RAN PDU Set Discarding with Dynamic Priority Thresholds
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing techniques for managing network congestion in radio access networks lead to inefficient buffer increases, increased communication delays, and undesired discarding of high-priority data packets, particularly in extended reality applications.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a discard manager component that dynamically adjusts the priority threshold for discarding data packets based on congestion conditions, prioritizing lower-priority packets for removal from the buffer to mitigate congestion and maintain optimal data management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If data packets are discarded from the buffer to mitigate congestion, then buffer overflow is reduced, but high-priority data packets may be unnecessarily discarded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating the treatment of data packets based on their priority levels. Instead of uniformly discarding packets, the system selectively discards only those packets whose priority level matches or exceeds the dynamically adjusted threshold, thereby preserving high-priority packets while still mitigating buffer congestion through targeted removal of lower-priority packets.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the priority threshold adjustable rather than fixed. The threshold is dynamically modified based on real-time buffer occupancy levels and congestion conditions, allowing the system to adapt its discarding behavior to current network states. This dynamic adjustment ensures that the discarding policy remains effective across varying congestion scenarios while protecting critical data flows.
2Productivity
If existing congestion management techniques are applied, then network congestion is mitigated, but communication delays increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by proactively managing buffer occupancy through selective packet discarding before the buffer becomes completely full. By continuously monitoring buffer levels and preemptively removing lower-priority packets when congestion thresholds are approached, the system prevents severe congestion and associated delays rather than reacting only after buffers are overwhelmed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the priority threshold parameter based on buffer occupancy conditions. When buffer occupancy increases indicating congestion, the threshold is raised to allow more aggressive discarding of lower-priority packets, thereby maintaining throughput while reducing the delay impact on high-priority traffic through adaptive parameter modification.
3Reliability
If priority-based packet discarding is implemented, then high-priority packets are protected, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the buffer management system to automatically monitor its own occupancy levels and autonomously adjust the priority threshold without external intervention. The discard manager component continuously assesses buffer conditions and independently modifies discarding behavior, eliminating the need for complex external control mechanisms while still achieving sophisticated priority-based protection of high-priority packets.
Data Source
AI summary
Discarding of PDU sets associated with DRBs of a RAN can be managed. A discard manager component (DMC) can determine whether a congestion condition exists with regard to a DRB(s) associated with a DU or CU-UP based on congestion information associated with DRB(s). If congestion is in DRB(s) associated with DU, DU can communicate a congestion indicator to DMC of the CU-UP. In response to detecting a congestion condition associated with DRB(s), DMC can determine a PDU set, present in buffer of CU-UP and associated with congested DRB(s), that has highest PSI value, set highest PSI value as threshold PSI value for discarding, and discard, from buffer, data packet(s) of PDU set(s), associated with congested DRB(s), that satisfies threshold PSI value. If congestion is still not resolved, DMC can adjust threshold PSI value, and discard data packet(s) of PDU set(s) that satisfies adjusted threshold PSI value.