RLC Entity Activation Control for Packet-Duplicated Radio Bearers
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a demand for a method to efficiently control the activation of multiple Radio Link Control (RLC) layers in wireless communication systems to support high reliability and low latency services, particularly in 5G communication systems applied to IoT networks.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for dynamically controlling the activation of a plurality of RLC layers in a wireless communication system, utilizing Medium Access Control Elements (MAC CEs) to manage the activation or deactivation of secondary RLC entities, along with packet duplication technologies to enhance reliability and reduce latency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple RLC layers are activated to support high reliability services, then data transmission reliability is improved, but device complexity and control overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic activation and deactivation of RLC entities based on service requirements. The network can configure multiple RLC entities for a single radio bearer and activate/deactivate them through MAC CE signaling, allowing the system to adapt between using multiple RLC layers for high reliability services and using a single RLC layer for normal services, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability improvement and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of RLC entities by introducing activation and deactivation states controlled through MAC CE signaling. This allows the system to dynamically adjust the number of active RLC entities from 1 to N based on service requirements, transforming the static RLC configuration into a dynamic one that can balance reliability needs against system complexity
2Loss of time
If multiple RLC entities are configured for packet duplication, then low latency is achieved, but control signaling overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary configuration of multiple RLC entities through RRC signaling, but keeps them inactive by default. The actual activation is triggered only when needed through compact MAC CE signaling. This preliminary configuration approach allows the system to be ready for low-latency transmission when required, while minimizing control overhead during normal operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates multiple copies (duplicate RLC entities) of the same radio bearer configuration, which can be rapidly activated through MAC CE signaling. These copied entities enable parallel transmission paths for low-latency services, while the copying mechanism itself is efficiently managed through standardized signaling procedures that limit overhead
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a method of performing communication by using a plurality of Radio Link Control (RLC) entities in a wireless communication system, the method including: receiving a packet duplication configuration for a radio bearer from a base station (BS) via a Radio Resource Control (RRC) message; configuring a plurality of RLC entities including one primary RLC entity and one or more secondary RLC entities which correspond to a preset Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) entity, based on the packet duplication configuration; and receiving a Medium Access Control Control Element (MAC CE) for controlling activation or deactivation of the one or more secondary RLC entities from among the plurality of configured RLC entities.