RAN Multi-Connectivity Packet Replication for Adaptive Reliability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing radio communication networks face inefficiencies in resource utilization and reliability due to unnecessary data packet duplication, especially in dynamic environments where application requirements change and channel conditions vary.

Innovation Solution

An adaptive multi-connectivity control mechanism that dynamically decides on packet duplication based on application information, context information, and communication path conditions, optimizing resource use and ensuring robust data transmission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If packet duplication is implemented to improve reliability, then data transmission reliability is improved, but system resource utilization deteriorates due to unnecessary duplicates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission reliabilityVSAvoidsystem resource utilization
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic adaptation of packet duplication based on real-time channel conditions and application requirements. The system transitions from static duplication to dynamic control by continuously monitoring channel quality indicators and application status, enabling the system to activate or deactivate duplication according to current network conditions, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and resource utilization

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of duplication probability from fixed to variable based on channel conditions. By adjusting the duplication probability parameter dynamically according to channel quality metrics and application requirements, the system optimizes the balance between ensuring reliable transmission and avoiding unnecessary resource consumption

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If fixed packet duplication is used to ensure robustness, then transmission robustness is improved, but available bandwidth deteriorates due to wasted resources

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission robustnessVSAvoidavailable bandwidth
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial duplication rather than full duplication in all cases. By selectively duplicating packets only when channel conditions indicate high risk of loss, the system provides sufficient robustness for critical transmissions while avoiding excessive duplication that would waste bandwidth resources

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts the duplication parameter based on channel quality indicators. When channel conditions are good, duplication is reduced or eliminated to maximize bandwidth availability. When channel conditions deteriorate, the duplication parameter increases to maintain robustness, thus resolving the contradiction between transmission robustness and available bandwidth

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If adaptive replication control is implemented, then resource allocation is optimized, but control complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource allocation efficiencyVSAvoidcontrol mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the system continuously monitors channel quality indicators and application status, then adjusts duplication decisions based on this feedback. This feedback loop enables adaptive resource allocation by using real-time information to control duplication, achieving efficient resource management while keeping the control mechanism manageable through systematic feedback processing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3926915B1Apparatus and method for a radio access network
Publication Date: 2025.12.03 ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
  • EP3926915B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3926915B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3926915B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method to operate an apparatus comprises: receiving and/or determining (102) a plurality of condition information characterizing communication paths for communicating with at least one endpoint, wherein the communication paths differ at least in a respective radio channel; receiving and/or determining (104) an application information characterizing at least one communication property of an application; determining (106) a replication decision in dependence on the plurality of condition information and in dependence on the application information; and transmitting (110) a data packet associated with the application on one or a set of the different communication paths in dependence on the replication decision.