DE10338747A1 - Method for controlling the processing of data, at least one logical transmission channel, associated radio communication device and network component - Google Patents

Abstract

In order to control the processing of data (SDU2) of at least one logical transmission channel (LK2), the data (SDU2) of the respective logical transmission channel (LK2) is stored in at least one buffer memory (PS2) prior to mapping to a transport channel (TK1). In addition, the dwell time (TV) of this data (SDU2) in the buffer memory (PS2) of the respective logical transmission channel (LK2) is determined. This determined residence time (TV) is used as a control criterion (SK1, SK2) for changing the originally assigned data processing start priority (P2i) of this logical transmission channel (LK2).

Description

The The invention relates to a method for controlling the execution of Data of at least one logical transmission channel, alone or together with at least one further logical transmission channel in a radio communication device and / or a network component of a radio communication system mapped to at least one transport channel for sending its data is, wherein the data of the respective logical transmission channel in at least stored in a buffer memory before mapping onto the transport channel become.

For example, in a UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunications System) radio communication system is used for message or data transmission over the Air interface of a radio communication device or a base station each a multi-layered transmission protocol architecture uses. There are several logical transmission channels on at least mapped a common transport channel for sending data, in particular multiplexed. Because the amount of data to process these logical transmission channels from each other may be different, is in the respective logical transmission channel a buffer memory is provided in which the data to be transported can be cached. The respective buffer memory and the associated logical transmission channel can predefined a certain data processing priority, i.e. stationary be assigned. If now one of the logical transmission channels a has higher data processing priority than the other logical transmission channels, which are multiplexed on the same transport channel these logical transmission channels with lower Data Abarbeitungs priority under some circumstances for too long no longer served or the In fact, their cache ever not finished. Will data continue to persist in stored such a non-persistent buffer memory, so It can be an undesirable Memory Overflow come. WO 01/63857 A1 provides as a first remedy for this only to discard newly arriving data segments, so while a Speicherübelauf avoided, but a loss of data is accepted. Farther remains the problem persist that the data content of a Buffer in a logical transmission channel with higher data processing priority priority across from the buffer memories in logical transmission channels lower priority is processed and these logical transmission channels with lower priority only inadequate or not at all come to the course.

Of the Invention is based on the object to show a way how the processing of data of at least one logical transmission channel, the alone or together with at least one other logical transmission channel in a radio communication device and / or a network component of a radio communication system mapped to at least one transport channel for sending its data is controlled in a flexible manner and to desired data processing requirements adapted or adapted. This task is at a Method of the type mentioned solved in that in addition the Dwell time of the data in the buffer memory of the respective logical transmission channel determined, and that this determined residence time as a tax criterion to change the original one associated data-handling initial priority of this logical transmission channel is used.

Thereby, that in addition the residence time of the data in the buffer memory of the respective logical transmission channel determined and as a control criterion for changing the originally assigned Data Abarbeitungs initial priority this logical transmission channel is used later this logical transmission channel individually a changed one Data processing priority new assign. In this way is a flexible control of data processing on the respective logical transmission channel depending on the desired Prioritization allows. Due to the adaptability of the Data Abarbeitungs priority for the respective logical transmission channel In particular, it can also influence the running time in an advantageous manner the transmitted there Data are taken. With the help of the determined residence time of the Data in the buffer memory of the respective transmission channel, the Data execution order of this logical transmission channel over the further logical transmission channels such be customized, that any time-critical data on this logical transmission channel their receiver reach on time. This adaptive control option for processing the data of the respective logical transmission channel is especially for Data advantageous, which are not so important, but at the latest be expected by their recipient by a certain date, as they later do not contain any usable or meaningful information and therefore no longer need to be sent.

The The invention also relates to a radio communication device having at least a transmission unit to carry out the method according to the invention.

Farther The invention relates to a network component, in particular a Base station and / or its associated higher-level radio network control unit, a radio communication system for carrying out the method according to the invention.

other Further developments of the invention are given in the dependent claims.

The Invention and its developments are described below with reference to Drawings closer explained.

It demonstrate:

1 a schematic representation of a radio cell of a radio communication system according to the UMTS standard with a plurality of radio communication devices in this radio cell, which communicate according to the inventive method with the base station of this radio cell and a radio network control unit connected thereto,

2 in a schematic representation of the transmission protocol architecture of a radio communication device according to 1 connected to the local base station via an air interface in the UMTS radio communication system of 1 Exchanging data or messages,

3 2 shows a schematic representation of two logical transmission channels that are based on a transport channel in the transmission of data from a higher-level data processing layer of the transmission protocol architecture 2 to a subordinate data processing layer in the transmitting radio communication device 1 be mapped together, wherein according to various variants of the method according to the invention, the execution of data on the two logical transmission channels is controlled, and

4 in a schematic representation of the time course of the data processing priority of a logical transmission channel 3 , which is controlled according to a variant of the method according to the invention with the help of the determined residence time of data in the buffer memory of this logical transmission channel.

Elements with the same function and mode of action are in the 1 With 4 each provided with the same reference numerals.

