Uplink Packet Duplication Deactivation With Ratio-Based RLC Discarding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication systems face inefficiencies in packet distribution between primary and secondary RLC paths due to unequal data distribution, leading to packet drops, resource underutilization, and increased overhead during frequent activation and deactivation of packet duplication, resulting in data stalls and ineffective resource utilization.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for distributing uplink packets between primary and secondary RLC paths using a discard ratio and RLC status reports to dynamically adjust packet distribution based on network signals, ensuring balanced load and minimizing packet loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If packet duplication is deactivated and duplicate packets are discarded from the secondary RLC path, then resource utilization is improved, but unequal data distribution occurs between primary and secondary RLC paths leading to packet drops
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the discarding parameter from binary (all or nothing) to proportional based on discard ratio. The network entity configures different discard ratios for primary and secondary RLC paths, allowing selective discarding of duplicate packets in proportion to their transmission characteristics. This resolves the contradiction by enabling fine-grained control over packet distribution while maintaining resource efficiency.
2Adaptability or versatility
If packet duplication is frequently activated and deactivated, then adaptability to network conditions is improved, but overhead increases and data stalls occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring discard ratios for both primary and secondary RLC paths before packet duplication is deactivated. When deactivation occurs, packets are immediately discarded according to the pre-configured ratios, preventing the need for complex real-time decisions and avoiding data stalls. This reduces overhead while maintaining adaptability.
3Reliability
If all non-transmitted duplicate packets are discarded from the secondary RLC path upon deactivation, then packet loss is reduced, but the primary RLC path becomes overloaded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces asymmetry in packet discarding between primary and secondary RLC paths. Instead of symmetric treatment (discarding all from secondary), the system applies different discard ratios to each path based on their specific characteristics. The secondary path discards a higher proportion of duplicate packets, while the primary path retains more, creating an asymmetric distribution that balances the load on the primary path while still reducing packet loss.
Data Source
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.