Method and apparatus for a fast protocol stack compatible with split architecture

Abstract

Example embodiments of this disclosure relate to a fast protocol stack compatible with a discrete architecture. An apparatus is provided to perform: in response to receiving a request to add a new radio processing unit instance, a distributed unit sends at least one radio processing unit configuration confirmation message, wherein the radio processing unit configuration confirmation message includes configuration for the packet data convergence protocol media layer. In another example, an apparatus is provided to perform: in response to receiving a handover request message associated with a user equipment, sending radio processing unit configuration for at least one user equipment, and receiving at least one radio processing unit configuration confirmation message, the at least one radio processing unit configuration confirmation message including configuration for the packet data convergence protocol media layer.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This example and non-limiting embodiment generally relates to protocol stack architecture for wireless communication networks, and more specifically to a discrete architecture for protocol stack architecture for wireless communication networks. Background Technology

[0002] An architectural separation between higher and lower layers of the protocol stack (referred to as Central Unit (CU) - Distributed Unit (DU) separation) has been proposed in 5G specifications. In a first example, the separation option includes the Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) layer along with the Radio Resource Control (RRC) layer as part of the CU, while the remaining layers of the protocol stack (e.g., Radio Link Control (RLC), Media Access Control (MAC), and Physical Layer (PHY)) are part of the DU. In a second example, the separation option includes the PDCP and RLC layers as part of the CU, while the MAC and PHY layers are part of the DU. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The following description is intended to be illustrative only. It is not intended to limit the scope of the claims.

[0004] According to at least one aspect, an example apparatus is provided, comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed together with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform: in response to receiving a request to add a new radio processing unit instance, sending at least one radio processing unit configuration confirmation message by a distributed unit, wherein the radio processing unit configuration confirmation message includes configuration for the packet data convergence protocol media layer.

[0005] According to at least one aspect, an example apparatus is provided, comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed together with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform: in response to receiving a handover request message associated with a user equipment, sending a radio processing unit configuration for at least one user equipment by a target central unit control plane; and receiving at least one radio processing unit configuration confirmation message by the target central unit control plane, wherein the radio processing unit configuration confirmation message includes configuration for the packet data convergence protocol media layer.

[0006] According to at least one aspect, an example apparatus is provided, comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed together with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform: receiving at least one radio processing unit configuration confirmation message from a central unit control plane, wherein the radio processing unit configuration confirmation message includes configuration for the packet data convergence protocol media layer.

[0007] According to at least one aspect, an example apparatus is provided, comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed together with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform: processing a radio processing unit configuration request for at least one user equipment by a target central unit control plane; generating at least one radio processing unit configuration confirmation message by the target central unit control plane, wherein the radio processing unit configuration confirmation message includes configuration for the packet data convergence protocol media layer; and transmitting the at least one radio processing unit configuration confirmation message to the at least one user equipment by the target central unit control plane.

[0008] According to at least one aspect, an example apparatus is provided, comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed together with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform: sending a handover request message by a central unit control plane; and receiving a handover confirmation message by the central unit control plane, wherein the handover confirmation message includes configuration for the packet data convergence protocol media layer.

[0009] According to at least one aspect, an example apparatus is provided, comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed together with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform: receiving a data bearer configuration message from a target central unit control plane via a target central unit user plane, the data bearer configuration message being generated in response to a handover request radio processing unit configuration for at least one user equipment, the handover request radio processing unit configuration for at least one user equipment responding to the reception of the handover request message; and receiving at least one radio processing unit configuration confirmation message via the target central unit control plane, wherein the radio processing unit configuration confirmation message includes configuration for the packet data convergence protocol media layer.

[0010] According to at least one aspect, an example apparatus is provided, comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed together with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform: receiving a radio processing unit configuration request for at least one user equipment by a target distributed unit in response to receiving a handover request message; configuring a packet data convergence protocol media layer to be co-located within the target distributed unit in response to the radio processing unit configuration request; and sending at least one radio processing unit configuration confirmation message by the target distributed unit, wherein the radio processing unit configuration confirmation message includes configuration data for the packet data convergence protocol media layer.

[0011] According to at least one aspect, an example apparatus is provided, comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed together with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform: receiving radio processing unit configuration information for one or more Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) media entities by at least one user equipment; configuring the at least one user equipment based on the one or more PDCP media entities; and receiving an algorithm for segmenting packet streams for each of the one or more PDCP media entities.

[0012] The subject matter of the independent claims is provided in several respects. Several other aspects are provided in the subject matter of the dependent claims. Attached Figure Description

[0013] The foregoing aspects and other features are explained in the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0014] Figure 1 This is a block diagram of a possible and non-limiting example system in which exemplary embodiments may be practiced;

[0015] Figure 2 This is a flowchart / block diagram of a possible and non-limiting example process and system in which exemplary embodiments may be practiced;

[0016] Figure 3 This is a block diagram of a split architecture of an example system in which exemplary embodiments may be practiced;

[0017] Figure 4 is another flowchart / block diagram of a possible and non-limiting example process and system in which the example embodiments may be practiced;

[0018] Figure 5A and 5B These are flowcharts / block diagrams of possible and non-limiting example processes and systems in which exemplary embodiments may be practiced;

[0019] Figure 6A and 6B This is a flowchart of a possible, non-limiting example process in which exemplary embodiments may be practiced;

[0020] Figure 7A and 7B This is a flowchart of a possible, non-limiting example process in which exemplary embodiments may be practiced;

[0021] Figures 8A-8H An example flowchart is shown, illustrating possible and non-limiting example processes in which example embodiments may be practiced. Detailed Implementation

