Traffic Shaping via PDCP Layer Burst Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current traffic shaping methods in 5G and LTE networks fail to effectively manage instantaneous traffic bursts at the PDCP and RLC layers, leading to increased packet loss and reduced network utilization, as they do not specify traffic shaping at these layers, resulting in excessive burst traffic and packet loss.
Innovation Solution
A traffic shaping method that compares the traffic or time interval of data packets with preset values to shape traffic, using the PDCP or RLC layer, by sending data packets in slots or subframes based on predetermined thresholds, thereby reducing burst rates and packet loss without introducing significant delay.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traffic shaping is not implemented at PDCP/RLC layers, then network devices can send data packets freely without complex control mechanisms, but instantaneous traffic bursts occur causing packet loss and reduced network utilization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing traffic shaping at the PDCP or RLC layer before data packets are transmitted through the network. The shaping layer proactively controls the egress rate of data packets based on preset values, preventing instantaneous bursts before they occur and thereby reducing packet loss without requiring complex downstream control mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a shaping layer as an intermediary component between the upper layers (PDCP/RLC) and the lower transmission layers. This intermediary layer buffers and regulates data packet flow, comparing actual egress rates with preset values and adjusting transmission accordingly, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and complexity by providing a focused control point
2Reliability
If traffic shaping is implemented at PDCP/RLC layers with preset value comparison, then instantaneous egress rates are reduced and packet loss decreases, but additional processing time and complexity are introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the egress rate parameter of data packets at the shaping layer. The system compares the actual egress rate with preset values and modifies transmission parameters accordingly, reducing instantaneous bursts while maintaining acceptable processing delays through threshold-based control rather than continuous complex calculations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements partial action by applying traffic shaping only at specific layers (PDCP or RLC) rather than throughout the entire protocol stack. The shaping layer performs selective buffering and rate control on data packets meeting certain criteria, achieving sufficient packet loss reduction without the overhead of comprehensive end-to-end traffic shaping
3Productivity
If link-based packet discarding policy is used, then network congestion is managed by evenly discarding IP link data, but TCP window collapses quickly and transmission rate severely degrades
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by implementing traffic shaping that prevents instantaneous egress rate bursts before they can cause TCP window collapse. The shaping layer proactively limits the rate of data packet transmission to match preset values, counteracting the tendency toward congestion-induced packet loss and maintaining stable TCP transmission rates
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements beforehand cushioning by introducing a shaping layer that buffers data packets before transmission. This cushioning layer absorbs traffic variations and smooths out instantaneous bursts, providing a protective buffer that prevents severe packet loss and maintains reliable TCP transmission even under network congestion conditions
Data Source
AI summary
This application discloses a traffic shaping method, where the method is applied to a wireless communication time division duplex (TDD) mode. A network device obtains N data packets sent by a terminal device using a shaping layer, where N is an integer greater than 0, the N data packets are submitted in sequence, and the shaping layer is configured to sort the N data packets; the network device compares traffic of the N data packets or a time interval at which the shaping layer sends data packets with a preset value when the network device determines that none of the N data packets is lost or that the N data packets are not out of order; and the network device shapes the traffic based on a comparison result by using the shaping layer.