1 shows a schematic representation of a single radio cell CE1 of a UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunications System) radio communication system CS, which is spanned by a base station BS1. This radio cell CE1 is representative of a plurality of further, analogously formed radio cells of the radio communication system CS, which have been omitted here in the embodiment for the sake of clarity. Inside the radio cell CE1 of 1 At the same time, several radio communication devices such as UE1 and UE5 are kept. In this case, the radio communication device UE1 is currently communicating via its air interface LS1 with the base station BS1 in the direction of execution ("uplink"), ie it transmits message or data signals via its air interface LS1 to the base station BS1. In reverse direction ("downlink"), the latter transmits control and data signals via the air interface LS1 to the radio communication device UE1. The base station BS1 is connected via a data line L1 to a higher-level radio network control unit RNC1, in particular a so-called "Radio Network Controller". This superordinate radio network control unit RNC1 monitors the allocation of radio resources in the radio cell CE1, ie it controls or controls the data traffic between the base station BS1 and the respective radio communication device in its radio cell. The base station BS1 is representative of a variety of further, in the 1 For the sake of clarity, base stations, not shown, of the radio communication system CS, which span and cover the corresponding radio cells. Between the respective base station, such as BS1, and a radio communication device such as UE1, in particular a mobile radio telephone, at least one predefined air interface, such as LS1, preferably transmits message or data signals according to a multiple access transmission method. For example, in UMTS FDD (Frequency Division Duplex) mode, a separate signal transmission in the uplink and downlink direction (uplink = signal transmission from the respective radio communication device to the base station in its current residence cell; downlink = signal transmission from the respective base station to the respective receiving radio communication device in their radio cell ) achieved by a corresponding separate allocation of frequencies or frequency ranges. Several radio communication devices in the same radio cell are preferably separated or separated from one another by orthogonal codes, in particular by the so-called CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access) method.

In the 2 is the transmission protocol architecture PDA of the radio communication device UE1 of 1 for the transmission of messages or data via the air interface LS1 shown schematically. This transmission protocol architecture PTA is according to the UMTS standard in meh subdivided or subdivided. The lowest layer is a so-called physical layer PHY. Above this lowermost, first layer lies as a second layer a so-called data connection layer (Medium Access Control: MAC). The physical layer PHY provides the overlying MAC layer transport channels (TCH) for transmitting data over the air interface LS1. Above the MAC layer is a so-called RLC layer ("Radio Link Control": RLC). This can send data via so-called logical channels LCH to the MAC layer MAC as well as receive data over these logical transmission channels from the MAC layer. These three transmission layers PHY, MAC, RLC are controlled and configured by a superordinate radio resource control (RRC) layer RRC, which has direct transmission connections or control channels ST to all three layers PHY, MAC and RLC. In addition, one or more so-called PDCP ("Packet Data Convergence Protocol") units and / or one or more so-called BMC ("Broadcast Multicast Control") units communicate with the RLC layer RLC via corresponding transmission channels for data exchange.

Dates, that from a protocol layer to the underlying protocol layer are sent in the UMTS standard as PDUs ("Protocol Data Units "), i. as protocol data units. The of the respective Protocol layer received data sent by the underlying protocol layer will be called in the UMTS standard SDUs ("Service Data Units "), i. Service data units.

The data sent from higher protocol layers to the respective RLC entity in the RLC layer are so-called RLC Service Data Units (RLC SDUs), ie RLC service data units. These can have almost any package sizes. The respective RLC unit, such as RLCA, RLCB, adjusts the size of these packets to have an optimal length for the air interface, such as LS1 here. These RLC PDUs are stored in the respective RLC unit in a transmit memory, from which they are requested via an associated logical transmission channel from the MAC layer. Such formed RLC units are exemplary in the RLC layer RLC of 2 drawn and provided with the reference numerals RLCA, RLCB, ... to RLCn. Each RLC unit or entity thus has, in particular, at least one transmit memory or buffer memory in which data coming from higher-order transmission protocol units is buffered. These memory buffers are for clarity in the 2 for the RLC units RLCA with RLCn have been omitted.

Of the respective logical transmission channel above the MAC layer MAC will be in this alone or together with at least one other logical transmission channel mapped to at least one transport channel together. So the MAC layer MAC has in particular the task of RLC PDUs, which are located on a logical channel above the MAC layer lie on at least one of the transport channels to the depict physical layer. On the one hand can be a logical transmission channel on a transport channel or on the other several logical transmission channels on the same a transport channel can be mapped.