[0022] The following abbreviations that may appear in the instruction manual and / or drawings are defined as follows: 3GPP Third Generation Partnership Project 5G (Fifth Generation) 5GC 5G Core Network AMF Access and Mobility Management Functions CU Central Unit CU-CP Central Unit - Control Plane CU-UP Central Unit - User Plane DRB Data Radio Bearer DU Distributed Unit eNB (or eNodeB) Evolved Node B (e.g., LTE base station) EN-DC E-UTRA-NR Dual Connectivity The en-gNB or En-gNB provides the node for terminating NR user plane and control plane protocols for the UE, and acts as a secondary node in the EN-DC. E-UTRA, or Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access, is also known as LTE radio access technology. FPS Fast Protocol Stack gNB (or gNodeB) is used for 5G / NR base stations, that is, nodes that provide NR user plane and control plane protocol termination for UEs and are connected to 5GC via NG interface. HO switch I / F interface LTE Long Term Evolution MAC Media Access Control Med Media MME (Mobility Management Entity) ng or NG, next generation ng-eNB or NG-eNB, the next generation of eNB NR New Radio N / W or NW network PDCP (Packet Data Convergence Protocol) PHY physical layer RAN (Radio Access Network) Rel version RLC Radio Link Control RPU (Radio Processing Unit) RRH Remote Radio Unit RRC Radio Resource Control RU radio unit Rx receiver SDAP Service Data Adaptation Protocol SDU Service Data Unit SGW Service Gateway SMF Session Management Function TS Technical Specifications Tx transmitter UE (User Equipment) (e.g., wireless equipment, typically mobile equipment) UPF User Face Functions

[0023] Go to Figure 1 This figure illustrates a block diagram of one possible and non-limiting example in which an embodiment may be practiced. User equipment (UE) 110, radio access network (RAN) node 170, and (multiple) network elements 190 are shown. Examples of network devices, network apparatuses, or network entities can be understood to include at least a portion of a transmit / receive point, cell, gNB, or node. Figure 1In the example, User Equipment (UE) 110 wirelessly communicates with Wireless Network 100. The UE is a wireless device capable of accessing Wireless Network 100. UE 110 includes one or more processors 120, one or more memories 125, and one or more transceivers 130 interconnected via one or more buses 127. Each of the one or more transceivers 130 includes a receiver Rx 132 and a transmitter Tx 133. The one or more buses 127 may be an address bus, a data bus, or a control bus, and may include any interconnection mechanism, such as a series of lines on a motherboard or integrated circuit, fiber optic cable, or other optical communication device. The one or more transceivers 130 are connected to one or more antennas 128. The one or more memories 125 include computer program code 123. UE 110 includes a module 140, which includes one or both of portions 140-1 and / or 140-2, which may be implemented in various ways. Module 140 may be implemented in hardware as module 140-1, such as being implemented as part of one or more processors 120. Module 140-1 can also be implemented as an integrated circuit or via other hardware, such as a programmable gate array. In another example, module 140 can be implemented as module 140-2, which is implemented as computer program code 123 and executed by one or more processors 120. For example, one or more memories 125 and computer program code 123 can be configured, together with one or more processors 120, to cause user equipment 110 to perform one or more of the operations described herein. UE 110 communicates with RAN node 170 via radio link 111.

[0024] In this example, RAN node 170 is a base station that provides access to wireless network 100 for wireless devices such as UE 110. RAN node 170 can be, for example, a base station for 5G, also referred to as a gNB. In 5G, RAN node 170 can be an NG-RAN node, which can be defined as a gNB or ng-eNB. A gNB is a node that provides New Radio (NR) user plane and control plane protocol termination to the UE and is connected to the 5GC (such as, for example, multiple network elements 190) via an NG interface. An ng-eNB is a node that provides E-UTRA user plane and control plane protocol termination to the UE and is connected to the 5GC via an NG interface. An NG-RAN node can include multiple gNBs, and a gNB can also include a central unit (CU) (gNB-CU) 196 and multiple distributed units (DUs) (gNB-DUs), where DU 195 is shown. Note that a DU can include or be coupled to and control a radio unit (RU). A gNB-CU is a logical node that hosts the RRC, SDAP, and PDCP protocols of the gNB or en-gNB that control the operation of one or more gNB-DUs. The gNB-CU terminates the F1 interface connected to the gNB-DU. The F1 interface is shown as reference numeral 198, although reference numeral 198 also indicates a link between a remote element of RAN node 170 and a central element of RAN node 170, such as between gNB-CU 196 and gNB-DU 195. A gNB-DU is a logical node that hosts the RLC, MAC, and PHY layers of the gNB or en-gNB, and its operation is partially controlled by the gNB-CU. One gNB-CU supports one or more cells. A cell is supported by only one gNB-DU. The gNB-DU terminates the F1 interface 198 connected to the gNB-CU. Please note that DU 195 is considered to include transceiver 160, for example, as part of an RU; however, some examples of this could be that transceiver 160 is part of a separate RU, for example, under the control of DU 195 and connected to DU 195. RAN node 170 could also be an eNB (evolved NodeB) base station for LTE (Long Term Evolution) or any other suitable base station or node.

[0025] RAN node 170 includes one or more processors 152, one or more memories 155, one or more network interfaces (N / WI / F) 161, and one or more transceivers 160 interconnected via one or more buses 157. Each of the one or more transceivers 160 includes a receiver Rx 162 and a transmitter Tx 163. The one or more transceivers 160 are connected to one or more antennas 158. The one or more memories 155 include computer program code 153. CU 196 may include one or more processors 152, memories 155, and network interfaces 161. Note that DU 195 may also contain its own one or more memories and one or more processors, and / or other hardware, but these are not shown.

[0026] RAN node 170 includes module 150, which comprises one or both of portions 150-1 and / or 150-2, and can be implemented in various ways. Module 150 can be implemented in hardware as module 150-1, such as as part of one or more processors 152. Module 150-1 can also be implemented as an integrated circuit or via other hardware, such as a programmable gate array. In another example, module 150 can be implemented as module 150-2, which is implemented as computer program code 153 and executed by one or more processors 152. For example, one or more memories 155 and computer program code 153 are configured, together with one or more processors 152, to cause RAN node 170 to perform one or more operations as described herein. Note that the functionality of module 150 can be distributed, such as distributed between DU 195 and CU 196, or implemented solely in DU 195.

