Network Node PDCP Sequence Extraction for Accurate Flow Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Network nodes in NR or LTE wireless networks face difficulties in extracting the sequence number from delivered packets, which hinders effective flow control.

Innovation Solution

The network node extracts the PDCP sequence number by obtaining PDCP-Config information through internode messages, management or control planes, or by expressly signaling the sequence number on the user plane or GTP-U protocol, allowing accurate reporting of packet transmission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the network node extracts the sequence number from packets using protocol stack configurations, then the flow control can be implemented, but the extraction difficulty increases due to varying protocol configurations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflow control accuracyVSAvoidsequence number extraction difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces PDCP-Config information as an intermediary element that carries sequence number format details. Instead of directly parsing packets with varying configurations, the network node first obtains the PDCP-Config information (which describes the sequence number format and length) and then uses this configuration information to correctly extract the sequence number from the packet, significantly reducing extraction difficulty while maintaining accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary action by obtaining PDCP-Config information before actually extracting the sequence number from packets. The PDCP-Config information is acquired in advance through internode messages, management plane, or control plane, and this pre-obtained configuration data is then used to guide the sequence number extraction process, ensuring correct parsing before the actual extraction occurs

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Measurement precision

If the network node obtains PDCP-Config information through multiple channels, then the sequence number extraction accuracy improves, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesequence number extraction accuracyVSAvoidinformation acquisition complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements universality by establishing multiple acquisition channels for PDCP-Config information (internode messages, management plane, control plane) that can all serve the same function of providing sequence number format details. This multi-channel approach ensures that the network node can obtain the necessary configuration information through whichever channel is available or most appropriate, maintaining high extraction accuracy without being dependent on a single complex acquisition mechanism

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs feedback mechanisms where the PDCP-Config information obtained through various channels is fed back into the sequence number extraction process. The extracted sequence number format details are then used to correctly parse subsequent packets, creating a feedback loop that ensures continuous accuracy. This feedback approach allows the system to adapt to different protocol configurations while maintaining consistent extraction precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3796746B1Network node
Publication Date: 2025.11.05 NTT DOCOMO INC
  • EP3796746B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3796746B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3796746B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A network node in a wireless communication system comprising a user equipment and a plurality of network nodes, comprises: a reception unit for receiving from another network node or a user equipment a protocol data unit related to packet transmission that has a possibility of a plurality of data lengths with respect to sequence numbers; an acquiring unit for acquiring a sequence number of the protocol data unit related to packet transmission; and a notification unit for carrying out, based on the sequence number as acquired, notification related to packet transmission.