NTN Buffer Sizing Using RLC RTT and Data Rate
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems struggle with efficient buffer management for non-terrestrial networks (NTNs) due to longer radio link control (RLC) round trip times (RTTs), leading to potential memory overflow and increased latency.
Innovation Solution
The UE calculates a buffer size specific to NTNs using the maximum data rate and RLC RTT specific to NTNs, preventing memory overflow and reducing latency by ensuring a sufficient buffer size for NTN communications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a buffer size calculated using terrestrial network RLC RTT is used for NTN communications, then memory overflow is prevented, but buffering capacity is insufficient leading to data loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by transitioning from terrestrial network RLC RTT values to NTN-specific RLC RTT values in the buffer size calculation formula. This parameter substitution ensures the buffer size reflects the actual longer round trip times experienced in satellite or aerial network communications, thereby providing adequate buffering capacity without causing memory overflow.
2Reliability
If a larger buffer size is allocated for NTN communications, then memory overflow is prevented, but latency increases due to larger buffer processing time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by calculating the buffer size using a specific portion of the RLC RTT value rather than using excessive buffer allocation. The buffer size is precisely calculated as buffer size = maximum data rate × RLC RTT, which provides just sufficient buffering capacity to prevent overflow without allocating excessive memory that would increase processing latency unnecessarily.
3Device complexity
If standard terrestrial network buffering techniques are used for NTN, then device complexity is maintained, but communication efficiency deteriorates due to mismatched buffer parameters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains device complexity by using the same buffer size calculation formula (buffer size = maximum data rate × RLC RTT) but changes the critical parameter from terrestrial RLC RTT to NTN-specific RLC RTT. This parameter change adapts the buffering mechanism to NTN characteristics without requiring fundamental redesign of the buffering architecture, thereby maintaining implementation simplicity while improving communication efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and devices for wireless communications are described. A user equipment (UE) may be configured to buffer communications with a network node. A buffer size of a buffer used to buffer the communications may be specific to a non-terrestrial network (NTN) via which the UE communicates with the network node. For example, the UE may calculate the buffer size based on a maximum data rate of a connection with the network node via the NTN and a radio link control (RLC) round trip time (RTT). The RLC RTT may be specific to NTNs. The UE may use a buffer having the calculated buffer size to buffer the communications between the UE and the network node over the connection.