[0027] One or more network interfaces 161 communicate over a network, such as via links 176 and 131. Two or more gNBs 170 may communicate using, for example, link 176. Link 176 may be wired, wireless, or both, and may implement, for example, an Xn interface for 5G, an X2 interface for LTE, or other suitable interfaces for other standards.

[0028] The one or more buses 157 may be address buses, data buses, or control buses, and may include any interconnection mechanism, such as a series of lines on a motherboard or integrated circuit, optical fiber or other optical communication equipment, wireless channels, etc. For example, the one or more transceivers 160 may be implemented as a Remote Radio Header (RRH) 195 for LTE or a Distributed Unit (DU) 195 for a gNB implementation of 5G, wherein other elements of the RAN node 170 may be physically located different from the RRH / DU, and the one or more buses 157 can be partially implemented as, for example, fiber optic cables or other suitable network connections to connect other elements of the RAN node 170 (e.g., Central Unit (CU), gNB-CU) to the RRH / DU 195. Reference numeral 198 also indicates those suitable network links.

[0029] It should be noted that the description in this document indicates that a "cell" performs functions, but it should be obvious that the equipment forming the cell can also perform these functions. Cells constitute part of a base station. That is, each base station can have multiple cells. For example, for a single carrier frequency and associated bandwidth, there can be three cells, each covering one-third of a 360-degree area, such that the coverage area of ​​a single base station is approximately elliptical or circular. Furthermore, each cell can correspond to a single carrier, while a base station can use multiple carriers. Therefore, if there are three 120-degree cells per carrier and two carriers, the base station has a total of six cells.

[0030] Wireless network 100 may include one or more network elements 190, which may include core network functions and provide connectivity to other networks (such as telephone networks and / or data communication networks (e.g., the Internet)) via one or more links 181. Such core network functions for 5G may include (multiple) Location Management Functions (LMFs) and / or (multiple) Access and Mobility Management Functions (AMFs) and / or (multiple) User Plane Functions (UPFs) and / or (multiple) Session Management Functions (SMFs). Such core network functions for LTE may include MME (Mobility Management Entity) / SGW (Serving Gateway) functions. These are merely example functions that may be supported by (multiple) network elements 190; it should be noted that both 5G and LTE functions may be supported. RAN node 170 is coupled to network elements 190 via link 131. Link 131 may be implemented as, for example, an NG interface for 5G, or an S1 interface for LTE, or other suitable interfaces for other standards. Network element 190 includes one or more processors 175 interconnected via one or more buses 185, one or more memories 171, and one or more network interfaces (N / WI / F) 180. The one or more memories 171 include computer program code 173. The one or more memories 171 and the computer program code 173 are configured, together with the one or more processors 175, to cause network element 190 to perform one or more operations.

[0031] Wireless network 100 can implement network virtualization, which is the process of combining hardware and software network resources and network functions into a single software-based management entity or virtual network. Network virtualization involves platform virtualization, often combined with resource virtualization. Network virtualization is classified into external virtualization and internal virtualization. External virtualization combines many networks or parts of networks into a virtual unit, while internal virtualization provides network-like functionality to software containers on a single system. It should be noted that the virtualized entities created by network virtualization are still implemented to some extent using hardware such as processors 152 or 175 and memories 155 and 171, and these virtualized entities also produce technical effects.

[0032] Computer-readable storage devices 125, 155, and 171 can be of any type suitable for the local technical environment and can be implemented using any suitable data storage technology, such as semiconductor-based storage devices, flash memory, magnetic storage devices and systems, optical storage devices and systems, non-transitory memory, transient memory, fixed memory, and removable memory. Computer-readable storage devices 125, 155, and 171 can be used as components for performing storage functions. Processors 120, 152, and 175 can be of any type suitable for the local technical environment and, by way of non-limiting example, can include one or more of the following: general-purpose computers, special-purpose computers, microprocessors, digital signal processors (DSPs), and processors based on multi-core processor architectures. Processors 120, 152, and 175 can be components for performing functions, such as controlling UE 110, RAN node 170, and other functions as described herein.

[0033] Generally, various example embodiments of user equipment 110 may include, but are not limited to: cellular phones (such as smartphones), tablet computers, personal digital assistants (PDAs) with wireless communication capabilities, portable computers with wireless communication capabilities, image acquisition devices (such as digital cameras) with wireless communication capabilities, gaming devices with wireless communication capabilities, music storage and playback devices with wireless communication capabilities, internet devices that allow wireless internet access and browsing, tablet computers with wireless communication capabilities, and portable units or terminals that include a combination of these functions.

[0034] Go to Figure 2For illustrative purposes, an example data stream and corresponding architecture 200 and QoS stream 202 according to at least one embodiment are provided. In this example, to enhance the data transmission speed between the user equipment and the network, a Fast Protocol Stack (FPS) 208 and Radio Processing Units (RPUs) 210A and 210B can be used. A shared layer (High Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP-Hi) 206) manages the distribution of incoming Service Data Units (SDUs) 206 received from the Service Data Adaptive Protocol (SDAP) to each RPU 210A or 210B. Each RPU can host a sublayer of Radio Protocol Stack Layer 2, thereby enabling parallel processing within the radio protocol of the FPS. Each RPU may include, for example, PDCP-Low 212A or 212B, Radio Link Control (RLC) 214A or 214B, and High Media Access Control (MAC-HI) 216A or 216B. PDCP-Hi assigns sequence numbers (SNs) and distributes SDUs to the RPUs. Security features (encryption and integrity protection) and header compression can be processed by each RPU 210A and 210B in its corresponding PDCP Low layers 212A and 212B, allowing these functions to be executed concurrently on each RPU. Each RPU 210A and 210B can also manage Radio Link Control (RLC) 214A / 214B and MAC-Hi 216A / 216B functions. The results of parallel processing can then be sent to MAC Lo 218.

