Base Station RLC Flow Control for Dual Connectivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
In dual connectivity scenarios, the transmission of downlink data from a base station performing PDCP layer processing to another base station performing RLC layer processing cannot be started with an appropriate data amount due to the lack of information about receivable buffer size or data rate in the RLC layer, leading to service deterioration.
Innovation Solution
A first base station obtains and transmits information for controlling the downlink data flow to a second base station performing PDCP layer processing before detecting a correct random access channel access, ensuring appropriate data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If downlink data transmission is initiated without RLC layer flow control information, then transmission can start immediately, but the data amount becomes inappropriate causing buffer discarding or low-rate transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies preliminary action by having the RLC layer transmit flow control information (receivable buffer size or receivable data rate) to the PDCP layer before downlink data transmission is initiated. This allows the PDCP layer to prepare appropriate data amounts in advance, ensuring both immediate transmission capability and reliable data delivery without buffer discarding or low-rate transmission.
2Reliability
If RLC layer flow control information is obtained before random access channel access, then appropriate data amount transmission is enabled, but the complexity of inter-base station communication increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the flow control information transmission with the existing random access channel access procedure. The RLC layer information is transmitted to the PDCP layer during the initial connection setup phase, combining multiple functions (connection establishment and flow control setup) into a single communication sequence, thereby reducing overall system complexity.
3Loss of time
If downlink data transmission starts without proper flow control information, then transmission delay is reduced, but service deterioration occurs due to buffer discarding
Solution Approach 1:
The invention implements feedback by having the RLC layer continuously monitor its buffer status and transmit flow control information (receivable buffer size or receivable data rate) to the PDCP layer. This feedback mechanism enables the PDCP layer to dynamically adjust data transmission rates, preventing buffer discarding and service deterioration while minimizing transmission delays.
Data Source
AI summary
In order to start transmission of downlink data to an RLC layer with an appropriate data amount from a base station that performs Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) layer processing to another base station that performs Radio Link Control (RLC) layer processing, a base station 100 (MN) includes: an information obtaining unit configured to obtain information for controlling a downlink data flow in a Radio Link Control (RLC) layer for a terminal apparatus 300; and a communication processing unit 143 configured to transmit, to a base station 200 (SN) performing processing for a PDCP layer for the terminal apparatus 300, the information for controlling the downlink data flow, before the base station 100 (MN) detects a correct random access channel access.