Path Switching Between 4G and 5G mm-Wave Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
In a scenario where 4G and 5G communication systems coexist, it is challenging to prevent data packet loss and reorder sequences during switching or splitting of data paths between different generations of communication devices, particularly due to limitations in exchanging internal information and sequence number compatibility.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus are provided to perform path switching operations, involving the transmission and retransmission of data packets between 4G and 5G communication systems using a millimeter-wave band, with a transceiver and processor configured to handle switching status reports and reordering of data packets to ensure lossless data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If path switching operation is performed between 4G and 5G communication systems, then data transmission can be maintained during system transition, but data packet loss occurs due to sequence number incompatibility and lack of internal information exchange
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a path switching operation that acts as an intermediary mechanism between 4G and 5G communication systems. This switching operation includes receiving switching status reports from the other communication system and retransmitting data packets that were not received, thereby mediating the transition and preventing data packet loss during path switching between incompatible systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where switching status reports are exchanged between communication systems. The receiving end sends status information about received and lost data packets back to the transmitting end, which then uses this feedback to retransmit missing packets, ensuring complete data delivery during path switching
2Reliability
If extensive internal information exchange is implemented to prevent data packet loss, then data transmission reliability improves, but system complexity and difficulty of implementation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential information needed for path switching from the internal information exchange process. Instead of exchanging all internal state information between systems, the invention focuses on exchanging switching status reports that contain only the critical data about received and lost packets, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The path switching operation is designed to be universally applicable to transitions between different communication systems (4G to 5G or 5G to 4G). The same switching status report mechanism and retransmission process work across different system boundaries, eliminating the need for system-specific complex information exchange protocols
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a pre-5th-Generation (5G) or 5G communication system to be provided for supporting higher data rates Beyond 4th-Generation (4G) communication system such as Long Term Evolution (LTE). A method for preventing a loss of data packets of a transmission end is provided. The method includes performing a path switching operation, receiving, from a reception end, a switching status report that includes information related to the data packets that were not received by the reception end, and retransmitting the data packets that were not received by the reception end, where the path switching operation is an operation of switching a data transmission path from a first communication system to a second communication system or from the second communication system to the first communication system, and where the first communication system is a fourth generation (4G) communication system, and the second communication system is a fifth generation (5G) communication system that uses a millimeter-wave (mm-wave) band.