Relay Protocol Stack Segmentation for Low-Latency Data Forwarding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing relay communication systems suffer from excessive latency due to the presence of a complete communication protocol stack, which is not optimized for low-latency scenarios.
Innovation Solution
The protocol stack of the relay device is simplified to include specific layers such as the physical layer, media access control layer, and optional segmentation or resegmentation functions of the radio link control layer, allowing for reduced latency by simplifying data packet processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a complete communication protocol stack is used in the relay device, then communication reliability is improved, but transmission latency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The protocol stack is segmented into two parts: a complete protocol stack at the network device and a simplified protocol stack at the relay device. The relay device only implements the physical layer and media access control layer, while higher-layer functions are handled by the network device. This segmentation allows the relay device to forward data with minimal processing, reducing latency while maintaining communication reliability through the network device's complete protocol stack.
Solution Approach 2:
The network device acts as an intermediary that handles complex protocol processing. Instead of requiring the relay device to implement a complete protocol stack, the network device mediates the communication by processing higher-layer protocols and managing the simplified relay device, thus reducing latency at the relay while maintaining overall system reliability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a complete protocol stack is implemented at the relay device, then protocol compatibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The protocol stack is divided such that the relay device implements only the physical layer and media access control layer, while the network device handles higher-layer protocols including radio link control, packet data convergence protocol, and service data adaptation protocol. This segmentation reduces relay device complexity while maintaining protocol compatibility through the network device's complete implementation.
Solution Approach 2:
The network device is designed to perform multiple protocol processing functions that would otherwise be required at the relay device. By consolidating these functions at the network device, the system achieves protocol compatibility without requiring complex relay device implementation, as the network device provides universal protocol support for multiple relay devices.
3Manufacturing precision
If data packets are fully processed at the relay device, then data forwarding accuracy is improved, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
Data processing is segmented between the network device and relay device. The relay device performs only basic functions such as receiving data packets from the network device and forwarding them to user equipment, while the network device handles complex processing including protocol decoding, data validation, and error checking. This segmentation maintains data forwarding accuracy through centralized processing at the network device while minimizing processing time at the relay device.
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments of this application provide a communication method and a related device. The method includes: A relay device first receives a data packet from a network device through a first link, and sends the data packet to user equipment through a second link. A protocol stack of the relay device consists of a physical layer, a media access control layer, and a segmentation function or a resegmentation function of a radio link control layer; a protocol stack of the relay device consists of a physical layer, a media access control layer, a segmentation function or a resegmentation function of a radio link control layer, and an adaptation layer; or a protocol stack of the relay device consists of a physical layer and a hybrid automatic repeat request function of a media access control layer. The first link is a wireless communication link between the network device and the relay device, and the second link is a wireless direct communication link between the relay device and the user equipment.