3 shows in detail by way of example two RLC units RLCA and RLCB according to the transmission protocol architecture of 2 whose two logical transmission channels LK1 and LK2 are mapped by means of a multiplexer MUX in the MAC layer MAC onto a common transport channel TK1. The RLC unit RLCA is assigned a transmit memory PS1, which temporarily stores data arriving from the higher protocol layer RRC. Correspondingly, the second RLC unit RLCB also has a buffer memory PS2 in which data is stored that arrives from a higher transmission protocol unit. In order to specify the data processing priority, in particular the sequence of execution of the two buffer memories PS1, PS2 and thus of the logical transmission channels LK1, LK2 coupled thereto, each logical transmission channel LK1, LK2 is assigned a specific initial priority or an individual execution priority. This priority assignment is preferably performed by the RRC layer RRC. In the present embodiment, each logical transmission channel is assigned a data processing start priority between 1 and 8. The value 1 corresponds to the highest priority, while the value 8 stands for the lowest priority. The sequence of values from 1 to 8 thus marks, starting from the number 1 (= highest priority), a sequence of priority values which increases in increments with the priority level x = 1, but which decreases logically in terms of its priority. On the basis of these priorities with the values 1 to 8, those data packets from the logical transmission channels which have a higher logical priority are preferred. In the case of a stalemate, ie both or more logical transmission channels, which are mapped to the same, common transport channel, have the same priority, the respective data assignment of the transmission buffer in the respective RLC entity or unit is used as a further criterion for the Abarbeitungsrang. For example, have the two logical transmission channels LK1, LK2 of 3 the same priority P1I = P2I, and is the buffer level of the buffer memory PS1 of the logical transmission channel LK1 higher than the level of the stored data in the buffer PS2 of the second logical transmission channel LK2, the buffer memory PS1 of the first logical transmission channel LK1 priority, ie first, and only then the data in the buffer memory PS2 of the second logical transmission channel LK2 processed.

Here in the embodiment is the first logical transmission channel LK1 a priority P1I, for example, with the priority value 2 and the second one logical transmission channel LK2 a priority For example, P2I is assigned the priority value of 3. Since the first logical transmission channel LK1 mathematically considers a lower priority value P1I = 2 <P2I = 3 as the second logical transmission channel LK2, and thus the first logical transmission channel LK1 one higher logical data processing initial priority as the second logical transmission channel LK2 has, is the first logical transmission channel LK1 with his Transmit buffer PS1 prior to the second logical transmission channel LK2 is operated with its send buffer PS2. The RLC PDUs of the first logical transmission channel LK1 become higher due to this priority that is, from the MAC layer, preferably before the RLC PDUs of the second logical transmission channel LK2 processed. The priorities P1I, P2I remain as well as others, needed from the MAC layer MAC Parameters unchanged for as long as as it does not reconfigure the RLC entity as well as the MAC layer MAC comes through the RRC layer RRC.

• – Die Kapazität des zugehörigen Transportkanals ist von den RLC-PDUs mit höherer Priorität vollständig belegt.
• – Der Füllstand des RLC-PDU-Sendespeichers eines logischen Übertragungskanals mit niedrigerer Priorität liegt unter dem vorgegebenen Füllstands-Schwellwert.
• – Der Füllstand des RLC-PDU-Sendespeichers bleibt weiterhin unter dem Schwellwert, i) weil keine weiteren RLC-PDUs in diesen Sendespeicher abgelegt werden, oder ii) weil mindestens genauso viele RLC-PDUs gelöscht werden, wie neue RLC-PDUs dem Sendespeicher hinzugefügt werden.

In this case, it may be critical in particular that the RLC PDUs of those logical channels are insufficiently executed or not at all processed, which have a lower data processing priority than the primarily treated logical transmission channel, with which they are mapped together onto a transport channel. For a single logical transmission channel with higher priority may optionally occupy the entire capacity of the associated transport channel. If appropriate, this may result in the buffer memory of the respective lower priority logical transmission signal being constantly replenished by newly arriving data, so that a memory overflow may eventually occur. In order to avoid this as far as possible, the level of the respective RLC-PDU transmission memory or buffer memory is determined or detected with respect to its data volume as a previously known measure, and this determined level is regularly reported to the RRC layer. If the level exceeds a certain threshold for a certain period of time, the MAC layer of the RRC layer via a corresponding control line ST, as shown in FIG 2 is reconfigured by the RRC layer taking into account this information. In this case, the logical transmission channels may optionally be assigned a new priority value. Such a reconfiguration can be triggered too late or not at all under a variety of practical circumstances, if the predetermined threshold or the upper limit for the level of the respective buffer memory is not reached or exceeded. This can occur in particular if the following criteria are met:

• The capacity of the associated transport channel is fully occupied by the higher priority RLC PDUs.
• The level of the RLC-PDU transmit memory of a lower priority logical transmission channel is below the predetermined level threshold.
• - The level of the RLC PDU transmit memory remains below the threshold i) because no further RLC PDUs are placed in this transmit memory, or ii) because at least as many RLC PDUs are deleted as new RLC PDUs added to the transmit memory become.

