Per-Protocol Data Unit Delivery Path Indication
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless communication systems, particularly in the Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (E-UTRAN), there is a lack of effective per-protocol data unit delivery-path indication, leading to inefficient packet loss detection and retransmissions due to unknown worst-case transmission delays, resulting in longer-than-necessary delays in data delivery.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that send a control protocol data unit identifying other protocol data units destined for a data-receiving entity, along with direct or indirect indications of best-case and worst-case delay figures for the delivery path, allowing the data-receiving entity to determine a suitable timer expiry value for packet loss inference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If per-protocol data unit delivery-path indication is not provided, then the system maintains simpler protocol architecture, but packet loss detection accuracy deteriorates and retransmission efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the delivery path information into protocol-specific indications (MAC layer, RLC layer, PDCP layer) that are inserted at appropriate protocol boundaries. Each segment provides delay figures specific to that layer's transmission characteristics, enabling precise packet loss detection without requiring complete rearchitecture of the protocol stack.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent inserts delivery-path indication information (delay figures) into protocol data units before transmission occurs. This preliminary embedding of timing information allows the receiving entity to calculate expected arrival times and detect packet losses accurately without requiring complex post-transmission analysis or system redesign.
2Loss of time
If delivery-path delay figures are not provided, then control protocol data unit size remains smaller, but data delivery time increases due to inability to infer packet loss timely
Solution Approach 1:
The patent provides delivery-path delay figures locally at each protocol layer (MAC, RLC, PDCP) rather than requiring global end-to-end timing information. This localized approach allows the receiving entity to make accurate packet loss decisions at each layer using only the specific delay figures provided in the control protocol data units, reducing overall data delivery time without requiring large control messages.
3Reliability
If acknowledged data transfer service is implemented at PDCP layer, then data delivery reliability improves, but system complexity increases due to additional feedback mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the receiving entity to autonomously detect packet losses using the delivery-path indication information embedded in control protocol data units. By calculating expected arrival times based on provided delay figures and comparing with actual reception times, the system achieves reliable data delivery without requiring complex external feedback mechanisms or additional acknowledgment protocols at the PDCP layer.
Data Source
AI summary
Indication of delivery-path information may benefit various communication systems. For example, wireless communication systems may benefit from per-protocol data unit delivery-path indication to data recipient or from setting a timer expiry value dependent on such received information. A method can comprise sending, by a data-sending protocol entity, a control protocol data unit. The control protocol data unit can identify protocol data units destined to a data-receiving protocol entity. The method can also comprise providing in the control protocol data unit, for each of the identified protocol data units, a direct or indirect indication of at least one delay figure of a delivery path chosen for an initial transmission of the identified protocol data unit.