Network Coding Suspension Signaling for Low-Latency Wireless Links
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems, particularly in Ultra Reliable Low Latency Communications (URLLC), face challenges in ensuring communication reliability and low latency while minimizing bandwidth consumption, as packet duplication methods like PDCP duplication are not optimal and network coding techniques require efficient signaling for quick interruptions and resumptions.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for signaling network coding suspension and resumption using MAC CE, RRC messages, and dedicated fields in encoded data packets, allowing for fast activation/deactivation of network coding operations based on conditions like channel quality and load changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If packet duplication is used to ensure communication reliability, then reliability is improved, but bandwidth consumption doubles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple copies of the same packet into a single network-coded packet by performing encoding operations (e.g., XOR) on the duplicated packets. This combining approach maintains the reliability benefits of having multiple transmissions while reducing bandwidth consumption, as the receiver can reconstruct original packets from the network-coded combinations without needing to transmit all duplicate copies.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the transmission parameter from sending identical packet copies to sending network-coded transformations of the packets. By applying encoding functions to the packet data before transmission, the system achieves diversity in transmitted content while maintaining the ability to recover original information, thus improving bandwidth efficiency while preserving reliability.
2Quantity of substance
If network coding is activated to reduce bandwidth consumption, then bandwidth efficiency is improved, but signaling complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the network coding control functionality from complex higher-layer protocols and implements it at the MAC layer using compact Control Elements (CEs). By taking out the essential control functions and implementing them in a simplified, standardized format at a lower protocol layer, the patent reduces overall signaling complexity while maintaining bandwidth efficiency benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces MAC Control Elements as intermediary structures that mediate between the need for network coding operations and the protocol stack. These CEs serve as standardized intermediaries that carry compact control information, simplifying the signaling interface between different protocol layers and reducing the complexity of coordinating network coding operations.
3Reliability
If network coding operation is continuously active to maintain robustness, then communication robustness is improved, but adaptability to changing conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of network coding operations by introducing suspension and resumption mechanisms. The system can activate network coding when channel conditions are poor to enhance robustness, and suspend it when conditions improve or when other priorities arise. This dynamic adaptability is achieved through MAC CE signaling that can quickly modify the coding state without requiring complex reconfiguration procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic evaluation and control of network coding operations through scheduled MAC CE transmissions and monitoring. The system periodically assesses channel conditions and traffic requirements, adjusting the network coding state accordingly. This periodic control mechanism ensures the system maintains robustness when needed while adapting to changing conditions, avoiding continuous fixed-mode operation.
4Adaptability or versatility
If quick suspension and resumption of network coding is implemented, then adaptability is improved, but processing load increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service mechanisms where the MAC layer autonomously handles suspension and resumption of network coding operations based on pre-defined conditions and standardized control elements. By enabling the MAC layer to self-manage these operations without requiring complex coordination with higher layers or extensive processing, the patent reduces overall processing load while maintaining quick adaptability to changing conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of wireless communication between a base station and a user equipment to signal network coding suspension and resumption of a device in a radio communication system, wherein the method includes receiving a network coding control element; and controlling activation or deactivation of network coding in response to the reception of the network coding control element, wherein the controlling comprises determining an indication of when the network coding activation or deactivation takes effect, the indication being an identifier of a first data packet for which the network coding is activated or deactivated.