Relay Node MAC Layer Tunnel Processing for LTE Scheduling Overhead
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Solution Overview
Problem
In LTE radio networks, existing data transmission modes, such as user-specific and tunnel-based methods, face inefficiencies due to increased scheduling overhead and transmission delays, particularly in relay links where multiple hops are involved, leading to reduced relay transmission efficiency and extra delay in tunnel packet transmission.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a protocol stack in relay nodes that includes a MAC layer for tunnel processing and an RLC layer to generate RLC PDUs, along with a PDCP layer for header compression, enables efficient tunnel packet transmission by maximizing transmission efficiency and reducing scheduling overhead, allowing for flexible scheduling and simultaneous data transmission of multiple users in the same tunnel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If user-specific based data transmission mode is used to establish dedicated data bearers for each UE in relay link and access link, then service data transmission can be completed, but scheduling overhead increases and transmission efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple user-specific bearers into a single tunnel bearer for multi-user data transmission. The eNodeB establishes one tunnel bearer that carries data for multiple UEs through the relay node, eliminating the need for separate bearer management at the relay node and reducing scheduling overhead significantly.
Solution Approach 2:
The tunnel bearer is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously - it carries data for multiple different UEs through a single communication path. The relay node forwards data in this tunnel bearer without needing to perform user-specific scheduling, making the bearer universal for multi-user support.
2Device complexity
If tunnel-based data transmission mode is used to establish tunnel bearer for multi-user data convergence, then scheduling overhead is reduced, but transmission delay increases due to multiple encapsulation and de-encapsulation operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the tunnel processing function from the RLC layer and places it at the MAC layer. This allows the RLC layer to operate with standard RLC PDUs without additional tunnel encapsulation overhead, while the MAC layer handles tunnel-specific operations, thereby reducing the number of encapsulation and de-encapsulation operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the protocol stack functions by separating tunnel processing (MAC layer) from radio link processing (RLC layer). This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specialized function efficiently without the overhead of combined operations, reducing transmission delay.
3Adaptability or versatility
If relay node schedules bearers for each UE at each hop, then data transmission of multiple users can be managed, but relay transmission efficiency decreases due to increased processing complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a tunnel bearer as an intermediary that carries multi-user data between eNodeB and relay node. The relay node simply forwards data in this tunnel bearer without performing complex user-specific scheduling, while the eNodeB manages the actual user data mapping, thus improving relay transmission efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, a device, and a system for processing data in a relay link are provided. A method for processing data in a relay link includes: processing, by a relay node by using a first protocol stack, data received by the relay node, where the first protocol stack includes a first MAC layer that is configured to define a media access protocol and an RLC layer that is configured to define a radio link layer, and the first MAC layer is configured to perform tunnel processing on the data. Processing data by using the protocol stacks provided in embodiments of the present invention implements flexible scheduling in the relay link and reduces scheduling overhead in the relay link.