RLC Entity PDU Gap Detection for 5G Packet Recovery

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Solution Overview

Problem

In 5G networks, there is a challenge in providing a reliable Radio Link Control (RLC) status report based on a Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) configuration, particularly in managing packet reordering and recovery of missed packets in wireless network systems.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that detect a PDU gap using sequence numbers and a t-reordering timer to generate RLC status reports, sending ACK or NAK messages based on packet receipt within twice the t-reordering time, allowing for packet recovery or discard, and adjusting the RLC window accordingly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the RLC entity waits for packet arrival before sending status report, then packet recovery reliability is improved, but transmission delay increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepacket recovery reliabilityVSAvoidtransmission delay
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The RLC entity performs preliminary actions by detecting PDU gaps and initiating status report transmission proactively. When a PDU gap is detected, the RLC entity sends a status report indicating missing PDUs without waiting for the upper layer to request retransmission, thereby reducing transmission delay while maintaining recovery reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The invention implements feedback mechanisms where the RLC entity continuously monitors packet reception status, detects gaps using sequence numbers, and sends status reports with NACK messages for missing PDUs. This feedback loop enables the transmitter to retransmit missing packets promptly, improving both reliability and timing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If the RLC entity sends status report frequently to ensure packet recovery, then packet recovery reliability is improved, but signaling overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepacket recovery reliabilityVSAvoidsignaling overhead
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts and reports only the essential information - specifically the status of missing PDUs identified through gap detection. Rather than reporting all received and missing PDUs, the status report focuses only on NACK messages for detected gaps, reducing signaling overhead while maintaining recovery reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The RLC entity performs partial status reporting by sending NACK messages only for specifically detected missing PDUs rather than comprehensive status reports. This selective reporting approach reduces signaling overhead while ensuring critical missing packets are recovered

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Manufacturing precision

If the RLC entity waits for upper layer indication before discarding packets, then packet delivery accuracy is improved, but buffer occupancy increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepacket delivery accuracyVSAvoidbuffer occupancy
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The RLC entity performs preliminary discarding actions by detecting PDU gaps and determining that missing PDUs will not arrive within expected timeframes. The entity proactively discards stale packets from the buffer after gap detection and timeout, preventing buffer overflow while maintaining delivery accuracy through selective discarding of only those packets confirmed to be lost

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3766279B1Method and system for optimizing the feedback mechanism in data link layer
Publication Date: 2022.12.21 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3766279B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3766279B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3766279B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to 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). The present disclosure may be applied to 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 embodiments herein provide a for providing a RLC status report based on a configuration of a PDCP entity of a UE in a wireless network system.