A transmission entity (e.g., user equipment (UE)) is expected to reduce the segmentation of Radio Link Control (RLC) Service Data Units (SDUs) while also minimizing padding. Signaling or provisioning of a constraint value such as a maximum padding amount or minimum segmentation size is employed in a determinative way in the UE to balance these objectives. A receiving entity (e.g., evolved base node (eNB)) benefits from being able to signal these parameters, whose application to RLC instances can discriminate between data and signaling radio bearers. Compliance can also be voluntary, such as the network entity employing at least a portion of the same approach on the downlink.