RLC AM Buffer Discard Timing for Missing Sequence Numbers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless communication systems face challenges in efficiently managing and discarding Radio Link Control Acknowledged Mode (RLC AM) data, particularly in high-speed and high-capacity mobile communication systems like 5G and beyond, which can lead to data accumulation and inefficiencies.

Innovation Solution

A method and device for discarding RLC AM data by implementing a timer-based mechanism at the terminal, where the terminal starts a timer upon missing sequence numbers and discards data upon timer expiration, along with status reporting and buffer management to ensure data integrity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If RLC AM data is retained in buffer for retransmission, then data transmission reliability is improved, but buffer occupancy increases and data handling efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission reliabilityVSAvoiddata handling efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by establishing a discard timer before data is permanently retained in the buffer. When the timer expires without receiving an ACK, the data is automatically discarded, preventing indefinite buffer occupancy. This resolves the contradiction by proactively managing buffer resources while maintaining reliability through the timer-based discard mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If RLC AM data is discarded after timeout, then buffer occupancy is reduced and data handling efficiency is improved, but data transmission reliability may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata handling efficiencyVSAvoiddata transmission reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the buffer retention period adaptive through the discard timer mechanism. The timer duration can be dynamically adjusted based on network conditions and data characteristics, allowing the system to balance between retaining data for reliability and discarding data for efficiency. This dynamic approach resolves the contradiction by adapting the retention policy rather than using a fixed strategy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If timer-based discard mechanism is implemented, then data handling efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata handling efficiencyVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies self-service by implementing a discard timer that automatically manages data retention without requiring complex external control mechanisms. The timer self-starts, self-counts, and self-triggers data discard when expired, reducing the need for complex buffer management logic. This self-service approach resolves the contradiction by simplifying the control mechanism while maintaining efficient data handling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS20260046691A1Method and device for discarding RLC am data in mobile communication system
Publication Date: 2026.02.12 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • US20260046691A1 patent drawing
  • US20260046691A1 patent drawing
  • US20260046691A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The disclosure relates to a 5G or 6G communication system for supporting a higher data transmission rate. The disclosure provides a method and a device for discarding RLC AM data in a wireless communication system. The method of a terminal comprise: receiving, from a base station, a message comprising information on a timer for a radio link control (RLC) service data unit (SDU) discard at an RLC entity of the terminal; receiving, from the base station, an acknowledged mode (AM) data (AMD) protocol data unit (PDU) with a sequence number (SN) x; when an AMD PDU with a SN y lower than x is not received, starting the timer; and when the timer expires, discarding at least one AMD PDU from a buffer with a SN lower than x+1.