Single-DRB Packet QoS Differentiation for Efficient Data Transmission

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing telecommunications systems face inefficiencies in resource allocation due to the need to set up multiple data radio bearers (DRBs) with the highest quality parameters to accommodate different data streams, even when lower quality requirements are sufficient, particularly in extended reality services, leading to unnecessary resource allocation and overhead.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a system where data packets are transmitted with variable transmission quality parameters and periodicities within the same DRB by utilizing information in the data packet headers, such as the MAC header or GTP-U header, to differentiate and optimize resource usage based on the specific requirements of each data packet type.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple separate DRBs are set up for different data streams with different QoS requirements, then each data stream can be transmitted with its specific quality parameters, but the number of DRBs increases and system overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveQoS requirement satisfactionVSAvoidnumber of DRBs
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple data streams with different QoS requirements into a single DRB by using packet prioritization mechanisms. Instead of creating separate DRBs for each data stream, the system multiplexes multiple streams within one DRB and applies different priority levels to packets based on their QoS requirements, thereby reducing the number of DRBs while maintaining service quality differentiation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes a single DRB serve multiple functions by enabling it to carry different types of data packets with different QoS requirements simultaneously. The DRB is designed to handle both high-priority and low-priority traffic within the same bearer, making it a universal transmission channel that adapts to various service requirements through packet-level prioritization rather than requiring dedicated bearers for each service type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Device complexity

If a single DRB is used for multiple data streams, then the number of DRBs is reduced, but all data packets must be transmitted with the highest quality parameters leading to unnecessary resource allocation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of DRBsVSAvoidresource allocation efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by differentiating packet transmission quality within a single DRB based on individual packet priorities. Instead of applying uniform high-quality parameters to all packets, the system assigns different transmission qualities locally to each packet or packet type according to its specific QoS requirements. This allows high-priority packets to receive enhanced transmission resources while low-priority packets use standard resources, optimizing overall resource allocation efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes transmission parameters dynamically based on packet priority levels. By modifying parameters such as modulation and coding schemes, resource allocation, and retransmission priorities according to the specific requirements of each data packet, the system avoids consistently using the highest quality parameters for all transmissions. This parameter adaptation enables efficient resource utilization while meeting varying QoS demands within the same DRB.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If DRBs are set up with the highest quality parameters to accommodate all data streams, then all data can be transmitted reliably, but resource allocation becomes inefficient for data streams with lower quality requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission reliabilityVSAvoidresource allocation efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces dynamics by making transmission quality parameters adaptable rather than static. The system dynamically adjusts transmission parameters based on the priority level of each data packet, allowing transmission reliability to match the actual requirements of each stream. High-priority packets receive enhanced reliability measures while low-priority packets use standard transmission, creating a dynamic resource allocation system that optimizes both reliability and efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies partial action by providing enhanced transmission reliability only to the extent necessary for each data stream's requirements. Instead of applying maximum reliability measures uniformly to all packets, the system applies enhanced measures selectively to high-priority packets that truly require them, while using standard measures for lower-priority traffic. This partial application of quality enhancement optimizes resource efficiency while maintaining adequate reliability for all streams.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentEP4319272B1Improved data packet transmission efficiency
Publication Date: 2026.03.25 VODAFONE GROUP SERVICES LTD
  • EP4319272B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4319272B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4319272B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

System and method for communicating data with user equipment, UE, the comprising establishing a data radio bearer, DRB, between a base station and the UE and transmitting data packets between the base station and the UE through the DRB, wherein data packets are transmitted using different transmission quality parameters.