Uplink Data Splitting via Protocol Layer Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current buffer status reporting techniques in wireless communication networks do not differentiate between uplink data of different protocol layers, leading to inefficient resource allocation and challenges in splitting data between macro and small cell wireless access network nodes, resulting in suboptimal data transmission efficiency.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a network-assisted UE-based buffer status reporting mechanism that uses buffer reporting indicators to determine the split of uplink data in the PDCP buffer, allowing the UE to independently calculate and report data portions to macro and small cell eNBs based on individual BRI values, thereby optimizing resource allocation and reducing coordination overhead.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If buffer status reporting is performed without differentiating between protocol layers, then reporting simplicity is maintained, but resource allocation efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the buffer status reporting by protocol layer, specifically separating PDCP layer buffer status from other layers. The UE reports PDCP buffer status separately using PDCP SDU length fields, while other layer buffer statuses are reported through MAC layer BSR mechanisms. This segmentation enables differentiated resource allocation for split bearers while maintaining standard reporting procedures for non-split bearers, thus improving resource allocation efficiency without universally increasing system complexity.
2Measurement precision
If extensive coordination between macro and small cell eNBs is implemented, then data splitting accuracy is improved, but coordination overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the UE to autonomously determine and report PDCP buffer status information without requiring extensive coordination between macro and small cell eNBs. The UE uses the reported PDCP SDU length to locally calculate the split bearer data volume, allowing each eNB to independently allocate resources based on the UE's self-reported information. This self-service approach achieves accurate data splitting while minimizing inter-eNB coordination overhead.
3Productivity
If PDCP buffer data is split between multiple eNBs, then data transmission efficiency is improved, but buffer status reporting accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments buffer status reporting by protocol layer, with the PDCP layer reporting its buffer status separately using dedicated PDCP SDU length fields. This segmentation ensures that the PDCP buffer status, which is critical for split bearer data splitting, is reported with high precision. The separate reporting mechanism prevents confusion between PDCP layer data and lower layer data, thereby maintaining accurate buffer status reporting even when data is split between multiple eNBs.
4Productivity
If generic buffer status reporting is used for all bearers, then implementation simplicity is maintained, but resource allocation for split bearers deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating buffer status reporting based on bearer type. For split bearers, the PDCP layer reports buffer status with enhanced detail using PDCP SDU length fields to enable precise data splitting. For non-split bearers, the standard MAC layer BSR mechanism continues to be used. This localized enhancement ensures that the increased reporting complexity is only applied where needed (for split bearers), thereby improving resource allocation efficiency for split bearers while minimizing overall system complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
A user equipment (UE) receives, from a plurality of wireless access network nodes, respective indicators, where the UE is concurrently connected to the plurality of wireless access network nodes. The UE determines, based on the indicators, a split of uplink data in a buffer of the UE into a plurality of uplink data portions for transmission by the UE to the respective wireless access network nodes.