Radio Link Flow Control Using Buffer Threshold Congestion Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless communication systems face congestion issues in relay nodes due to increased hop counts, leading to performance degradation and network load, especially in high-frequency radio communication systems with multi-hop relaying.
Innovation Solution
A communication device is configured to transmit a congestion indication to a parent or child node via an adaptation layer when its buffer size exceeds a threshold, using MAC control elements to manage data transmission rates and alleviate congestion through end-to-end or hop-by-hop flow control techniques.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If relay nodes are deployed to extend coverage in wireless communication systems, then coverage area is improved, but network congestion and performance degradation occur due to increased hop counts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network into multiple hierarchical levels (donor base station, relay nodes, and child nodes) with dedicated adaptation layers at each level. This segmentation allows independent flow control management at each segment, preventing congestion propagation throughout the entire network while maintaining extended coverage through the relay infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where relay nodes monitor their buffer occupancy levels and send congestion indications back to parent nodes when thresholds are exceeded. This feedback loop enables dynamic adjustment of data transmission rates, allowing the network to maintain extended coverage while preventing performance degradation through real-time congestion management.
2Length of moving object
If multi-hop relaying is used in high-frequency radio communication systems, then coverage extension is improved, but congestion and packet retransmissions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent configures buffer size thresholds in advance at relay nodes before congestion occurs. When the occupied buffer size reaches these pre-configured thresholds, congestion indications are immediately triggered. This preliminary action prevents congestion from developing, maintaining data transmission efficiency while preserving coverage extension capabilities through the multi-hop relay structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables dynamic flow control where data transmission rates are adjusted based on real-time buffer occupancy conditions at each relay node. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to optimize productivity by reducing transmission rates when congestion is detected, while maintaining the ability to provide extended coverage when network conditions are favorable.
3Area of stationary object
If relay nodes transmit data through multiple hops, then coverage is expanded, but network load and congestion increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local flow control at each relay node based on its specific buffer occupancy conditions. Each node independently monitors its own load and applies congestion control measures locally when needed, rather than uniformly across the entire network. This allows the network to maintain expanded coverage while managing local congestion episodes, preventing excessive network load accumulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces adaptation layers as intermediary components between the access network and backhaul network at each relay node. These intermediaries buffer and regulate data flow, absorbing traffic fluctuations and preventing congestion propagation. This intermediary mechanism enables coverage expansion through relay nodes while controlling overall network load through localized flow management.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to methods and apparatuses for radio link flow control. According to some embodiments of the disclosure, a communication device includes at least one memory and at least one processor coupled with the at least one memory and configured to cause the communication device to receive, at the communication device, a configuration message comprising a buffer size threshold for the communication device. The at least one processor is further configured to cause the communication device to transmit a congestion indication to a parent node of the communication device via a message in an adaptation layer in response to an occupied buffer size of the communication device satisfying the buffer size threshold.