[0035] In some concepts, the RPU unit may need to be located in the Distributed Unit (DU) because it contains lower-level functionalities such as RLC or MAC-Hi. Figure 2 Example RPU units 210A and 210B are shown in the diagram. Furthermore, PDCP-Hi layers as currently considered (such as PDCP-Hi layer 206) (i.e., all functions above encryption and integrity protection, which are part of PDCP-Lo) will not be suitable for a split architecture. This is because the ability to separate the Data Radio Bearer (DRB) before it reaches the RPU is not considered. In some embodiments of the disclosed technology, a system and method are provided to enable compatibility between FPS and a split architecture. An example of a split architecture is described in 3GPP TS 38.401 in 5G.

[0036] Go to Figure 3An example of a “split” architecture 300 is shown. The example configuration 300 includes a 5G core network (5GC) 302, a next-generation radio access network node (NG-RAN) 304, and base station nodes (gNB) 306A and 306B. In this architecture, the PDCP layer resides in gNB-CU 308, and the RLC layer resides in gNB-DU 310A / 310B. The disclosed technology provides functionality for the PDCP layer of the protocol stack, allowing the PDCP layer to perform DRB bearer decoupling before data streams reach encryption and integrity protection functions. This PDCP function is referred to herein as “PDCP-Med” and represents the mediating portion of the overall operation of PDCP. In some examples, PDCP-Med may be referred to as the intermediary layer. It should be understood that in the context of the PDCP-Med layer, the terms “medium” and “intermediary” are synonyms and therefore interchangeable. Thus, the PDCP-Med layer is responsible for splitting packets into two or more data streams (also referred to as data streams) before they reach the RPU. Figure 4A and 4B As shown in Figures 400A and 400B, the PDCP-Med layer 406 can be located between the PDCP-Hi layer 402 and the PDCP-Lo layer 404.

[0037] In some embodiments of the disclosed technology, the PDCP-Med entity at the transmitting side (e.g., the network side in DL transmission or the user equipment (UE) side in UL transmission) can split packets into different RPUs (transmission) according to specific rules and group them into a central unit-user plane (CU-UP) (reception). Equivalently, at the receiver side (e.g., the UE side in DL transmission or the network side in UL transmission), the PDCP-Med entity can aggregate multiple data streams from multiple RPUs into a single common input to the PDCP-Hi entity. Packet splitting and / or aggregation can be performed using different methods, such as round-robin methods, polling methods, or based on cached data state.

[0038] On the UE side, the UE can be configured by the Radio Resource Control (RRC) entity for different PDCP-Med entities. Then, for each PDCP-Med entity, the UE can receive the algorithm used to segment packets, which is crucial for consistent behavior on both the UE and network sides.

[0039] In the first example embodiment, such as Figure 5A As shown in Figure 500A, the PDCP-Med entity 406 can be located at DU 504. In this example embodiment, the PDCP-Med layer 406 is co-located with the RPUs 508A and 508B of the FPS 506.

[0040] exist Figure 5B In the second example embodiment shown in Figure 500B, PDCP-Med entity 406 may be located at CU 502. In this non-limiting example, PDCP-Med entity 406 may co-address with PDCP-Hi 402, but its location differs from that of RPU(s) 508A and 508B of FPS 506. As indicated by Figures 510A and 510B, there may be multiple independent data streams (i.e., a series of data packets corresponding to the same application) via the interface, where each data stream corresponds to an RPU at DU 504, such as RPU 508A or 508B.

[0041] PDCP-Med configuration:

[0042] Go to Figure 6A An example of the configuration and signaling flow 600A of the PDCP-Med entity in the control plane (CP) of the disclosed technology is shown. In this example, the configuration and signaling flow correspond to Figure 5A Figure 500A shows that PDCP-Med entity 406 is co-located with DU504. Figure 6A This includes UE 602, DU 604, CU-CP 606, CU-UP 608, and the target gNB 610. DU 604 could be, for example, UE 602, DU 604, CU-CP 606, CU-UP 608, and the target gNB 610. Figure 5A An instance of DU 504 in / 5B.

[0043] Flow 600A may, for example, include sending a 650 RPU configuration request message from CU-CP 606 to DU 604. This RPU configuration request message may include a request for DU 604 to add a new RPU instance. In some embodiments, existing interface information elements, such as the F1 interface information element, may be used to implement new signaling. Alternatively, a new information element may be created to represent RPU instance creation / configuration between the CU and DU.

[0044] For example, flow 600A may include sending a 652 RPU configuration confirmation message from DU 604 to CU-CP 606. After receiving a request from CU-CP 606 to add a new RPU instance, DU 604 may process the information contained in the request to instantiate and configure the new RPU. The RPU configuration confirmation message may include PDCP-Med configuration information. The PDCP-Med configuration information may include methods that can be used by the PDCP-Med layer to distribute packets among RPU instances. Example methods include, but are not limited to, loop methods, polling methods, or methods based on cached data state.

[0045] For example, flow 600A may include RPU configurations that provide a new RPU instance to UE 602 via CU-CP 606. In one example, CU-CP 606 may provide such information to UE 602 using RRC reconfiguration. The RPU configurations provided to UE 602 may include, but are not limited to, methods used for packet distribution (e.g., round-robin, polling, or based on cached data state).

[0046] Go to Figure 6B An example configuration and signaling flow 600B of the PDCP-Med entity of the control plane (CP) of the disclosed technology are shown. In this example, the configuration and signaling flow correspond to Figure 5B Figure 500B shows that PDCP-Med entity 406 is located within CU502. Figure 6B This includes UE 602, DU 604, CU-CP 606, CU-UP 608, and the target gNB 610. CU-CP 606 can be, for example... Figure 5A An instance of CU 502 in / 5B.

