Dual-Connectivity Base Station Flow Control Load Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

In Dual Connectivity configurations, the second base station (MeNB) faces increased processing load due to receiving numerous flow control signals from multiple first base stations, potentially undermining the intended throughput and communication speed enhancements.

Innovation Solution

The MeNB transmits information to the SeNB indicating whether flow control can be performed, allowing the SeNB to determine if a flow control signal is necessary, thereby eliminating the need for feedback and reducing processing load.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the MeNB receives flow control signals from multiple SeNBs to manage downlink data transmission, then the resource utilization of SeNBs is optimized, but the processing load at the MeNB increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresource utilizationVSAvoidprocessing load

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the flow control signal feedback function from the SeNB and relocates it to the UE. The SeNB no longer needs to send flow control signals to the MeNB; instead, the UE independently manages uplink resource allocation based on downlink data reception status and sends resource allocation information directly to the MeNB, eliminating unnecessary feedback loops and reducing MeNB processing load

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The UE acts as an intermediary between the SeNB and MeNB for flow control management. Rather than direct communication between SeNB and MeNB for flow control signals, the UE receives downlink data from SeNB, determines resource allocation needs, and communicates with MeNB, thereby simplifying the overall control architecture and reducing processing burden on the MeNB

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Speed

If the MeNB transmits downlink data to multiple SeNBs for distribution to UEs, then the communication speed and throughput are enhanced, but the number of flow control signals to be processed increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication speedVSAvoidnumber of flow control signals

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the flow control functions of multiple SeNBs into a single UE-based control entity. Instead of having each SeNB independently send flow control signals to the MeNB, the UE consolidates resource allocation decisions and communicates with the MeNB in a unified manner, reducing the total number of flow control signals while maintaining dual connectivity benefits

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The UE performs self-service in managing uplink resource allocation by independently determining resource needs based on downlink data reception from multiple SeNBs and directly communicating with the MeNB. This autonomous resource management at the UE eliminates the need for numerous SeNB-to-MeNB flow control signals, reducing signaling overhead while maintaining high communication speed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3544334B1Base stations and communication methods

Publication Date: 2026.04.01 NEC CORP

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AI summary

This wireless communication system has a first base station, and a second base station whereby downlink data received from a core network can be transmitted to a terminal via the second base station and the first base station. The second base station transmits, to the first base station, information that makes it possible to identify whether or not flow control can be carried out.