Uplink Packet Duplication Deactivation With RLC Discard Ratio
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication systems face challenges in efficiently distributing uplink packets between primary and secondary RLC paths in packet duplication configured bearers, leading to issues such as unequal data distribution, resource underutilization, and inefficient resource allocation due to frequent activation and deactivation of packet duplication, resulting in data stalls and overheads.
Innovation Solution
A method and system at the user equipment (UE) for distributing uplink packets between primary and secondary RLC paths, involving dynamic reception of deactivation signals through MAC or RRC, and discarding non-transmitted duplicate packets based on a discard ratio to balance packet distribution and prevent RLC sequence number gaps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If packet duplication is deactivated to save resources, then resource utilization is improved, but unequal data distribution between primary and secondary RLC paths occurs leading to packet drops
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of packet distribution by introducing a discard ratio mechanism. When packet duplication is deactivated, the UE discards non-transmitted duplicate packets from the secondary RLC path based on a configured discard ratio (e.g., 50%), rather than discarding all or none. This parameter change ensures balanced data distribution between primary and secondary paths, preventing packet drops while efficiently utilizing resources.
2Productivity
If duplicate packets are discarded from secondary RLC path upon deactivation, then resource allocation is improved, but data stalls occur due to RLC sequence number gaps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a discard ratio parameter that controls the proportion of duplicate packets to be discarded. By configuring an appropriate discard ratio (e.g., 50% rather than 100%), the system maintains a balanced distribution of packets between primary and secondary RLC paths. This prevents RLC sequence number gaps that would otherwise cause data stalls, while still achieving efficient resource allocation by discarding unnecessary duplicates.
3Adaptability or versatility
If packet duplication is frequently activated and deactivated, then adaptability to network conditions is improved, but overhead increases due to reconfiguration and packet distribution issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring a discard ratio parameter before packet duplication deactivation occurs. This preliminary configuration enables the UE to quickly and efficiently discard the appropriate proportion of duplicate packets without requiring complex real-time calculations or multiple reconfiguration messages. The pre-configured discard ratio simplifies the deactivation process and reduces signaling overhead while maintaining adaptability to network conditions.
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed is a method for distributing uplink packets between a primary Radio Link Control (RLC) path and a secondary RLC path in a packet duplication configured bearer. The method includes transmitting, by a user equipment (UE), the uplink packets over the primary RLC path and the secondary RLC path as duplicate packets, dynamically receiving, at the UE from a network entity, a deactivation signal via a Medium Access Control (MAC) control element or a Radio Resource Control (RRC) reconfiguration, the deactivation signal indicating deactivation of packet duplication, and discarding, at the UE, one or more non-transmitted duplicate packets from the primary RLC path and the secondary RLC path based on a discard ratio in response to receiving the deactivation signal, the discard ratio being indicative of a packet discarding proportion between the primary RLC path and the secondary RLC path.