[0047] Stream 600B may include, for example, a 680 RPU configuration request created by CU-CP 606. This RPU configuration request may include a request to add a new RPU instance for CU-CP.

[0048] Stream 600B may, for example, include a 682 RPU configuration confirmation message created by CU-CP 606. After processing a request to add a new RPU instance, CU-CP 606 can process the information contained in the request to instantiate and configure the new RPU. This RPU configuration confirmation message may include PDCP-Med configuration information. The PDCP-Med configuration information may include methods that can be used by the PDCP-Med layer to distribute packets among RPU instances. Example methods include, but are not limited to, loop methods, polling methods, or methods based on cached data state.

[0049] For example, flow 600B may include RPU configurations that provide UE 602 with 684 new RPU instances via CU-CP 606. In one example, CU-CP 606 may provide such information to UE 602 using RRC reconfiguration. The RPU configurations provided to UE 602 may include, but are not limited to, methods used for packet distribution (e.g., round-robin, polling, or based on cached data state).

[0050] PDCP-Med configuration during handover:

[0051] Turning to flowcharts 700A and 700B of 7A and 7B, the publicly disclosed PDCP-Med configuration process is shown. In this example, the configuration process is shown during handover between two cells in a split architecture as described herein.

[0052] In one example embodiment, configuration and signaling flow 700A corresponds to Figure 5A Figure 500A shows that PDCP-Med entity 406 is located within DU 504. Figure 7A This includes UE 702, DU 704, CU-CP 706, CU-UP 708, target CU-CP 710, target CU-UP 712, and target DU 714. DU 704 and target DU 714 can be, for example... Figure 5A An example of DU 504 of / 5B.

[0053] In flowchart 700A, UE 702 can operate within a cell controlled by radio access network (RAN) nodes (described as DU 704, CU-CP 706, and CU-UP 708 in a split architecture). In at least one example embodiment, the RAN node under which the UE operates decides to hand over the UE to another target RAN node (described as target DU 714, target CU-CP 710, and target CU-UP 712 in a split architecture). In method 700A, at 750, CU-CP 706 sends a handover request to target CU-CP 710. At 752, target CU-CP 710 processes the handover request message sent by CU-CP 706 and sends bearer configuration to target CU-UP 712. Additionally, target CU-CP 710 also sends 754 to target DU 714 to request RPU configuration for the UE. At position 756, target DU 714 processes this information and responds to target CU-CP710 with an RPU configuration acknowledgment message. This RPU configuration acknowledgment message may include PDCP-Med configuration information as described herein. PDCP-Med configuration information may include, but is not limited to, methods used for packet distribution as described herein, such as round-robin, polling, or based on cached data state.

[0054] Method 700A may also include a response from target CU-CP 710 to CU-CP 706 at 758, wherein the response includes a handover confirmation message, which includes the PDCP-Med configuration received from target DU 714.

[0055] Method 700A may also include CU-CP 706 sending a 760 handover command to the UE via an RRC reconfiguration message. Alternatively, CU-CP may include in the handover command the PDCP-Med configuration that the UE should apply in the target cell controlled by the target RAN node.

[0056] In another embodiment, the CU-CP can provide the PDCP-Med configuration to the target CU-CP. Once the UE establishes a connection with the target cell, the target CU-CP can provide the PDCP-Med configuration to the UE (see also). Figure 6A and Figure 6B 654 and 684, which are the last steps in PDCP-Med configuration without handover.

[0057] In flowchart 700B, UE 702 can operate within a cell controlled by radio access network (RAN) nodes (described as DU 704, CU-CP 706, and CU-UP 708 in a split architecture). In at least one example embodiment, the RAN node under which the UE operates decides to hand over the UE to another target RAN node (described as target DU 714, target CU-CP 710, and target CU-UP 712 in a split architecture). In method 700B, at 780, CU-CP 706 sends a HO request to target CU-CP 710. At 782, target CU-CP 710 processes the handover request message sent by CU-CP 706 and sends a bearer configuration to target CU-UP 712. Additionally, target CU-CP 710 creates a 784 RPU configuration for the UE. At position 786, the target CU-CP 710 processes the information and creates an RPU configuration that includes PDCP-Med configuration information as described herein. The PDCP-Med configuration information may include, but is not limited to, methods used for packet distribution as described herein, such as round-robin, polling, or based on cached data state.

[0058] Method 700B can also include a response from target CU-CP 710 to CU-CP 706 at 788, wherein the response includes a handover confirmation, which includes PDCP-Med configuration.

[0059] Method 700B may also include CU-CP 706 sending a 790 handover command to the UE via an RRC reconfiguration message. Alternatively, CU-CP 706 may include the PDCP-Med configuration that the UE should apply in the target cell in the handover command.

[0060] In another embodiment, CU-CP 706 can provide the PDCP-Med configuration to the target CU-CP 710. Once the UE establishes a connection with the target cell, the target CU-CP 710 can provide the PDCP-Med configuration to the UE (see also). Figure 6A and Figure 6B 654 and 684 in the text refer to the final step in PDCP-Med configuration without handover. Additional considerations

[0061] The following examples are provided and described in this article.

[0062] According to at least one aspect, an example apparatus is provided, comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed together with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform: in response to receiving a request to add a new radio processing unit instance, sending at least one radio processing unit configuration confirmation message by a distributed unit, wherein the radio processing unit configuration confirmation message includes configuration for the packet data convergence protocol media layer.

[0063] The packet data convergence protocol media layer can be located at a distributed unit. The packet data convergence protocol media layer can co-located with a new radio processing unit instance. The packet data convergence protocol media layer can be located at a central unit, to which the distributed units send radio processing unit configuration confirmation messages. Configuring the packet data convergence protocol media layer can include packet distribution instructions. Packet distribution instructions can include at least one of the following: a round-robin packet distribution method, a polling packet distribution method, or a cached data state packet distribution method. Packet distribution instructions can instruct the packet data convergence protocol media layer how to distribute packets among one or more radio processing unit instances. Packet distribution instructions can instruct the packet data convergence protocol media layer how to aggregate packets across one or more radio processing unit instances into a common input to one or more higher protocol layers.