An example of this surprising, critical situation is based on 3 demonstrated. The local RLC unit RLCA has four RLC PDUs A1 with A4 in their transmit memory PS1, which have been handed over to it from the overlying RRC layer in the form of a single SDU. This arriving at the RLC unit RLCA SDU is in the 3 designated SDU1. The SDU SDU1 is thus mapped to four PDUs A1 with A4, which are preceded by headers H11 preceded by H14. Here, it is now assumed that the logical transmission channel LK1 for the buffer memory PS1 has priority 2. In contrast, the RLC unit RLCB has received from the higher-level protocol layer an SDU SDU2, which has been mapped in the transmit memory PS2 to an RLC-PDU B1 with the predicted header H21. In the exemplary embodiment, the logical transmission channel LK2 coupled to the transmission memory PS2 here has, for example, the priority P2i = 3 and thus has a lower ranking in the execution sequence than the first logical channel LK1. From the MAC layer MAC was for the transport channel TK using a corresponding control line such as ST of 2 a transport format is selected with four transport blocks per transport block set, into which fit four RLC PDUs, to which associated headers or header fields are specifically assigned and preceded. Due to the higher priority P1i = 1 of the first logical transmission channel LK1, first the RLC-PDUs A1 with A4 are requested from the transmission memory PS1 of the RLC unit RLCA from the MAC layer. there The RLC PDUs A1 are accommodated with A4 in the current transport block set TBS1 and distributed on its four transport blocks TB1. They are preceded by headers H1 and H4. This occupies all available transport blocks of the transport block set TBS1, so that the RLC-PDU B1 of the send memory PS2 of the second RLC entity RLCB can not be requested by the MAC layer MAC and remains unattended.

On the transport channels Thus, so-called transport block sets are transmitted, which contain several transport blocks can. A transport blockset is transmitted within a time interval, which is called Transmission Time Interval (TTI), which corresponds to a given time frame. The number and length of the transport blocks and the length of the TTI are among other parameters by the transport format Are defined. The RRC layer provides the MAC layer with several allowed transport formats, under which this can select a suitable transport format.

Become in the RLC PDU transmission memory PS1 of the RLC unit RLCA per TTI (Transmission Time Interval) - timeframe at least four new RLC PDUs filed, so each transport block set is completely populated by these PDUs, so that the RLC PDU B1 of the send memory PS2 is never requested becomes. If there are no new PDUs in the RLC PDU memory PS2 of the RLC unit RLCB, or if more PDUs are deleted there As new PDUs are added, the level threshold will also be alerted the RRC layer never exceeded. Therefore, a new configuration of the MAC layer also takes place the RRC layer does not take place to allow more capacity on the transport channel to disposal to deliver.

If the RRC PDUs of the respective logical transmission channel too long Length of stay in their associated RLC PDU transmission memory stay and thereby exceed a maximum length of stay, because they are not requested by the MAC layer, so will These affected RLC PDUs from their transmit memory as a first, simplified measure deleted. This initialization or emptying of the transmit memory is used to that, a change the MAC configuration and thus change the distribution of the data execution priorities of the different logical transmission channels. If this indeed is caused hangs however, from a variety of other parameters and factors so that it can not be guaranteed that the data of the long unattained remaining logical transmission channel after the Reconfiguration of the MAC layer actually considered and processed become. It would So the level of the respective RLC PDU send memory used to make a change the MAC configuration. As long as the level of the unmanaged RLC memory PS2 below the threshold for the Dataset level Also, there will be no reconfiguration of the MAC layer by the RRC layer triggered. As a result, the RLC PDU transmission memory PS2 remains unattended until a possibly predetermined maximum residence time the data stored in the transmission memory PS2 has been exceeded.

Around purposefully avoiding the transmission memory of a logical transmission channel, alone or together with at least one other logical transmission channel on at least one transport channel for sending data together is displayed, inadmissible is left unattended for a long time or is not considered at all Dwell time of the data in the transmission memory of the respective logical transmission channel determined or recorded. This determined residence time then becomes as a control criterion for changing the originally This data has been ignored for too long remained logical transmission channel used. To the dwell time of the data in the respective send memory to be able to determine this is expediently associated with a time measuring unit or a timer. The respective time measuring unit can in particular be formed by a counter element, that the number of transgressions a predefinable temporal threshold TVMAX or a multiple covered by this. This threshold value TVMAX defines a time frame. Each time the threshold TVMAX has been exceeded, it will the associated one Timers or timers in the RLC entity are restarted and a new timekeeping for the residence time made.

In the present embodiment of 3 The first RLC entity RLCA has such a counter element CO1, which is connected to the transmission memory PS1 via a data line L11. This counter element CO1 determines the residence time of the SDUs respectively stored in the memory, such as SDU1. For this purpose, additionally at least one temporal threshold TVMAX for the residence time TV of the SDU data in the buffer memory PS1 of the logical transmission channel LK1 is set. Exceeding this time threshold TVMAX or a multiple of this threshold value n · TVMAX by the dwell time TV is detected with the aid of the counter element CO1. In particular, the total sum n of the exceedances of the respective predetermined, respectively restarting temporal threshold value TVMAX is determined. The product n · TVMAX, ie the number of time threshold violations then gives the accumulated total residence time for the respective data packet in Transmitter memory PS1 on. The temporal threshold TVMAX and its multiples form a kind of time grid. Correspondingly, a counter element CO2, which is assigned in the second RLC entity RLCB to the transmit memory PS2 via a data line or transmission link L21, also operates.

in the present embodiment has the RRC layer originally the first logical transmission channel LK1 an initial one Data processing priority P1i = 2 and the second logical transmission channel LK2 an initial priority P2i = 3 assigned. The first logical Übertragungsungska channel thus has a higher one logical data mining priority as the second logical transmission channel LK2 and is thus processed priority. To reach anyway that this low-level logical transmission channel and thus its transmission memory is operated and processed by the MAC layer becomes, is a temporal threshold TVMAX for the one residence time TV after each of which the priority P2i of the logical transmission channel LK2 is logically increased by a predetermined priority level x. This means here in the embodiment a mathematical reduction of the priority P2i, the values between 1 and 8 can accept. For the priority level here x = 1 is selected.

