Multi-Link Packet Distribution for 5G Throughput

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Solution Overview

Problem

In the 5G communication environment, existing packet distribution methods struggle to maintain stable and high aggregated throughput due to dynamic link state variations, particularly with the 5G standard, where link availability and bandwidth change frequently, leading to performance degradation and potential link failures.

Innovation Solution

A packet distribution method that collects and measures state information from multiple links, determines a distribution scheme, and performs packet distribution through feedback message exchange, allowing for efficient bandwidth aggregation across multiple links, independent of layer or structure, and operating transparently to higher layer protocols. This method includes three transmission modes: splitting, duplicating, and pre-splitting, to adapt to changing link conditions and ensure continuous throughput.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If packet distribution is performed alternately on multiple links to aggregate bandwidth, then throughput is improved, but reliability deteriorates when one link becomes temporarily unavailable

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaggregated throughputVSAvoidlink availability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-establishing multiple transmission paths and preparing backup routing information before link failures occur. The system proactively configures alternative paths and maintains readiness to switch, rather than reacting after a failure occurs. This allows the system to quickly redirect traffic when a link becomes unavailable, maintaining reliability while preserving throughput aggregation capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamics by making the packet distribution system adaptive and flexible in response to changing link conditions. The system dynamically adjusts routing decisions based on real-time link status, bandwidth availability, and congestion levels. This dynamic behavior allows the system to optimize throughput under normal conditions while automatically switching to backup paths when reliability issues arise, resolving the contradiction between maximizing productivity and maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If packet distribution adapts to dynamic link state variations, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaggregated throughput stabilityVSAvoidpacket distribution control
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies feedback by implementing a monitoring system that continuously collects link status information, bandwidth measurements, and congestion data from multiple links. This feedback mechanism provides real-time information to the packet distribution controller, enabling informed routing decisions. The feedback loop allows the system to maintain reliability through adaptive packet distribution without requiring overly complex manual configuration, as the system self-adjusts based on observed conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements universality by designing a packet distribution system that can handle multiple functions through a unified framework. The same infrastructure supports both normal throughput optimization and failure recovery scenarios. The system universally manages diverse link types, protocols, and failure modes through a single adaptive mechanism, reducing the need for separate specialized components and thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while maintaining high reliability.

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

3Productivity

If bandwidth aggregation uses all available radio channels simultaneously, then throughput is improved, but adaptability to link state changes deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebandwidth aggregationVSAvoidresponse to link state variation
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the bandwidth aggregation system adaptive to changing link conditions. Rather than statically allocating all available channels, the system dynamically adjusts packet distribution across links based on real-time status information. This dynamic approach allows the system to maintain high throughput when links are stable while automatically adapting to link failures or degradation, resolving the contradiction between maximizing productivity and maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements parameter changes by adjusting routing parameters, packet distribution ratios, and link selection criteria based on observed link state variations. When link conditions change, the system modifies operational parameters such as routing paths, bandwidth allocation ratios, and transmission priorities. This parameter adaptation allows the system to maintain optimal throughput while responding flexibly to changing network conditions, overcoming the rigidity of fixed bandwidth aggregation approaches.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3582456B1Method and apparatus for distributing packets on multi-link in mobile communication network
Publication Date: 2024.08.14 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3582456B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3582456B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3582456B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Disclosed is a 5G or pre-5G communication system for supporting a data transmission rate higher than that of a 4G communication system such as an LTE. A transmitting device supporting a plurality of radio links in a mobile communication network is provided. The transmitting device includes a packet distributor configured to receive feedback information on a plurality of links from a receiving device and distribute packets to the plurality of links based on the feedback information, and output ports corresponding to the plurality of links and configured to transmit the distributed packets through the plurality of links.