[0064] Go to Figure 8A According to at least one embodiment, an example method is provided, comprising: in response to receiving a request 802 for adding a new radio processing unit instance, a distributed unit sending 804 at least one radio processing unit configuration confirmation message, wherein the radio processing unit configuration confirmation message includes configuration for the packet data convergence protocol media layer.

[0065] According to at least one embodiment, an example apparatus is provided, comprising: components for receiving a request to add a new radio processing unit instance; and components for sending at least one radio processing unit configuration confirmation message in response to receiving the request; wherein the radio processing unit configuration confirmation message includes configuration for the packet data convergence protocol media layer.

[0066] According to at least one embodiment, an example non-transitory computer-readable medium is provided, including program instructions that, when executed by a device, cause the device to perform at least the following: receiving a request to add a new radio processing unit instance; and, in response to receiving the request, sending at least one radio processing unit configuration confirmation message; wherein the radio processing unit configuration confirmation message includes configuration for the packet data convergence protocol media layer.

[0067] According to at least one embodiment, an example apparatus is provided, comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory including computer program code, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured together with the processor to cause the apparatus to at least perform: in response to receiving a handover request message associated with a user equipment, sending a radio processing unit configuration for at least one user equipment by a target central unit control plane; and receiving at least one radio processing unit configuration confirmation message by the target central unit control plane, wherein the radio processing unit configuration confirmation message includes configuration for the packet data convergence protocol media layer.

[0068] Go to Figure 8B According to at least one embodiment, an example method is provided, comprising: in response to receiving a handover request message associated with a user equipment, sending 810 by a target central unit control plane for radio processing unit configuration of at least one user equipment; and receiving 812 by the target central unit control plane for at least one radio processing unit configuration confirmation message, wherein the radio processing unit configuration confirmation message includes configuration for the packet data convergence protocol media layer.

[0069] According to at least one embodiment, an example apparatus is provided, comprising: components for transmitting radio processing unit configuration for at least one user equipment in response to receiving a handover request message associated with a user equipment; and components for receiving at least one radio processing unit configuration confirmation message, wherein the radio processing unit configuration confirmation message includes configuration for the packet data convergence protocol media layer.

[0070] According to at least one embodiment, an example non-transitory computer-readable medium is provided, including program instructions that, when executed by a device, cause the device to perform at least the following: in response to receiving a handover request message associated with a user equipment, sending a radio processing unit configuration for at least one user equipment by a target central unit control plane; and receiving at least one radio processing unit configuration confirmation message by the target central unit control plane, wherein the radio processing unit configuration confirmation message includes configuration for the packet data convergence protocol media layer.

[0071] According to at least one embodiment, an example apparatus is provided, comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory including computer program code, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured together with the processor to cause the apparatus to at least perform: receiving at least one radio processing unit configuration confirmation message from a central unit control plane, wherein the radio processing unit configuration confirmation message includes configuration for the packet data convergence protocol media layer.

[0072] Go to Figure 8C According to at least one embodiment, an example method is provided, comprising: receiving 820 at least one radio processing unit configuration confirmation message from a central unit control plane, wherein the radio processing unit configuration confirmation message includes configuration for configuring 822 packet data convergence protocol media layer.

[0073] According to at least one embodiment, an example apparatus is provided, comprising: a component for receiving at least one radio processing unit configuration confirmation message; and a component for configuring a packet data convergence protocol media layer; wherein the radio processing unit configuration confirmation message includes configuration for the packet data convergence protocol media layer.

[0074] According to at least one embodiment, an example non-transitory computer-readable medium is provided, including program instructions that, when executed by a device, cause the device to perform at least the following: receiving at least one radio processing unit configuration confirmation message; and configuring a packet data convergence protocol media layer; wherein the radio processing unit configuration confirmation message includes configuration for the packet data convergence protocol media layer.

[0075] According to at least one embodiment, an example apparatus is provided, comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory including computer program code, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured together with the processor to cause the apparatus to perform at least: processing a radio processing unit configuration request for at least one user equipment by a target central unit control plane; generating at least one radio processing unit configuration confirmation message by the target central unit control plane, wherein the radio processing unit configuration confirmation message includes configuration for the packet data convergence protocol media layer; and sending the at least one radio processing unit configuration confirmation message to the at least one user equipment by the target central unit control plane.

[0076] Go to Figure 8D According to at least one embodiment, an example method is provided, comprising: processing 830 a radio processing unit configuration request for at least one user equipment by a target central unit control plane; generating 832 at least one radio processing unit configuration confirmation message by the target central unit control plane, wherein the radio processing unit configuration confirmation message includes configuration for the packet data convergence protocol media layer; and sending 834 at least one radio processing unit configuration confirmation message by the target central unit control plane to the at least one user equipment.

[0077] According to at least one embodiment, an example apparatus is provided, comprising: components for processing a radio processing unit configuration request for at least one user equipment; components for generating at least one radio processing unit configuration confirmation message, wherein the radio processing unit configuration confirmation message includes configuration for the packet data convergence protocol media layer; and components for transmitting the at least one radio processing unit configuration confirmation message to the at least one user equipment under the control of a target central unit.

[0078] According to at least one embodiment, an example non-transitory computer-readable medium is provided, including program instructions that, when executed by a device, cause the device to perform at least the following: processing a radio processing unit configuration request for at least one user equipment by a target central unit control plane; generating at least one radio processing unit configuration confirmation message by the target central unit control plane, wherein the radio processing unit configuration confirmation message includes configuration for the packet data convergence protocol media layer; and sending the at least one radio processing unit configuration confirmation message to the at least one user equipment by the target central unit control plane.