This control or setting the priority P2i of the second logical transmission channel LK2 is using the priority / dwell time diagram of 4 explained in more detail. Along the abscissa, the residence time TV is plotted, while the ordinate of this diagram is assigned the data processing priority P2i. Initially, the data transmission priority P2i = 3 is assigned to the logical transmission channel LK2 and thus its transmission memory PS2. This priority P2i = 3 remains assigned to the second transmission channel LK2 until the dwell time TV of the SDU data packet SDU2 in the transmission memory PS2 reaches the threshold value 1 · TVMAX. If the residence time TV exceeds this temporal threshold value TVMAX, then the counter element CO2 triggers a first logical priority increase by the priority level x = 1 with the aid of a control / logic unit LE2 in accordance with this first crossing. This control / logic unit LE2 is connected to the counter element CO2 via a logical connection L22. It uses as the control criterion SK2 the residence time TV or simplifies the number n of the exceedances of the temporal threshold TVMAX. After each time threshold TVMAX is exceeded, the timer of the respective RLC entity, such as RLCB, is set to zero with respect to the measured residence time TV, a time measurement is carried out again and a possible renewed reaching of the threshold value TVMAX is registered. Via a logical control line L32, the control / logic unit LE2, with the aid of a control signal CS2 *, instructs the MAC layer to set the data processing priority for the second logical transmission channel LK2 to the rank or the priority P2i = 2. In this way, the same data processing priority P1i = P2i = 2 is now assigned to both logical transmission channels LK1, LK2. However, since the amount of data of the stored SDU data packet SDU1 in the transmission memory PS1 is greater than the data quantity of the SDU data packet SDU2 in the transmission memory PS2, the MAC layer MAC continues to prioritize the data A1 with A4 of the SDU packet SDU1 from the transmission memory PS1 the data SDU2 in the transmission memory PS2. Therefore, the SDU data packet SDU2 remains a further period of time TVMAX in the transmission memory PS2, so that a second time the time threshold TVMAX is exceeded. This is detected by means of the counter element CO2. Overall, a total residence time of 2 TVMAX has thus passed. This information is forwarded by the counter element CO2 via the logical data connection L22 to a control / logic unit LE2. This then controls the MAC layer MAC by means of a control signal CS2 * via a logical data link L32 such that the MAC layer again increases the priority P2i of the second logical transmission channel LK2 by the priority level x = 1, so that the second logical channel LK2 is finally assigned the highest data processing priority P2i = 1. As a result, it is now ensured that the content of the send memory PS2 is processed prior to the content of the send memory PS2. In this way also the logical transmission channel comes into play which a priori, ie initially had a lower priority. In the present exemplary embodiment, the count element CO2 has an upper limit N of N = 2 for the number n of exceedances of the temporal threshold value TV, ie it only counts twice the time threshold value TVMAX and is then deactivated and set to zero again. The counter element CO2 can then optionally be assigned to other RLC entities as needed. In the present exemplary embodiment, the MAC layer MAC allocates the maximum priority value P2i = 1 to the second logical transmission channel LK2 until the data packet SDU2 has actually been processed. This is the case here in the exemplary embodiment only at the time TV = 4 · TVmax. From this point on, the second logical transmission channel LK2 is again assigned its start priority of P2i = 3. The time duration for which the second logical transmission channel LK2 receives this highest priority P2i = 1 depends on the data volume of the data to be processed in the transmission memory PS2. The amount of data can eg by means of the control / logic unit LE2 by appropriate Detekti These mechanisms are recorded here in the 3 have been omitted for clarity.

In Similarly, the initial start priority P1i of the first logical transmission channel LK1 later changed accordingly be that dependent from the length of stay the priority value changed becomes. Passes to it the counter element CO1 information about the Dwell time TV by means of a logical data connection L12 to a Control / Logic Unit LE1. The residence time TV is used as the control criterion SK1 used to change the data processing priority P1i, i. to increase or to humiliate. An increase or lowering the priority P1i can the control / logic element LE1 by means of control signals CS1 * over a cause logical data connection L13 at the MAC layer MAC.

On this way it is possible in a flexible manner, subsequently the initially given start priorities for a or to change several logical transmission channels, i. especially to increase or to degrade, each alone or together on a transport channel be imaged.

Generally expressed is a control of the processing of data at least one logical transmission channel, alone or together with at least one other logical transmission channel in a radio communication device and / or a network component of a radio communication system at least a transport channel is displayed for sending its data, provided by a threshold TVMAX for the dwell time TV is determined by RLC SDUs, and that exceeding this threshold to a changed one Behavior of the MAC layer with respect to the execution order of the RLC PDUs performs, so in addition to the priority of the logical Channels another parameter for a preferred execution of RLC PDUs leads. This achieves that RLC PDUs due to a lower priority of the associated logical transmission channel previously could not be requested by the MAC layer, after exceeding requested a certain residence time with increased probability become.

