5G RAN Switching Between Carrier Aggregation and Dual Connectivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is currently no standardized mechanism for dynamically switching between Carrier Aggregation (CA) and Dual Connectivity (DC) operations in 5G cellular networks, and no mechanism to make decisions for User Equipment (UEs) based on desired operating conditions or criteria, leading to inefficiencies in network performance.
Innovation Solution
Implement systems and methods for dynamic carrier aggregation and dual connectivity switching in 5G networks, utilizing a network intelligence layer or RAN resources to make decisions based on UE capabilities, channel conditions, and inter-DU link availability to switch between CA and DC dynamically.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If Carrier Aggregation is implemented across cells managed by different DUs using vendor-specific interfaces, then data rates and spectral efficiency are improved, but inter-vendor communication is not possible and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by creating a standardized interface that enables multiple functions: intra-vendor communication, inter-vendor communication, and support for both Carrier Aggregation and Dual Connectivity modes. This universal interface replaces vendor-specific proprietary interfaces, allowing different equipment vendors to interoperate while maintaining CA performance benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a standardized interface as an intermediary layer between DUs that need to communicate for CA operations. This intermediary standardized protocol enables message exchange for resource allocation, scheduling, and coordination without requiring vendor-specific implementations, thus reducing complexity while maintaining productivity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If Dual Connectivity is used to avoid inter-DU communication requirements, then vendor compatibility is improved, but network performance and data rates are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by enabling the network to dynamically switch between CA and DC modes based on operational conditions, inter-DU link availability, and performance requirements. This dynamic adaptability allows the system to use CA for optimal performance when conditions permit, and fall back to DC for vendor compatibility when needed, thus resolving the contradiction between performance and compatibility.
3Reliability
If Carrier Aggregation uses lower frequency carriers for uplink, then connection stability is improved, but bandwidth and capacity are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different frequency characteristics to different link directions: lower frequency carriers are used for uplink to provide connection stability and better propagation, while higher frequency carriers with greater bandwidth are used for downlink to maximize capacity and data rates. This localized optimization of frequency usage for each transmission direction resolves the contradiction between stability and bandwidth.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments are directed towards systems and methods for carrier aggregation and dual connectivity switching in a cellular network (e.g., a 5G network). Example embodiments include systems and methods for: the RAN functions supporting providing measuring and reporting particular items for dynamic carrier aggregation and dual connectivity switching; RAN dynamic carrier aggregation and dual connectivity switching with a network intelligence layer; RAN dynamic carrier aggregation and dual connectivity switching without a network intelligence layer; RAN dynamic carrier aggregation and dual connectivity switching based on availability of an inter-DU link and meeting latency/bandwidth criteria; RAN dynamic carrier aggregation and dual connectivity switching based on availability of an inter-DU link and meeting resource criteria; and prioritization for using CA instead of DC based on CQI information reported from UEs.