RLC Entity Priority Switching via Transition Indicators
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless communication networks, the RLC protocol faces delays when transmitting higher priority packets due to the need to complete transmission of lower priority packets, leading to service degradation, especially when lower priority packets are lengthy, as existing methods do not efficiently manage interruptions and resumptions on a per RLC data block basis within a common RLC entity.
Innovation Solution
The method involves encapsulating the final data segment of a higher priority packet with the remaining data segment of a lower priority packet in a final higher priority data block, including a transition indicator to signal the transition back to the lower priority packet, allowing for seamless interruption and resumption of transmissions on an RLC data block basis, ensuring priority is maintained and reducing delays.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a common RLC entity completes transmission of lower priority LLC PDUs before servicing higher priority LLC PDUs, then transmission order is maintained, but higher priority packets incur undesirable transmission delays
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the transmission process into individual RLC data blocks, allowing the RLC entity to interrupt transmission of one PFC's data blocks and switch to another PFC's data blocks. This segmentation enables fine-grained control where transmission can be switched at the RLC data block level rather than requiring completion of entire LLC PDUs, thus reducing delays for higher priority packets while maintaining transmission order through proper sequence numbering and transition indicators.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple PFCs share a common RLC entity with per LLC PDU basis servicing, then resource sharing is achieved, but service quality degrades when lower priority LLC PDUs have significant length
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic switching between different PFCs at the RLC data block level. The RLC entity can dynamically interrupt transmission of one PFC and switch to another based on priority, using transition indicators to mark these switches. This dynamic approach allows the system to adapt to changing traffic conditions and prioritize time-sensitive data, preventing service degradation even when lower priority PFCs have lengthy data blocks.
3Ease of operation
If the RLC entity switches between different PFCs at per LLC PDU basis, then transmission management is simplified, but higher priority LLC PDUs incur delays while lower priority transmissions complete
Solution Approach 1:
The patent prepares transition indicators and sequence number mappings in advance to facilitate smooth switching between PFCs. By pre-establishing the mechanism for indicating transitions and maintaining sequence continuity, the system can switch between priority levels without complex real-time negotiations or management overhead, thus reducing priority delays while keeping transmission management relatively simple.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A method of generating lower layer blocks using data segments from higher layer packets for transmission of the higher layer packets from a transmitter to a receiver within the context of a single radio link control (RLC) entity. The method comprises encapsulating a final data segment of a first higher layer packet associated with a higher priority first packet flow context (PFC) together with a remaining data segment of a second higher layer packet associated with a lower priority second PFC in a final higher priority data block to complete a transmission of the first higher layer packet and resume a transmission of the second higher layer packet. A transition indicator is included with the final higher priority data block to indicate a transition within the final higher priority data block from the first higher layer packet to the second higher layer packet.