This makes the runtime of data transported over the logical transmission channels more predictable. Because despite a possibly initially busy transport channel through a logical transmission channel with higher priority is now that transmission channel with low priority after the expiration of a predetermined length of stay to the train. In this way, influence on the duration of data packets can be taken in a targeted manner. In particular, it can be ensured that time-critical data reaches its respective recipient in good time, or that this data is deleted if the transmission was not possible before a deadline. This has a particularly advantageous effect on data that are generally of little importance, but should have reached their recipient at the latest at a certain time, as they later no longer present or contain meaningful information and therefore no longer need to be sent. This is explained in more detail by the following example:
An advertising message to be sent contains the information that a particular product can be purchased on special terms in the next five minutes. Since this is advertising, this information is less important in principle, so it gets assigned a lower priority at the beginning of the five minutes. If this information reaches the recipient only after the five minutes have elapsed, it is worthless. In this example, the method according to the invention would ensure that the advertisement is sent with increasing probability within the next five minutes, the closer the end of the five minutes approaches, or not at all.

The inventive method can be both for the Transmission direction of a radio communication device, in particular mobile device, to the base station (Uplink) as well for the opposite direction (downlink), i. from the base station to respective radio communication device, advantageous use. Particularly advantageous is the application of the inventive method for the uplink direction, since now also data can be sent effectively, which only occasionally from the respective radio communication device on the Air interface are emitted, but then high data rates need, because they are bursty.

• – Eine effizientere Datenübertragung, weil weniger Daten, insbesondere RLC-SDUs durch Überschreiten einer Höchstweildauer gelöscht werden.
• – Die Möglichkeit, die Laufzeit von RLC-SDUs zu steuern und dadurch ein Versenden innerhalb einer gewünschten Zeitspanne zu ermöglichen.
• – Verringern der Wahrscheinlichkeit, dass RLC-SDUs gelöscht werden.

Advantages of the inventive control of the processing of data of at least one logical transmission channel are in particular:

• - More efficient data transfer because less data, especially RLC SDUs, are deleted by exceeding a maximum length of time.
• - The ability to control the runtime of RLC SDUs, allowing them to be sent within a desired amount of time.
• - Reducing the likelihood that RLC SDUs will be deleted.

• – Definition eines zeitlichen Schwellwertes bzw. Zeitrasters TVMAX für die Verweildauer TV von RLC-SDUs;
• – Vergleich der Verweildauer TV der RLC-SDUs mit der vorgebbaren zeitlichen Schwelle TVMAX;
• – Falls die Verweildauer TV größer als die zeitliche Schwelle TVMAX für das jeweilige RLC-SDU-Datenpaket wird, wird eine Aktion ausgelöst, die zu einer bevorzugten Behandlung dieser RLC-PDU's führt, das aus der betroffenen RLC-SDU entstanden ist. Dies bedeutet, dass ein Anfordern der betroffenen RLC-PDUs durch die MAC-Schicht dann wahrscheinlicher ist als zuvor.
• – Definition einer maximalen Anzahl NMAX für das wiederholte Ausführen der zuvor genannten Aktion;
• – Einführung einer Zählereinheit, die die Anzahl n des Ausführens der zuvor genannten Aktion zählt;
• – Rückstellen des Zählers, wenn die Aktion ausgeführt worden ist;
• – Erneutes Auslösen der Aktion, falls die zeitliche Schwelle TVMAX und deren nächstes ganzzahlige Vielfache (1, 2, 3, 4, ..., NMAX·TVMAX) erneut überschritten worden ist;
• – Vergleich der Anzahl n der registrierten Überschreitungen n mit dem vorgegebenen Maximalwert NMAX;
• – Stoppen des Zählerelements, wenn die maximale Anzahl von Wiederholungen NMAX der Aktion erreicht worden ist.

Characterized in that the residence time of the data in the buffer memory of the respective logical transmission channel additionally determined and then used as a control criterion for changing the originally assigned data processing initial priority of this logical transmission channel, a Nichtabarbeiten or too late processing of data, in particular of RLC SDUs in UMTS, largely avoided. This allows the runtimes of data packets to be controlled and influenced. This is advantageously achieved by the following parameters and actions:

• Definition of a temporal threshold or time frame TVMAX for the residence time TV of RLC SDUs;
• - Comparison of the residence time TV of the RLC SDUs with the predeterminable time threshold TVMAX;
• If the dwell time TV becomes greater than the time threshold TVMAX for the respective RLC-SDU data packet, an action is triggered which leads to a preferential treatment of these RLC-PDUs resulting from the affected RLC-SDU. This means that requesting the affected RLC PDUs by the MAC layer is then more likely than before.
• - Defining a maximum number of NMAX for the repeated execution of the aforementioned action;
• - introduction of a counter unit which counts the number n of execution of the aforementioned action;
• - reset the counter when the action has been executed;
• Re-triggering the action if the time threshold TVMAX and its next integer multiples (1, 2, 3, 4, ..., NMAX · TVMAX) has again been exceeded;
• - Comparison of the number n of the registered transgressions n with the predetermined maximum value NMAX;
• - Stop the counter element when the maximum number of repetitions NMAX of the action has been reached.

