PBR Enforcement in Dual Connectivity MAC Entities
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless communication systems, particularly in LTE networks with dual connectivity, enforcing a prioritized bit rate (PBR) for radio bearers across multiple media access control (MAC) entities connected to a single radio link control (RLC) entity is challenging, leading to potential over-enforcement of PBR beyond configured values.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that allow user equipment (UE) to receive a PBR and division reference for a radio bearer, dividing the PBR among multiple MAC entities based on the reference, which can include MAC entity identifiers, ratios, cell or group identifiers, or UL grant amounts, to generate MAC protocol data units (PDUs) for each entity, ensuring appropriate allocation and preventing over-enforcement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If PBR is enforced for each MAC entity independently in dual connectivity, then resource allocation control is improved, but PBR may be over-enforced beyond configured values
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the PBR enforcement mechanism by introducing a separate PBR accumulator variable for each MAC entity. This allows independent tracking of bit rate accumulation across multiple MAC entities while ensuring that the total accumulated PBR does not exceed the configured limit. Each MAC entity maintains its own accumulator, enabling precise control without over-enforcement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback through the PBR accumulator mechanism that continuously tracks the accumulated bit rate for each MAC entity. The accumulator provides feedback on the current PBR status, allowing the MAC entity to adjust its transmission accordingly. This feedback loop ensures that PBR is enforced accurately without exceeding configured values while maintaining efficient resource allocation.
2Measurement precision
If PBR is divided among multiple MAC entities, then resource allocation precision is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by creating separate PBR accumulator variables for each MAC entity, allowing precise division and tracking of bit rate allocation. This segmented approach enables accurate PBR management across multiple MAC entities without requiring complex centralized control, thereby achieving precision while limiting complexity growth.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by allowing each MAC entity to have its own PBR accumulator and control logic. This localizes the PBR management function to individual MAC entities, enabling precise allocation decisions at each entity level without requiring complex system-wide coordination. Each MAC entity independently manages its own PBR based on the divided allocation.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for enforcing a prioritized bit rate (PBR) in a wireless communication system is provided. A user equipment (UE) receiving a PBR and a division reference, for a radio bearer in which uplink (UL) data is transmitted through a plurality of media access control (MAC) entities, and divides the PBR to at least one MAC entity among the plurality of MAC entities according to the division reference. And, the UE generates at least one MAC protocol data unit (PDU) by applying the divided PBR to the at least one MAC entity.