[0079] According to at least one embodiment, an example apparatus is provided, comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory including computer program code, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured together with the processor to cause the apparatus to at least perform: sending a handover request message by a central unit control plane; and receiving a handover confirmation message by the central unit control plane, wherein the handover confirmation message includes configuration for the packet data convergence protocol media layer.

[0080] Go to Figure 8E According to at least one embodiment, an example method is provided, comprising: sending an 840 handover request message by a central unit control plane; and receiving an 842 handover confirmation message by the central unit control plane, wherein the handover confirmation message includes configuration for the packet data convergence protocol media layer.

[0081] According to at least one embodiment, an example apparatus is provided, comprising: a component for sending a handover request message; and a component for receiving a handover confirmation message; wherein the handover confirmation message includes configuration for the packet data convergence protocol media layer.

[0082] According to at least one embodiment, an example non-transitory computer-readable medium is provided, including program instructions that, when executed by a device, cause the device to perform at least the following: sending a handover request message by a central unit control plane; and receiving a handover confirmation message by the central unit control plane, wherein the handover confirmation message includes configuration for the packet data convergence protocol media layer.

[0083] According to at least one embodiment, an example apparatus is provided, comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code being configured, together with the processor, to cause the apparatus to at least perform: receiving a data bearer configuration message from a target central unit control plane by a target central unit user plane, the data bearer configuration message being generated in response to a handover request radio processing unit configuration for at least one user equipment, the handover request radio processing unit configuration for at least one user equipment being received in response to the handover request message; and receiving at least one radio processing unit configuration confirmation message by the target central unit control plane, wherein the radio processing unit configuration confirmation message includes configuration for the packet data convergence protocol media layer.

[0084] Go to Figure 8FAccording to at least one embodiment, an example method is provided, comprising: receiving a data bearer configuration message from a target central unit control plane by a target central unit user plane, the data bearer configuration message being generated in response to a handover request radio processing unit configuration for at least one user equipment, the handover request radio processing unit configuration for at least one user equipment being in response to the reception of the handover request message; and receiving at least one radio processing unit configuration confirmation message by the target central unit control plane, wherein the radio processing unit configuration confirmation message includes configuration for the packet data convergence protocol media layer.

[0085] According to at least one embodiment, an example apparatus is provided, comprising: a component for receiving a data bearer configuration message, the data bearer configuration message being generated in response to a handover request radio processing unit configuration for at least one user equipment, the handover request radio processing unit configuration for at least one user equipment being received in response to the handover request message; and a component for receiving at least one radio processing unit configuration confirmation message; wherein the radio processing unit configuration confirmation message includes configuration for the packet data convergence protocol media layer.

[0086] According to at least one embodiment, an example non-transitory computer-readable medium is provided, including program instructions that, when executed by a device, cause the device to perform at least the following: receiving a data bearer configuration message from a target central unit control plane by a target central unit user plane, the data bearer configuration message being generated in response to a handover request radio processing unit configuration for at least one user equipment, the handover request radio processing unit configuration for at least one user equipment responding to the reception of the handover request message; and receiving at least one radio processing unit configuration confirmation message by the target central unit control plane, wherein the radio processing unit configuration confirmation message includes configuration for the packet data convergence protocol media layer.

[0087] According to at least one embodiment, an example apparatus is provided, comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code being configured together with the processor to cause the apparatus to at least perform: receiving a radio processing unit configuration request for at least one user equipment by a target distributed unit in response to receiving a handover request message; configuring a packet data convergence protocol media layer to be co-located within the target distributed unit in response to the radio processing unit configuration request; and sending at least one radio processing unit configuration confirmation message by the target distributed unit, wherein the radio processing unit configuration confirmation message includes configuration data for the packet data convergence protocol media layer.

[0088] Go to Figure 8GAccording to at least one embodiment, an example method is provided, comprising: in response to receiving a handover request message, a target distributed unit receiving 860 a radio processing unit configuration request for at least one user equipment; in response to the radio processing unit configuration request, configuring a packet data convergence protocol media layer 862 to be co-located within the target distributed unit; and the target distributed unit sending 864 at least one radio processing unit configuration confirmation message, wherein the radio processing unit configuration confirmation message includes configuration data for the packet data convergence protocol media layer.

[0089] According to at least one embodiment, an example apparatus is provided, comprising: components for receiving a radio processing unit configuration request for at least one user equipment in response to receiving a handover request message; components for configuring a packet data convergence protocol media layer to be co-located within a target distributed unit in response to the radio processing unit configuration request; and components for sending at least one radio processing unit configuration confirmation message, wherein the radio processing unit configuration confirmation message includes configuration data for the packet data convergence protocol media layer.

[0090] According to at least one embodiment, an example non-transitory computer-readable medium is provided, including program instructions that, when executed by a device, cause the device to perform at least the following: receiving a radio processing unit configuration request for at least one user equipment by a target distributed unit in response to receiving a handover request message; configuring a packet data convergence protocol media layer to be co-located within the target distributed unit in response to the radio processing unit configuration request; and sending at least one radio processing unit configuration confirmation message, wherein the radio processing unit configuration confirmation message includes configuration data for the packet data convergence protocol media layer.

[0091] According to at least one embodiment, an example apparatus is provided, comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory including computer program code, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured together with the processor to cause the apparatus to at least perform: receiving radio processing unit configuration information for one or more Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) media entities by at least one user equipment; configuring at least one user equipment based on the one or more PDCP media entities; and receiving an algorithm for segmenting packet streams for each of the one or more PDCP media entities.

[0092] Go to Figure 8HAccording to at least one embodiment, an example method is provided, comprising: receiving, by at least one user equipment, radio processing unit configuration information for one or more packet data convergence protocol media entities (PaDRs); configuring, by at least one user equipment, the user equipment, based on the one or more PaDRs; and receiving, for each of the one or more PaDRs, an algorithm for segmenting packet streams, by at least one user equipment.