To is convenient in each RLC unit at least one counter element existing, from each RLC SDU the length of stay TV in the transmission buffer can determine the respective RLC unit and this value in one Memory writes. Another counting unit counts the number n of executed actions according to the invention and stores this value. This can be done, for example, by the transmission / logic unit LE2 of the respective RLC unit, e.g. RLCB be performed.

by virtue of the retention period as the control criterion can in particular the execution order of the RLC PDUs through the MAC layer changed become. These are again below different embodiments considered. In each case, an RLC SDU dwell time is used in all examples TV determines and after crossing a temporal threshold TVMAX a preferred treatment of the respective logical transmission channel through the associated MAC layer stimulated. This will be referred to as dwell control designated.

Embodiment 1

The counter element such as CO2 in the RLC layer of the RLC unit RLCB of 3 measures the residence time TV of the RLC SDUs, for example SDU2, compares them with the value TVMAX, which has for example been specified by the RRC layer and forms a time threshold between a time frame for the residence time TV of the RLC SDUs in the transmission buffer PS2. As soon as the measured dwell time is greater than the predetermined threshold value TVMAX, the RLC unit RLCB sends a control message about the transgression of TVMAX to the RRC layer. This is in the 3 indicated by an upward, dash-dot arrow CS2. This can then decide whether the priority P2i of the assigned logical transmission channel LK2 is changed or not. To change the priority P2i, another control message is sent from the RRC layer to the MAC layer. This can be done, for example, via the control channel ST of 2 respectively. This message contains the new priority to be used immediately by the MAC layer. The advantage of this approach lies in the fact that the decision is made about a new configuration of logical channels in the RRC layer. This can then take into account other parameters in a new configuration. Because in the RRC layer, the important parameters for the transmission control come together.

In similarly, the RRC layer may enter from the RLC unit RLCB Control signal CS1 to the control of the priority P1i of the first transmission channel To cause LK1.

Embodiment 2:

Again, in this example, the residence time TV is determined in the RLC layer. The current value is sent to the MAC layer at regular intervals. If two or more logical channels have the same priority with which they are mapped together on a transport channel, the logical transmission channel with the larger value for the residence time TV is preferably treated. The temporal threshold TVMAX is expediently announced in advance to the MAC layer. For this purpose, the respective control / logic unit such as LE2 of 3 Send an appropriate control signal such as CS2 * to the MAC layer. The MAC layer compares the value TV with the predefinable temporal threshold TVMAX. As soon as the dwell time TV is greater than the threshold value TVmax, the priority of the associated logical transmission channel is set to a level x logically higher.

Embodiment 3

Again is determined by the RLC layer, the residence time TV, and this Value compared with the given temporal threshold TVMAX. Once the residence time TV is greater than If the threshold value is TVMAX, the RLC layer sends a control message about the exceeding the threshold TVMAX directly to the associated MAC layer. This sets the priority the corresponding logical transmission channel a logical step higher, which corresponds to a mathematical humiliation by one level. The advantage here is in particular that by the direct Send a control message to the MAC layer fast changes of priorities possible be made. Furthermore, the signaling of the control message takes place only when needed, so that an unnecessary Traffic is largely avoided.

Further variants:

For all embodiments In particular: as soon as the respective counting element the time threshold TVMAX has achieved and one of the above three embodiments triggered action was, the counter for the number n the executed inventive actions increased by 1. A crossing the residence time around the 2, 3, 4, ..., to NMAX times the temporal Threshold TVMAX leads to trigger again the tax criterion for change the original one associated data execution start priority of the open logical transmission channel. The maximum number of NMAX to trigger this action due the meter reading one RLC SDU is passed through the RRC layer limited. If this limit is reached, then the affected counter for the residence time TV not counted and the counter element off. It can be for measuring the dwell time of other SDUs are used. Also the counter for the Number of actions to change the original one associated data-handling initial priority is cleared and disabled.

If RLC SDUs are longer than the Maximum Dwell Time TD (see 4 ) are in the RLC layer, they are expediently deleted. In order to apply the control mechanism according to the invention, this maximum dwell time TD is chosen to be greater than the time threshold value TVMAX. Conveniently, the product NMAX · TVMAX is chosen to be less than or equal to the maximum residence time TD.

As soon as all RLC PDUs of an RLC SDU subject to dwell control, has been requested by the MAC layer becomes the associated counting unit disabled and can for measuring the dwell time of other PDUs are used. The priority of each logical transmission channel in this case, reset to the starting value SW.

According to the 4 For example, the priority of a logical transmission channel without the control according to the invention would remain constant, ie unchanged with time. Such a constant value PST is determined, for example, by the RLC layer. On the residence time TV would be considered so for the embodiment of 3 the priority P2i of the logical transmission channel LK2 remain constant, which is indicated by a dot-dash line in the 4 is indicated.

