Network Node Packet Duplication Control for 5G Uplink Reliability

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Solution Overview

Problem

In wireless communication networks, particularly in 5G systems, the current specification lacks the ability for the secondary node to determine the activation or deactivation of packet duplication based on channel quality or network energy saving policies when the primary uplink path is configured as the secondary node, leading to inefficient data transmission.

Innovation Solution

A mechanism is introduced where a first network node, hosting the primary uplink path, determines and communicates an indication to a second network node, such as a secondary node, to activate or deactivate packet duplication based on channel quality and network energy saving policies, allowing the second node to make informed decisions about packet duplication.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If packet duplication is always activated to ensure high reliability, then transmission reliability is improved, but network energy consumption increases and spectrum efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransmission reliabilityVSAvoidnetwork energy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic activation and deactivation of PDCP duplication based on real-time channel quality measurements (RLM). The system transitions from a static always-on duplication mode to a dynamic mode where duplication is activated only when channel quality deteriorates below a threshold, and deactivated when channel quality improves, thereby adapting resource consumption to actual transmission needs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the operational state parameter of PDCP duplication (activated/deactivated) based on channel quality parameters. By monitoring RLM parameters and comparing against thresholds, the system dynamically adjusts the duplication state to maintain reliability when needed while conserving energy when channel conditions are good

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If packet duplication is activated to improve transmission reliability, then reliability is improved, but spectrum efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransmission reliabilityVSAvoidspectrum efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts PDCP duplication activation based on real-time channel quality (RLM measurements) rather than maintaining a static duplication state. This dynamic approach ensures duplication is only active when channel conditions warrant it, thereby maintaining reliability when needed while preserving spectrum efficiency during good channel conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of always applying full packet duplication (excessive action), the system applies duplication only partially - specifically when channel quality measurements indicate deterioration. This partial action approach maintains sufficient reliability through selective duplication while avoiding the spectrum efficiency penalty of continuous duplication

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Speed

If the secondary node autonomously determines packet duplication activation, then decision speed is improved, but adaptability to network energy saving policies deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedecision speedVSAvoidadaptability to network energy saving policies

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements a feedback mechanism where the secondary node monitors channel quality (RLM) and provides this information to the master node. The master node then makes the duplication activation decision based on both the channel quality feedback and network energy saving policies, ensuring decisions are both timely and policy-compliant

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces the master node as an intermediary between channel quality measurements and PDCP duplication decisions. The master node receives RLM information from the secondary node, processes it according to network energy saving policies, and then determines duplication activation, thereby reconciling fast local measurements with centralized policy control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS20260019874A1Network nodes, and methods performed in a wireless communication network

Publication Date: 2026.01.15 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)

AI summary

Embodiments herein relates to for example a method performed by a first network node (12) for handling communication in a communication network (1). The first network node (12) transmits an indication to a second network node (13), wherein the indication indicates activating or deactivating packet duplication at the second network node (13).