RLC AM Entity Signaling Overhead Reduction via MAC Layer Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for acknowledging Radio Link Control (RLC) data packet transmission generate significant signaling overhead, leading to wastage of transmission resources due to the need for acknowledgment information in RLC data packets.
Innovation Solution
An RLC AM entity sender includes first indication information in the RLC data packet to instruct the receiver not to send acknowledgment, and receives local acknowledgment from the sender MAC entity, allowing the sender to determine successful transmission without generating excessive signaling overhead.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If acknowledgment information is transmitted for each RLC data packet, then transmission reliability is improved, but signaling overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the acknowledgment function from the traditional upper layer (RLC) and implements it at the MAC layer. The MAC entity generates local acknowledgment information based on HARQ feedback, separating the reliability assurance function from the RLC acknowledgment mechanism, thereby reducing signaling overhead while maintaining transmission reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces MAC layer local acknowledgment information as an intermediary between the physical layer HARQ feedback and the RLC layer. This intermediary provides the RLC entity with transmission status without requiring explicit RLC acknowledgment signaling, thus reducing overhead while preserving reliability
2Reliability
If acknowledgment information is transmitted for each RLC data packet, then transmission status is confirmed, but transmission resources are wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the RLC acknowledgment function with the MAC layer HARQ acknowledgment mechanism. The MAC entity combines HARQ feedback from the physical layer with RLC data packet status, generating local acknowledgment information that serves both MAC and RLC layers simultaneously, thereby confirming transmission status without additional resource consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The MAC layer local acknowledgment information serves multiple functions: it provides HARQ feedback to the physical layer, informs the RLC entity of transmission status, and enables retransmission decisions. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate acknowledgment signaling, conserving transmission resources while ensuring reliable delivery
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention provides a method for acknowledging RLC data packet transmission and an RLC AM entity sender. In embodiments of the present invention, an RLC AM entity sender sends an RLC data packet including first indication information to an RLC AM entity receiver through a sender MAC entity and a receiver MAC entity, instructing the RLC AM entity receiver not to feed back acknowledgment information of the RLC data packet, and receives local acknowledgment information of the RLC data packet that is fed back by the sender MAC entity, so that the RLC AM entity sender can determine whether the transmission of the transmitted packet is successful, which can avoid a problem in the prior art that great signaling overhead is generated due to the transmission of acknowledgment information corresponding to an RLC data packet, thereby reducing signaling overhead and saving transmission resources.