RLC-PDCP Inter-Layer Signaling for Multi-Hop Relay Recovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
In the New Radio (NR) wireless relay architecture, the Protocol Data Unit (PDU) packets may be correctly transmitted to the next-hop network node but not received by the receiving end, leading to issues with data recovery and inter-layer interaction between the PDCP and RLC layers due to their separation by an adaptation layer.
Innovation Solution
Implement inter-layer signaling between the RLC and PDCP layers through first signaling, which includes data transmission information and control instructions, transmitted via the adaptation layer or F1AP protocol, to facilitate correct transmission status feedback and packet discard commands across different network nodes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If inter-layer signaling is implemented between PDCP and RLC layers in wireless relay architecture, then data transmission reliability is improved, but device complexity increases due to adaptation layer requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an adaptation layer as an intermediary between the PDCP and RLC layers. This adaptation layer contains a signaling module that generates, transmits, and processes inter-layer signaling messages, enabling reliable status feedback and control instruction transmission while managing the complexity through a dedicated intermediate component rather than direct PDCP-RLC interaction.
2Speed
If PDCP layer directly instructs RLC layer to discard packets in single-hop interface, then operation speed is improved, but adaptability deteriorates when layers are separated by adaptation layer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the packet discard control process into distinct components: the PDCP layer generates discard instructions, the adaptation layer's signaling module transmits these instructions via inter-layer signaling messages, and the RLC layer executes the discard actions. This segmentation maintains operational speed while enabling adaptability across multi-hop relay architectures through the standardized signaling interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The adaptation layer acts as a mediator that receives packet discard instructions from the PDCP layer and forwards them to the RLC layer through standardized inter-layer signaling messages. This mediation preserves the speed of direct control while adding the adaptability needed for separated layer architectures in wireless relay networks.
3Measurement precision
If RLC transmission status is obtained through ARQ status report in traditional interface, then measurement precision is improved, but difficulty of detecting and measuring increases when layers are separated
Solution Approach 1:
The adaptation layer's signaling module serves as an intermediary that collects RLC transmission status information and transmits it to the PDCP layer via inter-layer signaling messages. This maintains measurement precision by preserving the detailed status information while reducing detection difficulty through automated status reporting and standardized message formats.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the RLC layer's transmission status is continuously monitored and fed back to the PDCP layer through inter-layer signaling messages. This feedback loop maintains accurate transmission status information while simplifying the detection process through automated status reporting, enabling the PDCP layer to make informed decisions about packet retransmission and discard operations.
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed are a signaling transmission method and apparatus, and a network device, the method comprising: a first network node transmitting first signaling to a second network node, wherein the first signaling is inter-signaling between a first protocol layer and a second protocol layer, and the first protocol layer and the second protocol layer are located at different network nodes.