Packet Duplication Indication for MDT Throughput Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current Minimization of Drive Testing (MDT) in LTE and 5G wireless communication systems faces limitations in data collection, particularly in dual connectivity scenarios, where traditional methods are costly and inefficient due to restricted measurements and lack of detailed location information, especially for radio link failures and insufficient UL coverage.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a method in radio access network nodes to determine packet duplication status for split data radio bearers and transmit indications to trace collection entities, allowing for accurate throughput measurement adjustments based on packet duplication enablement, enhancing MDT configurations and data collection in dual connectivity architectures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional drive tests are used to collect network quality measurements, then detailed location information and comprehensive network performance data can be obtained, but the cost and time consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses user equipment (UE) to copy the measurement functions traditionally performed by dedicated drive test equipment. UEs collect network quality measurements (RSRP, RSRQ, SINR, throughput) and location information (GPS coordinates, cell IDs) that replicate drive test data, eliminating the need for physical drive tests while maintaining measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables UEs to autonomously perform measurements and report data without requiring external drive test equipment or technician intervention. The self-service mechanism allows UEs to automatically collect MDT measurements, attach location information, and report to the network, significantly reducing time consumption and operational costs
2Ease of operation
If MDT measurements are collected from UEs with RRC connection and sufficient UL coverage, then measurement reporting is enabled, but measurements from UEs experiencing radio link failure or insufficient coverage are restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adjusts measurement collection based on UE radio conditions. It collects MDT measurements from UEs in different RRC states (connected, idle, inactive) and different coverage conditions (sufficient UL coverage, insufficient coverage, radio link failure). The system adapts measurement reporting requirements according to the UE's current state, expanding measurement coverage while maintaining operational feasibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal measurement collection mechanism that works across multiple UE states and coverage conditions. The MDT functionality is extended to serve UEs regardless of their RRC state or coverage quality, making the measurement system universally applicable to all UEs in the network rather than being limited to specific operational conditions
3Reliability
If packet duplication is enabled for split data radio bearers in dual connectivity, then throughput reliability is improved, but throughput calculation becomes complex without proper indication to trace collection entities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the RAN node sends an indication to the trace collection entity (TCE) about whether packet duplication is enabled for split DRBs. This feedback allows the TCE to correctly interpret throughput measurements by understanding whether duplicated packets represent redundant transmissions or additional throughput, enabling accurate throughput calculation despite the complexity of packet duplication
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary indication signal between the RAN node and TCE that mediates the throughput calculation process. This indication acts as a mediator that translates the complex packet duplication status into actionable information for the TCE, allowing the TCE to adjust its throughput calculation algorithm appropriately without directly managing the complexity of packet duplication
Data Source
AI summary
A method of operating a radio access network (RAN) node includes determining whether packet duplication is activated for a split data radio bearer (DRB), associated to a user equipment (UE) and initiating transmission of an indication toward a trace collection entity of whether packet duplication is enabled for the DRB. A method of operating a management node of a core network of a wireless communication system according to some embodiments includes transmitting a minimization of drive testing (MDT) configuration associated to a UE towards a network node, receiving an indication of whether packet duplication is enabled for a split DRB associated to the UE, and adjusting how throughput is calculated for the UE based on the indication.