Wireless Node PDCP Processing Segmentation for 5G Bandwidth Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current centralized processing solutions for 5G networks, such as C-RAN, face challenges in achieving high transmission rates due to high bandwidth and delay requirements between RRU and BBU pools, particularly with multiple antennas, making it difficult to support the increased data demands of ultra-dense low power small cell networks.
Innovation Solution
A data transmission method where a first wireless network node learns the bearer type of a packet and performs appropriate processing, either sending it to a second node for PDCP layer processing or performing it itself, optimizing security and handover operations to reduce data transmission needs, thereby lowering bandwidth and delay requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If centralized processing solution C-RAN is deployed to increase system capacity, then interference problem and load balancing are resolved, but transmission bandwidth and delay requirements between RRU and BBU pool become excessively high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the base station functions into two parts: the first node (equivalent to RRU) handles PHY, MAC, and RLC layers, while the second node (equivalent to BBU) handles PDCP, RRC, and higher layers. This functional segmentation allows selective transmission of only necessary data between nodes, reducing bandwidth requirements while maintaining centralized processing benefits for interference coordination and load balancing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the PDCP layer processing function from the first node and places it in the second node for SRB (Signaling Radio Bearer) traffic. This extraction reduces the amount of data that needs to be transmitted between nodes, as the first node can directly handle and forward RLC-padded data without requiring full PDCP processing at the remote end.
2Productivity
If multiple antennas are used to support high data rates, then service capacity increases, but transmission rate requirement on CPRI interface becomes unachievably high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the processing of multiple antenna streams across two nodes. The first node performs PHY layer processing including MIMO operations and generates RLC-padded data, while the second node performs PDCP layer processing. This segmentation allows the use of multiple antennas for high data rates while reducing the intermediate transmission rate requirement, as only processed baseband data rather than full RF or raw I/Q streams need to be transmitted.
3Reliability
If all PDCP layer processing is performed at the BBU pool, then centralized security management is achieved, but transmission delay increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts PDCP layer processing from the first node and places it in the second node for SRB traffic, allowing localized security processing for signaling data. For DRB (Data Radio Bearer) traffic, the first node performs PDCP processing locally. This selective placement of PDCP functions reduces transmission delay by minimizing the distance data must travel for security processing, while still maintaining centralized security management capabilities through coordinated operation between nodes.
Data Source
AI summary
A data transmission method, including: learning, by a first wireless network node, a bearer type of a downlink packet; and when the bearer type is a signaling radio bearer SRB, sending, by the first wireless network node, the downlink packet to a second wireless network node, so that the second wireless network node performs a function of a Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) layer on the downlink packet; or when the bearer type is a data radio bearer DRB, performing, by the first wireless network node, a function of a PDCP layer on the downlink packet, and sending the processed downlink packet to the second wireless network node.