discardTimer

Technical Explanation

When an IP packet enters the PDCP transmit buffer, discardTimer is started (values 10ms to 2000ms). If the packet cannot be transmitted before the timer expires (e.g. during a handover pause or deep fade), PDCP discards the packet to prevent buffer bloat and avoid wasting radio resources on stale data that upper layers (TCP) would discard.

Key Functions

• Purges stale, out-of-date packets from transmission queues
• Prevents buffer bloat and excessive radio congestion during radio fades
• Configured per radio bearer based on QoS Packet Delay Budget (PDB)