Dynamic RLC Layer Selection for 5G Fronthaul Delay Adaptation

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Solution Overview

Problem

The Next Generation Fronthaul Interface (NGFI) network architecture faces challenges in adapting to both ideal and non-ideal fronthaul transmission networks, leading to significant time delays that are not compatible with conventional protocol stack functions, particularly in 5G wireless networks where both types of networks coexist.

Innovation Solution

A data processing method is introduced that includes a data distribution and reordering module capable of acquiring control information to dynamically select between a central RLC layer and a remote RLC layer based on network transmission states, reordering data accordingly to optimize data transmission across the PDCP and RLC layers, and configuring these modules within the PDCP or RLC layers to adapt to ideal or non-ideal transmission conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the RCC and RRS are connected via transmission method in NGFI network architecture, then the network can support various 2G, 3G, 4G and 5G scenarios through flexible fronthaul interface, but a relatively large time delay is introduced that makes it impossible to adapt conventional RLC/MAC function division mode

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork architecture adaptabilityVSAvoidtransmission time delay

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a dynamic function division mechanism where the RLC layer can be dynamically located at either the central side (central RLC) or remote side (remote RLC) based on transmission conditions. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to adapt to varying time delay conditions in the fronthaul network, switching between centralized and distributed architectures to optimize performance for different service requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of RLC layer location (centralized vs. distributed) to adapt to different transmission quality conditions. By adjusting this architectural parameter based on network conditions, the system can handle both ideal and non-ideal fronthaul scenarios, resolving the contradiction between architectural flexibility and time delay constraints.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of manufacture

If conventional integrated base station architecture is reserved in 5G network with ideal fronthaul transmission, then protocol stack function re-division is unnecessary, but it cannot adapt to non-ideal fronthaul transmission networks where time delay exceeds acceptable thresholds

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimplementation simplicityVSAvoidnetwork transmission condition adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal protocol stack architecture that can function in both ideal and non-ideal fronthaul conditions. By making the RLC layer location configurable (central or remote), the same basic architecture serves multiple transmission scenarios, eliminating the need for completely different implementations for different network conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts the RLC layer position based on transmission conditions, allowing it to transition between integrated base station mode (ideal conditions) and distributed mode (non-ideal conditions), thus maintaining both implementation simplicity and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If a data distribution and reordering module is introduced to dynamically select between central and remote RLC layers, then the protocol stack becomes self-adaptive to different network architectures, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotocol stack self-adaptabilityVSAvoidprotocol stack structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a data distribution and reordering module as an intermediary component that manages the complexity of dynamic RLC layer selection. This mediator handles the decision-making logic for switching between central and remote RLC configurations, isolating the complexity from the core protocol functions and making the system more manageable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS11265730B2Data processing method adapted to access network architecture, access network architecture system and storage medium

Publication Date: 2022.03.01 CHINA MOBILE COMM GRP CO LTD

AI summary

The present disclosure provides a data processing method adapted to access network architecture, and the access network architecture. The data processing method includes: providing a data distribution and reordering module; acquiring, by the data distribution and reordering module, control information, the control information including information about a byte length of the data distributed over an air-interface channel and information about an air-interface link during air-interface cell switch; and distributing, by the data distribution and reordering module, data received from a PDCP layer toward a central RLC layer/a remote RLC layer in accordance with the control information, reordering data from the central RLC layer/remote RLC layer, and transmitting the reordered data to the PDCP layer.