PDCP Packet Replication Control via MAC CE for Deactivated Carriers

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Solution Overview

Problem

In 5G mobile communication, the Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) layer's packet replication scheme faces challenges when signal quality is poor, leading to low transmission success probability, especially when PDCP packets and replication packets are transmitted on the same carrier, and existing methods for enabling or disabling PDCP packet replication function are not flexible or efficient.

Innovation Solution

The method involves receiving Media Access Control (MAC) Control Elements (CEs) from the base station to enable or disable the PDCP packet replication function for Data Radio Bearers (DRBs) or Signaling Radio Bearers (SRBs) mapped on logical channels, allowing flexible implementation modes for enabling or disabling PDCP packet replication across multiple logical channels.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If PDCP packet replication function is enabled for transmitting data packets on deactivated carriers, then transmission reliability is improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple MAC CE handling

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission reliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the control mechanism by introducing multiple types of MAC CEs (first MAC CE for carrier deactivation, second MAC CE for PDCP replication function control) to independently manage different aspects of carrier and packet replication control, allowing flexible and precise control without requiring complex integrated management systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces MAC CEs as intermediary control elements between the base station and UE to manage the PDCP packet replication function. These MAC CEs serve as mediators that carry control information without requiring direct complex interaction between higher layer protocols, simplifying the control mechanism while maintaining reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If PDCP packet replication function is enabled on deactivated carriers, then data transmission capability is improved, but control flexibility deteriorates due to rigid carrier state management

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission capabilityVSAvoidcontrol flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic control of the PDCP packet replication function through MAC CEs that can be sent independently of carrier activation state. The second MAC CE allows the base station to dynamically enable or disable the replication function on deactivated carriers, providing flexible adaptation to changing transmission conditions without being constrained by rigid carrier state management

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables preliminary configuration of PDCP packet replication function on carriers before they are deactivated. By using the second MAC CE to pre-enable the replication function on deactivated carriers, the system prepares transmission capabilities in advance, allowing immediate data transmission when needed without waiting for carrier reactivation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3644538B1Method and device for turning off and turning on packet data convergence protocol packet replication function
Publication Date: 2022.05.11 BEIJING XIAOMI MOBILE SOFTWARE CO LTD
  • EP3644538B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3A
  • EP3644538B1 patent drawingFigure 3B~5
  • EP3644538B1 patent drawingFigure 6A~6B

AI summary

Disclosed are a method and device for turning off and turning on a packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) packet replication function, a method and device for sending a media access control control element (MAC CE), a user equipment, a base station and a computer readable storage medium. The method for turning off a PDCP packet replication function comprises: receiving at least one MAC CE from a base station, the MAC CE carrying target carrier information; and turning off a PDCP packet replication function of a DRB or SRB that is mapped on a logical channel corresponding to a target carrier and the PDCP packet replication function of which is turned on according to the MAC CE. According to the embodiments of the present disclosure, a PDCP packet replication function of a DRB or SRB that is mapped on a logical channel corresponding to a target carrier and the PDCP packet replication function of which is turned on is turned off so as to solve the problem of a data packet on a logical channel corresponding to a deactivated target carrier not being able to be transmitted.