single MAC entity to be configured for different communication types (e.g., eMBB, mMTC, URLLC), allowing one entity to perform multiple functions rather than requiring separate dedicated entities for each service type.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple MAC entities are implemented per UE, then the adaptability to support diverse services is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic configuration mechanisms where MAC entities can be activated, deactivated, or reconfigured based on the current communication needs. The system dynamically determines which MAC entities are active and their respective configurations, allowing flexible adaptation to different service requirements without maintaining all possible entities simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes to configure MAC entities for different communication types. By modifying configuration parameters (such as QoS parameters, traffic characteristics, and communication type settings), the system can transform a single MAC entity's functionality or adjust the characteristics of multiple entities to match diverse service requirements without increasing the fundamental number of entities.
3Reliability
If multiple MAC entities are used, then the QoS requirements for different communication types are better met, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where the network side provides configuration information and control signals to manage MAC entities. The system receives feedback about QoS requirements and communication conditions, then automatically adjusts MAC entity configurations accordingly, reducing the operational burden on the UE while ensuring reliable QoS fulfillment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary configuration management mechanism (involving network side signaling and control) that mediates between the diverse QoS requirements and the MAC entity configurations. This intermediary layer handles the complexity of configuration management and coordination, allowing the UE to operate more easily while maintaining reliable QoS for multiple communication types.
Data Source
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AI summary
In some embodiments, a user equipment (UE) configures a first media access control (MAC) entity of the UE to support a first communication type, the first communication type may comprise of enhanced mobile broadband. The UE configures a second MAC entity of the UE to support a second communication type, the second communication type may comprise of massive machine type communication or ultra-reliable low latency communication. The UE decodes first MAC layer signaling via the first MAC entity. The UE decodes, contemporaneously with decoding the first MAC layer signaling via the first MAC entity, second MAC layer signaling via the second MAC entity.