Becomes now the control of the invention Processing order of data for at least one logical transmission channel made, so the priority is such. P2i this logical transmission channel such as. LK2 over the residence time TV changed. Each time the residence time threshold value or time interval value expires TVMAX becomes the priority value P2i to a priority level x increased, if the affected RLC PDU is not in the send buffer PS2 of the MAC layer has been requested. Appropriately, will the starting value SW for the priority P2i through the RRC layer so determined that the mean of itself changing over time priority PN corresponds approximately to the previous constant priority value PST. This means that the starting value is preferably chosen smaller as the constant priority value PST. After the RLC PDU, which was subject to the dwell control, of the MAC layer has been requested, the priority becomes P2i again set to their starting value PST.

Especially also by the number of dwell control RLC SDUs in an RLC layer, the maximum possible priority for the associated logical Channel set. Because each of these RLC SDUs can be the priority of the logical Lift the channel. How many RLC SDUs are subject to dwell control, is determined by the RRC layer. The number of dwell control RLC SDUs in an RLC layer are suitably used in selecting the starting value of the priority, e.g. P2i considered, such that the time average of the priority P2i corresponds approximately to the priority PST, which is determined by a constant setting of the data processing priority would have been.

Has a logical channel, e.g. LK2 receives the priority P2i = 1, i. the highest Reached priority level, so this value can not be further increased by any action.

Claims (15)

Method for controlling the processing of data (SDU2) of at least one logical transmission channel (LK2), which alone or together with at least one further logical transmission channel (LK1) in a radio communication device (UE1) and / or a network component (BS1, RNC1) of a radio communication system ( CS) is mapped onto at least one transport channel (TK1) for sending its data (SDU2), the data (SDU2) of the respective logical transmission channel (LK2) being stored in at least one buffer memory (PS2) prior to mapping to the transport channel (TK1) , characterized in that in addition the residence time (TV) of the data (SDU2) in the buffer memory (PS2) of the respective logical transmission channel (LK2) is determined, and that this determined residence time (TV) as a control criterion (SK2) for changing the originally assigned data processing Initial priority (P2i) of this logical transmission channel (LK2). Method according to claim 1, characterized in that that by the respective logical transmission channel (LK1, LK2) Data (SDU1, SDU2) from a parent RLC layer (RLC) of the transmission protocol architecture (PTA) of a UMTS radio communication system (CS) to its MAC layer (MAC) become. Method according to claim 2, characterized in that that the respective logical transmission channel (LK1, LK2) its data processing start priority (P1i, P2i) through a parent RRC layer (RRC) of the transmission protocol architecture (PTA) is assigned in advance. Method according to one of claims 2 or 3, characterized that with the help of the control criterion (SK1, SK2) at least one control message (CS1, CS2) to the RRC layer (RRC) of the transmission protocol architecture (PTA) is transmitted, the parent of the RLC layer (RLC) is. Method according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized that with the help of the control criterion (SK1, SK2) at least one control message (CS1 *, CS2 *) to the MAC layer (MAC) of the transmission protocol architecture (PTA) is transmitted, subordinate to the RLC layer (RLC). Method according to one of claims 2 to 5, characterized that the dwell time (TV) of the data (SDU2) in the buffer memory (PS2) of the respective logical transmission channel (LK2) in the RLC layer (RLC) of the transmission protocol architecture (PTA) is determined. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized marked that in addition at least one time threshold (TVMAX) for the length of stay (TV) of the Data (SDU2) in the buffer memory (PS2) of the respective logical transmission channel (LK2) is set, and that exceeding this temporal Threshold (TVMAX) or a multiple of this threshold (n TVMAX) by the length of stay (TV) as the control criterion (SK2) to change the original one associated data execution initial priority (P2i) of this logical transmission channel (LK2) is used. Method according to claim 7, characterized in that that the data processing start priority (P2i) of the respective logical transmission channel (LK2) is then increased in each case, if of the length of stay (TV) the time threshold (TVMAX) or a multiple of this threshold (n TVMAX) exceeded becomes. Method according to one of claims 7 or 8, characterized that the number (n) of exceedances the time threshold (TVMAX) using a counter element (CO2) is detected. Method according to claim 9, characterized in that that the number of transgressions the time threshold (TVMAX) with the help of an upper limit (NMAX) is limited. Method according to claim 10, characterized in that that the data (SDU2) in the buffer memory (PS2) of the respective logical transmission channel (LK2) are discarded when the dwell time (TV) of the data (SDU2) the product of the given upper limit (NMAX) for the number the threshold violations and reaches or exceeds the time threshold (TVMAX). Method according to claims 9 and 10, characterized that the respective counter element (CO1, CO2) stopped and reset will if the number (n) of exceedances the time threshold (TVMAX) the predetermined upper limit Exceeds (NMAX). Method according to claim 12, characterized in that that by resetting of the respective counter element (CO2) the data processing priority (P2i) of the respective logical transmission channel (LK2) on its original assigned initial priority (P2i) reset becomes. Radio communication device with at least one transmission unit (RLC) implementing the Method according to one of the preceding claims. Network component, in particular base station (BS1) and / or their associated parent Radio network controller (RNC1), a radio communication system (CS) for performing the Method according to one of the claims 1 with 13.