[0093] According to at least one embodiment, an example apparatus is provided, comprising: components for receiving radio processing unit configuration information for one or more packet data convergence protocol media entities; configuring at least one user equipment based on one or more packet data convergence protocol media entities; and receiving an algorithm for segmenting packet streams for each of the one or more packet data convergence protocol media entities.

[0094] According to at least one embodiment, an example non-transitory computer-readable medium is provided, including program instructions that, when executed by a device, cause the device to perform at least the following: receiving radio processing unit configuration information for one or more Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) media entities by at least one user equipment; configuring at least one user equipment based on the one or more PDCP media entities; and receiving an algorithm for segmenting packet streams for each of the one or more PDCP media entities.

[0095] As used in this article, the term “non-transient” refers to the limitations of the medium itself (i.e., tangible, not signal-based), rather than limitations on the persistence of data storage (e.g., RAM and ROM).

[0096] As used in this application, the term "circuit system" may refer to one or more or all of the following: (a) Hardware circuit implementation only (such as implementation using only analog and / or digital circuit systems); and (b) A combination of hardware circuitry and software, such as (if applicable): (i) A combination of (multiple) analog and / or digital hardware circuits with software / firmware; and (ii) Any part of a hardware processor (including multiple digital signal processors), software, and memory (multiple processors) that works together to enable a device (such as a mobile phone or server) to perform various functions; and (iii) (Multiple) hardware circuits and / or (multiple) processors (such as (multiple) microprocessors or a portion of (multiple) microprocessors) whose operation requires software (e.g. firmware), but which may be absent when operation does not require software.

[0097] This definition of "circuit system" applies to all uses of the term in this application, including in any claim. As another example, as used in this application, the term "circuit system" also covers only the implementation of hardware circuitry or a processor (or processors) or a portion thereof and its accompanying software and / or firmware. For example, if applicable to a particular claim element, the term "circuit system" also covers baseband integrated circuits or processor integrated circuits for mobile devices, or similar integrated circuits in servers, cellular network devices, or other computing or network devices.

[0098] It should be understood that the above description is merely exemplary. Various alternatives and modifications can be devised by those skilled in the art. For example, the features described in the dependent claims can be combined with each other in any suitable combination(s). In addition, features from the different embodiments described above can be selectively combined into a new embodiment. Therefore, this specification is intended to cover all such alternatives, modifications, and variations that fall within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A device for communication, comprising: At least one processor; as well as At least one memory storing instructions that, when executed together with the at least one processor, cause the device to perform: In response to receiving a request to add a new radio processing unit instance, the distributed unit sends at least one radio processing unit configuration confirmation message, wherein the radio processing unit configuration confirmation message includes configuration for the packet data convergence protocol media layer.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the packet data aggregation protocol media layer is located at the distributed unit; or The packet data convergence protocol media layer is co-located with the new radio processing unit instance; or The packet data aggregation protocol media layer is located at the central unit, and the distributed unit sends the radio processing unit configuration confirmation message to the central unit.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the configuration packet data convergence protocol media layer includes packet distribution instructions, and The group distribution instruction includes at least one of the following: a round-robin group distribution method, a polling group distribution method, or a cached data state group distribution method.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the packet distribution instruction instructs the packet data convergence protocol media layer on how to distribute packets among one or more radio processing unit instances; or The packet distribution instructions instruct the packet data aggregation protocol media layer on how to aggregate packets across one or more radio processing unit instances into a common input to one or more higher protocol layers.

5. A communication apparatus, comprising: At least one processor; as well as At least one memory, the at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code being configured together with the processor such that the device performs at least the following: In response to the receipt of a handover request message associated with a user equipment, the target central unit control plane sends a radio processing unit configuration for at least one of the user equipments; and The target central unit control plane receives at least one radio processing unit configuration confirmation message, wherein the radio processing unit configuration confirmation message includes configuration for the packet data convergence protocol media layer.

6. A device for communication, comprising: At least one processor; as well as At least one memory, the at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code being configured together with the processor such that the device performs at least the following: Receive at least one radio processing unit configuration confirmation message from the central unit control plane, wherein the radio processing unit configuration confirmation message includes configuration for the packet data convergence protocol media layer.

7. A communication apparatus, comprising: At least one processor; as well as At least one memory, the at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code being configured together with the processor such that the device performs at least the following: The target central unit control plane processes radio processing unit configuration requests for at least one user equipment. The target central unit control plane generates at least one radio processing unit configuration confirmation message, wherein the radio processing unit configuration confirmation message includes configuration for the packet data convergence protocol media layer; as well as The target central unit controls the transmission of the at least one radio processing unit configuration confirmation message to the at least one user equipment.

8. A device for communication, comprising: At least one processor; as well as At least one memory, the at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code being configured together with the processor such that the device performs at least the following: The handover request message is sent by the central unit control plane; and The central unit control plane receives a handover confirmation message, wherein the handover confirmation message includes configuration for the packet data convergence protocol media layer.

9. A device for communication, comprising: At least one processor; as well as At least one memory, the at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code being configured together with the processor such that the device performs at least the following: A data bearer configuration message is received from the target central unit control plane by the target central unit user plane. The data bearer configuration message is generated in response to a handover request radio processing unit configuration for at least one user equipment. The handover request radio processing unit configuration for at least one user equipment is in response to the receipt of the handover request message. as well as The target central unit control plane receives at least one radio processing unit configuration confirmation message, wherein the radio processing unit configuration confirmation message includes configuration for the packet data convergence protocol media layer.

10. A device for communication, comprising: At least one processor; as well as At least one memory, the at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code being configured together with the processor such that the device performs at least the following: In response to receiving the handover request message, the target distributed unit receives a radio processing unit configuration request for at least one user equipment. In response to the radio processing unit configuration request, the packet data convergence protocol media layer is configured to be co-located within the target distributed unit; as well as The target distributed unit sends at least one radio processing unit configuration confirmation message, wherein the radio processing unit configuration confirmation message includes configuration data for the packet data convergence protocol media layer.

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