PDCP Version Change Handling in Multi-RAT Wireless Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
During handovers in 5th generation mobile communication networks, changes in the Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) can lead to data loss due to unprocessed packets, particularly when switching between different radio access technologies (RATs), resulting in deteriorated data throughput.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device equipped with wireless communication circuits supporting multiple RATs detects PDCP changes and reprocesses untransmitted data packets by storing them, removing the original header, and adding a new header compatible with the target PDCP, ensuring successful transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If PDCP change detection and reprocessing is implemented, then data throughput is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent detects PDCP changes in advance before data transmission occurs. When a PDCP change is detected, the system proactively reprocesses buffered data packets with the new PDCP header format before they would be transmitted, preventing data loss due to protocol mismatches.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediate processing step between data reception and transmission. A PDCP change detection mechanism monitors protocol changes, and when detected, an intermediate reprocessing stage converts data packets from the old PDCP format to the new PDCP format using header manipulation, acting as a mediator between different protocol versions.
2Reliability
If data packets are buffered for reprocessing, then data loss is prevented, but transmission delay increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial buffering by only storing data packets that require reprocessing due to PDCP changes, rather than buffering all incoming data. This selective approach minimizes the time data packets are held in buffer, reducing overall transmission delay while still preventing data loss for affected packets.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements expedited reprocessing for buffered packets. When PDCP change detection triggers reprocessing, the system rapidly converts the buffered packets using efficient header manipulation operations, then immediately transmits them, minimizing the time packets spend in the reprocessing stage.
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed is an electronic device including at least one wireless communication circuit configured to provide a first radio access technology (RAT) and a second RAT, at least one processor operatively connected to the at least one wireless communication circuit and configured to provide a first packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) related to the first RAT and a second PDCP related to the second RAT, a volatile memory operatively connected to the at least one processor and including, in at least a partial region thereof, a first buffer, and a nonvolatile memory operatively connected to the at least one processor or coupled to the processor. The electronic device may change a PDCP version of a data packet based on a change of a PDCP version. Besides, other various embodiments recognized through the present disclosure can be made.