PDCP Duplication Dynamic Leg Management for Latency

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current communication systems face inefficiencies in packet duplication, particularly in wireless cellular networks, where data duplication leads to increased latency and complexity due to unnecessary duplicate transmissions, especially in scenarios like IoT and URLLC devices.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) duplication with carrier aggregation (CA) and dual connectivity (DC), allowing data packets to be transmitted through multiple base stations and carriers, with dynamic leg management to optimize active legs and reduce redundant transmissions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If packet duplication is implemented to improve data reliability, then reliability is improved, but latency increases and device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata reliabilityVSAvoidlatency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic leg management where the network can activate or deactivate duplication legs based on real-time channel conditions. The PDCP entity dynamically selects which duplication legs to use, allowing the system to adapt to changing network conditions and avoid unnecessary duplicate transmissions that would increase latency, while maintaining reliability when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of duplication activation by introducing a duplication activation indicator that can be set to different values (e.g., first value for activation, second value for deactivation). This allows the system to adjust the duplication behavior based on channel conditions, optimizing the balance between reliability and latency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If packet duplication is implemented to improve data reliability, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata reliabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the duplication management functions into existing PDCP entities that already handle packet data convergence. The PDCP entity integrates duplication activation, leg selection, and packet routing functions into a single unified structure, avoiding the need for separate complex duplication management modules and reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The PDCP entity is designed to perform multiple functions: packet data convergence, duplication activation control, leg selection, and packet routing. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for dedicated duplication management hardware or software modules, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining reliability improvements.

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

3Productivity

If dynamic leg management is implemented to reduce redundant transmissions, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission efficiencyVSAvoidmanagement complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the network receives channel condition information and uses this feedback to dynamically adjust duplication leg activation. The PDCP entity monitors transmission outcomes and channel conditions, adjusting duplication behavior accordingly to reduce redundant transmissions and improve productivity while managing complexity through automated feedback-driven decisions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3799340B1Apparatus, method, and computer program
Publication Date: 2023.11.08 NOKIA TECHNOLOGIES OY
  • EP3799340B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3799340B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3799340B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An apparatus is provided in a communications device. The apparatus comprises at least one processor and at least one memory including computer code for one or more programs. The at least one memory and the computer code are configured, with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus to determine that at least one of a plurality of logical channels configured for packet duplication is to be deactivated; and determine an allocation of one or more cells associated with the at least one deactivated logical channel to one or more active logical channels of said plurality of logical channels configured for packet duplication.