Split Bearer Time Skew Control for 5G Multi-Point Transmission

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Solution Overview

Problem

In multi-point transmission wireless communication systems, especially in 5G, synchronization issues arise due to varying delays in data packets received by users, leading to out-of-order packets and increased latency, which affects user experience and requires tight flow control to meet latency specifications.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of interval time skew flow control using a split bearer time skew control algorithm, which minimizes inter-node coupling and allows for single-input-single-output controllers, ensuring improved synchronization and reduced computational complexity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If multiple transmit points are used for multi-point transmission to improve coverage and capacity, then system capacity and coverage are improved, but synchronization of received data packets deteriorates due to varying delays

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem capacityVSAvoidpacket synchronization
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by measuring downlink signaling delays before data transmission and using these measurements to calculate time skew correction values. This advance preparation enables the system to compensate for delay variations and maintain packet synchronization across multiple transmit points.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where secondary nodes report measured downlink signaling delays to the primary node. This feedback loop enables continuous monitoring and adjustment of time skew correction values, allowing the system to adapt to changing delay conditions and maintain synchronization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Manufacturing precision

If tight flow control is implemented to improve packet synchronization, then synchronization is improved, but processing complexity and computational requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepacket synchronizationVSAvoidprocessing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control function is segmented and distributed across network nodes. The primary node handles high-level coordination and time skew correction calculations, while secondary nodes perform local delay measurements and reporting. This segmentation reduces the computational burden on any single node while maintaining overall synchronization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each secondary node autonomously measures its own downlink signaling delays and reports them to the primary node. This self-service approach eliminates the need for centralized measurement and control, reducing processing complexity while achieving the desired synchronization precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If continuous transmission is maintained to keep multi-point paths active for ultra-lean transmission, then transmission path availability is improved, but data starvation and latency issues worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission path availabilityVSAvoidlatency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the reference dwell time value based on measured downlink signaling delays and network conditions. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to maintain transmission path availability while optimizing data flow timing, preventing both data starvation and excessive latency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes key parameters such as reference dwell time and time skew correction values based on measured delays and network conditions. These parameter adjustments enable the system to adapt to varying network states, maintaining path availability while minimizing latency and preventing data starvation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3504851B1Flow control in wireless communication systems
Publication Date: 2020.11.25 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)
  • EP3504851B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3504851B1 patent drawingFigure 2~10
  • EP3504851B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The proposed technology generally relates to flow control in wireless communication systems and in particular to methods and devices for flow control in multi-point transmission wireless communication systems.