PDCP Duplication Selective RLC Path Activation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing PDCP duplication mechanism in next-generation wireless networks unnecessarily increases the number of PDU generations and transmissions, reducing spectral efficiency, especially when more than two duplication paths are configured on User Equipment (UE).
Innovation Solution
A method and system for the PDCP duplication function in UE that selectively applies information elements for uplink MAC PDU transmission based on the number of RLC entities selected as transmission paths, ignoring or applying these elements accordingly to optimize resource usage and reduce unnecessary duplications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If PDCP duplication mechanism submits the same PDCP PDUs to multiple RLC entities, then reliability of data transmission is improved, but spectral efficiency deteriorates due to increased number of PDU generations and transmissions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by selectively submitting PDCP PDUs to only the necessary number of RLC entities (up to a configured maximum) rather than all available RLC entities. When multiple RLC entities are configured but fewer are needed for the desired reliability level, the system limits duplication to the optimal number, thereby avoiding unnecessary PDU transmissions and preserving spectral efficiency while still achieving the required transmission reliability.
2Reliability
If more than two RLC entities are configured for PDCP duplication, then reliability is further improved, but resource consumption increases excessively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a configurable maximum number parameter that controls the extent of PDCP PDU duplication across RLC entities. By dynamically adjusting this parameter based on service requirements and channel conditions, the system optimizes the balance between reliability improvement and resource consumption, preventing excessive radio resource usage when configuring more than two RLC entities for duplication.
3Reliability
If PDCP duplication is applied to all associated RLC entities, then transmission reliability is maximized, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the set of associated RLC entities into two groups: those that receive PDCP PDU submissions and those that do not. By dividing the RLC entities and selectively activating duplication only for a subset up to the maximum configured number, the system reduces the complexity burden on the PDCP entity while maintaining reliability through targeted duplication to the most critical transmission paths.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for a PDCP duplication function for a UE is provided. The method receives PDCP duplication configuration for (i) configuring a plurality of LCHs between a MAC entity and a plurality of RLC entities of the UE and (ii) configuring a set of LCHs as active LCHs and another set of LCHs as inactive LCHs. The method receives an LCH cell restriction configuration for associating resources of one or more of the serving cells with each of the LCHs. The method then determines whether the PDCP duplication function is activated. When the PDCP duplication function is activated and a number of active LCHs is greater than one, the method applies the LCH cell restriction configuration to the active LCHs, otherwise, if the number of active LCHs is equal to one, the method does not apply the LCH cell restriction configuration to any of the LCHs.