Split-Bearer Bit Rate Scheduling Using Aggregate ABRI
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional bit rate scheduling for split bearers in distributed radio access networks does not account for the aggregate bit rate across both radio carriers, leading to inefficient resource allocation and increased consumption when one carrier has poor reception.
Innovation Solution
Implement a system in the Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) to monitor and provide aggregate bit rate information (ABRI) to the Radio Processing Function (RPF), adjusting scheduling priorities based on the aggregate bit rate across both carriers, using in-band signaling to avoid unnecessary priority elevation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the MAC layer schedules each radio carrier separately based on individual bit rates, then priority elevation can maintain minimum bit rate for each carrier, but this leads to inefficient resource allocation and increased resource consumption when the aggregate bit rate across both carriers is sufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the bit rate monitoring function from the MAC layer to the PDCP layer, where aggregate bit rate across both radio carriers can be evaluated. The PDCP layer now monitors the combined bit rate of split bearers and provides aggregate bit rate information (ABRI) to the scheduler, enabling resource allocation decisions based on total resource utilization rather than per-carrier evaluation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (ABRI indicator) between the PDCP layer and the scheduler. The PDCP layer processes bit rate information from both carriers and generates an ABRI indicator that reflects whether the aggregate bit rate meets the minimum requirement, allowing the scheduler to make informed decisions without directly evaluating each carrier's bit rate separately.
2Reliability
If the MAC layer elevates priority for a carrier with poor reception, then the minimum bit rate can be maintained for that carrier, but this consumes radio resources from other carriers/RABs that do not have adequate reception
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the PDCP layer monitors aggregate bit rate and provides ABRI indicators to the scheduler. This feedback loop enables the scheduler to adjust priorities based on actual aggregate performance rather than individual carrier conditions, preventing unnecessary priority elevation when the combined bit rate across both carriers is sufficient.
3Measurement precision
If separate monitoring of each radio carrier is performed, then individual carrier bit rates can be controlled, but this does not account for the aggregate bit rate across both carriers leading to suboptimal scheduling decisions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the monitoring function at the PDCP layer to evaluate aggregate bit rate across both carriers simultaneously. Instead of separate MAC layer monitoring for each carrier, the unified PDCP layer monitors the combined bit rate and generates a single ABRI indicator, simplifying the scheduling decision process while maintaining accurate aggregate measurement.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure provides systems and methods for scheduling transmissions to and/or transmissions from user equipment. The user equipment communicates with a network via a first radio processing function (RPF) and a second RPF. The method includes determining a first aggregate bit rate for the UE. The method provides for sending to the first RPF first aggregate bit rate information (ABRI) for the UE. The first ABRI: 1) indicates that the first aggregate bit rate satisfies a bit threshold condition, 2) indicates that the first aggregate bit ratedoes not satisfy the condition, or 3) identifies the determined first aggregate bit rate for the UE.