RLC Packet Replication for URLLC Reliability and eMBB Throughput
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication networks face challenges in optimizing both spectrum efficiency and latency, particularly for services like URLLC and eMBB, as current replication schemes fail to adapt dynamically to radio conditions and do not support simultaneous multiplexing of these services in a single transport block, leading to inefficiencies in reliability and throughput.
Innovation Solution
Implement packet replication at the RLC layer, where packets are transmitted in different transport blocks using different paths, with the number of repetitions adjusted per service level and per transmission time interval, allowing for dynamic adaptation based on scheduling decisions and radio conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If packet replication is performed at the PDCP layer using dual connectivity or carrier aggregation, then reliability is improved through multiple transmission paths, but device complexity and resource overhead increase due to requiring multiple RLC entities and configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the replication function by introducing a new data radio bearer (DRB) type specifically for packet replication, separating it from existing PDCP duplication mechanisms. This allows independent configuration and management of replication parameters without affecting other bearers, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliability benefits
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic control of packet replication through MAC layer activation/deactivation mechanisms and configurable replication factors. The network can dynamically adjust the number of replicas and activate/deactivate replication based on radio conditions and service requirements, optimizing the balance between reliability and complexity in real-time
2Reliability
If multiple replicated packets are transmitted simultaneously in multiple independent paths, then reliability is improved with relaxed BLER target at each path, but transmission delay increases due to requiring round trip feedback for retransmission decisions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs packet replication in advance at the RLC layer before transmission, creating multiple copies that are pre-configured for simultaneous transmission across different paths. This preliminary replication eliminates the need for feedback-based retransmission decisions, thereby reducing transmission delay while ensuring reliability through pre-established multiple transmission opportunities
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges packet replication functionality across multiple protocol layers (PDCP, RLC, and MAC layers) into a unified mechanism controlled by RRC configuration. This integration allows coordinated operation of replication, scheduling, and transmission across layers, optimizing the balance between reliability improvement and delay minimization through unified control
3Reliability
If the number of HARQ repetitions is increased based on radio conditions, then reliability is improved for poor radio conditions, but spectrum efficiency decreases due to redundant transmissions when radio conditions are good
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of replication factor and activation status through MAC layer control elements and RRC reconfiguration. The network can adaptively increase or decrease the number of replicas based on real-time radio conditions, service requirements, and channel quality, thereby optimizing spectrum efficiency while maintaining necessary reliability levels
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces configurable parameters including replication factor, activation thresholds, and path selection criteria that can be dynamically adjusted based on radio conditions. These parameter changes enable the system to optimize transmission strategies adaptively, reducing redundant transmissions when conditions are good while ensuring sufficient replicas when conditions deteriorate
4Reliability
If URLLC data packets are prioritized over eMBB packets, then URLLC latency and reliability requirements are met, but eMBB throughput decreases due to resource preemption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments resource allocation by introducing separate logical channels and data radio bearers for URLLC and eMBB services with distinct QoS parameters. This segmentation allows independent resource management where URLLC packets can be prioritized through dedicated bearers while eMBB traffic continues on separate bearers, minimizing throughput impact through isolated resource pools
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic resource allocation and preemption mechanisms where URLLC packets can dynamically access resources by preempting eMBB transmissions when latency requirements are critical. The system dynamically adjusts resource allocation based on instantaneous service requirements, allowing eMBB throughput to recover when URLLC demands are satisfied while maintaining URLLC priority when needed
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless communication device (412) replicates, at a Radio Link Control (RLC) layer of a protocol stack of the wireless communication device (412), an original packet associated to a particular service to provide one or more replicate packets. Each of the one or more replicate packets is a replication of the original packet. For each packet from among a set of packets consisting of the original packet and at least one of the one or more replicate packets, the wireless communication device (412) generates a transport block that comprises the packet and transmits the transport block to one or more base stations or transmission/reception points, TRPs, via a physical layer of the protocol stack of the wireless communication device (412).