RLC Entity Coordination for Packet Duplication in 5G

Solution Overview

Problem

In next-generation mobile communication systems, the independent ARQ function of RLC entities leads to unnecessary retransmissions and waste of transmission resources due to the lack of coordination between different radio links, resulting in transmission delays.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus that utilize carrier aggregation or dual connectivity to transmit data through multiple paths, where a mapping table is used to coordinate the successful transmission of RLC service data units (SDUs) between RLC entities, preventing unnecessary retransmissions by verifying successful delivery and adjusting the transmission accordingly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If independent ARQ function is implemented in each RLC entity for packet duplication, then reliability of data transmission is improved, but unnecessary retransmissions occur and transmission resources are wasted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transmission reliabilityVSAvoidtransmission resource waste

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the ARQ functions of multiple RLC entities by introducing a master RLC entity that coordinates retransmission decisions. When data is successfully received via one path, the master RLC entity suppresses retransmission requests from slave RLC entities, combining their individual ARQ capabilities into a coordinated system that avoids duplicate retransmissions while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where receiving RLC entities report successful data reception to transmitting RLC entities. This feedback allows the master RLC entity to determine when retransmission is unnecessary, preventing waste of transmission resources while ensuring data reliability through selective retransmission only when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If independent ARQ function is implemented in each RLC entity for packet duplication, then data transmission reliability is improved, but transmission delay increases due to unnecessary retransmissions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transmission reliabilityVSAvoidtransmission delay

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the ARQ functions of multiple RLC entities by introducing a master RLC entity that coordinates retransmission decisions. When data is successfully received via one path, the master RLC entity suppresses retransmission requests from slave RLC entities, combining their individual ARQ capabilities into a coordinated system that avoids duplicate retransmissions while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where receiving RLC entities report successful data reception to transmitting RLC entities. This feedback allows the master RLC entity to determine when retransmission is unnecessary, preventing waste of transmission resources and reducing delays caused by unnecessary retransmission attempts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If packet duplication is transmitted through multiple paths, then transmission reliability is improved, but coordination complexity between RLC entities increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransmission reliabilityVSAvoidRLC entity coordination complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the RLC entities into master and slave roles, with the master RLC entity responsible for coordination and slave RLC entities performing simplified operations. This segmentation reduces coordination complexity by centralizing decision-making while maintaining the reliability benefits of multi-path transmission.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the ARQ functions of multiple RLC entities by introducing a master RLC entity that coordinates retransmission decisions. When data is successfully received via one path, the master RLC entity suppresses retransmission requests from slave RLC entities, combining their individual ARQ capabilities into a coordinated system that avoids duplicate retransmissions while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS11349608B2Method and apparatus for transmitting and receiving duplicate packets in next-generation mobile communication system

Publication Date: 2022.05.31 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

A communication method and system for converging a 5th-Generation (5G) communication system for supporting higher data rates beyond a 4th-Generation (4G) system with a technology for Internet of Things (IoT) is provided. The method includes intelligent services based on the 5G communication technology and the IoT-related technology, such as smart home, smart building, smart city, smart car, connected car, health care, digital education, smart retail, security and safety services.The disclosure provides a packet processing method of a transmitter that include transmitting a radio link control (RLC) service data unit (SDU) to a receiver; receiving, from the receiver, a first message including information about whether the RLC SDU is successfully transmitted; and transmitting a first indicator indicating successful transmission of the RLC SDU from an RLC entity of the transmitter to a packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) entity of the transmitter when the receiver receives the RLC SDU.