Bearer Configuration in MR-DC Networks
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In multi-radio access technology-dual connectivity (MR-DC) systems, ensuring the validity of bearer configuration for quality of service (QoS) flows in PDU sessions is challenging, particularly when a node lacks a default data radio bearer (DRB), leading to difficulties in mapping QoS flows to bearers.
Innovation Solution
A method for bearer configuration in MR-DC networks involves nodes exchanging request messages with indication information to determine whether to configure a default DRB, ensuring each QoS flow is mapped to a DRB through negotiation between the master node (MN) and secondary node (SN), with specific protocols governing the configuration of at most one default DRB per PDU session.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a node does not have a default DRB configured, then the bearer configuration flexibility is improved, but the QoS flow mapping reliability deteriorates because QoS flows cannot find a corresponding bearer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the master node determine in advance whether to configure a default DRB at the secondary node before QoS flow mapping is needed. The master node sends indication information to the secondary node to pre-configure the default DRB, ensuring that when QoS flows need mapping, a valid bearer configuration already exists. This resolves the contradiction by proactively establishing the bearer configuration to prevent mapping failures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback through the exchange of indication information between the master node and secondary node. The master node sends indication information to the secondary node regarding whether to configure a default DRB, and the secondary node responds by configuring or not configuring the default DRB based on this indication. This feedback loop ensures that the bearer configuration status is synchronized and known to both nodes, maintaining mapping reliability while allowing flexible configuration decisions.
2Device complexity
If at most one default DRB is configured per PDU session, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability deteriorates when multiple nodes need default bearers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the master node as an intermediary to coordinate default DRB configuration across multiple nodes. The master node receives indication information, determines the configuration decision, and communicates this to the secondary node. This intermediary role allows the system to maintain the one default DRB per PDU session rule while achieving multi-node adaptability through centralized coordination. The master node mediates between the protocol constraint and the need for flexible multi-node operation.
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~6
Figure 7~8
AI summary
Embodiments of this application provide a bearer configuration method and apparatus, and a network device. The method includes: receiving, by a first node, a first request message sent by a second node, the first request message carrying first indication information, and the first indication information being used for deciding, by the first node, whether to configure a default bearer, where the first node and the second node are a secondary node and a master node in a dual connectivity network respectively.