PDSN Buffer Timer Coordination for Redundant Packet Elimination
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless communications networks, during flow control events, buffering can lead to redundant packet delivery due to mismatched timer settings between the packet data serving node (PDSN) and the push function, resulting in wastage of network resources and battery life, as well as increased costs for leased lines and end-user costs.
Innovation Solution
Coordination of the buffer timer in the PDSN with a second timer, either the retry timer of the push function or a mobile timer, to prevent the delivery of duplicate packets by discarding older packets and synchronizing the retry timer with the buffer timer, thereby eliminating redundant messages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the PDSN buffers packets during flow control events for a predetermined time period, then data transmission can be temporarily stopped and controlled, but redundant packets are delivered to the mobile device because the buffer timer is longer than the push function retry timer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the buffer timer value in the PDSN to match the retry timer value from the push function. Instead of using a fixed predetermined time period, the system changes the buffer timer parameter based on the actual retry mechanism parameters, ensuring that packets are buffered for exactly the right duration to prevent redundancy while maintaining flow control reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by having the PDSN receive the retry timer value from the push function and use this feedback information to configure the buffer timer. This closed-loop approach ensures that the buffering duration is continuously adjusted based on the actual retry mechanism, preventing redundant packets from being delivered while maintaining reliable flow control
2Reliability
If redundant packets are sent during flow control events, then packet delivery reliability is maintained, but network resources are wasted and battery life is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the buffer timer parameter to match the retry timer duration, ensuring that packets are buffered for exactly the time needed before the retry mechanism activates. This parameter alignment prevents redundant packets from being generated in the first place, eliminating unnecessary energy consumption at both the network and mobile device levels while maintaining packet delivery reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the problematic redundant packets from the buffer by implementing a rolling buffer mechanism that automatically discards packets older than the retry timer value. This extraction prevents redundant packets from reaching the mobile device, thereby eliminating the energy waste associated with receiving and processing duplicate packets
3Ease of manufacture
If the buffer timer is set to a fixed predetermined value, then implementation is simple, but it cannot adapt to different retry timer durations causing packet redundancy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transforming the static fixed buffer timer into a dynamic parameter that automatically adapts to different retry timer durations. The PDSN receives the retry timer value from the push function and dynamically adjusts the buffer timer accordingly, enabling the system to adapt to various service types and retry mechanisms without requiring complex manual configuration
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for improved buffering during a flow control event, the system comprising: a mobile station having a mobile timer; a radio network communicating wirelessly with the mobile station and including: a base station; and a packet control function (PCF) capable of interrupting the flow of data to the wireless device during the flow control event; a packet data serving node (PDSN) communicating with the PCF and having a buffer to store data received for the mobile station during the flow control event, the buffer having a buffer timer; and a push function communicating with the PDSN and having a retry timer to indicate when to resend an unacknowledged packet; wherein the system coordinates the buffer timer with either the mobile timer or the retry timer to eliminate redundant messages.