Dual Connectivity BSR Transmission via P-Cell Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In dual connectivity scenarios, user equipment (UE) connected to two eNBs simultaneously faces ambiguity regarding which base station to transmit buffer status reports (BSR) and scheduling requests (SR), leading to unclear uplink scheduling handling in current LTE systems.
Innovation Solution
A method is provided to indicate the correct cell location for BSR transmission, allowing UE to transmit BSR and SR to either the master eNB or secondary eNB, or both in an alternating manner, with specific signaling protocols guiding the process to ensure proper handling of split bearers and radio link control status.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If UE is connected to two eNBs simultaneously in dual connectivity mode, then network coverage and data transmission capacity are improved, but it becomes unclear which eNB the UE should transmit buffer status report and scheduling request to
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the BSR and SR transmission targets by introducing the concept of P-cell (primary cell) and S-cell (secondary cell). The UE transmits BSR and SR only to the P-cell, while data transmission can occur through both P-cell and S-cell. This segmentation resolves the ambiguity by clearly designating which eNB receives control plane reports.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces the P-cell as an intermediary that mediates between the UE and the S-cell. The P-cell receives BSR and SR from the UE, processes this information, and coordinates with the S-cell for data transmission. This intermediary role clarifies the transmission path for control plane messages.
2Device complexity
If traditional BSR and SR procedures are used in dual connectivity scenarios, then protocol simplicity is maintained, but uplink scheduling handling becomes unresolved and unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating the functionality of P-cell and S-cell. The P-cell is configured with full control plane functionality including BSR and SR reception, while the S-cell is configured primarily for data transmission. This localized functional differentiation ensures reliable uplink scheduling without requiring complex protocol changes across all cells.
3Loss of information
If UE transmits BSR to both eNBs simultaneously, then information completeness is improved, but transmission overhead and processing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the control plane reporting function (BSR and SR transmission) from the S-cell and concentrates it in the P-cell. This extraction eliminates redundant transmissions while ensuring complete buffer status information is reported through the designated P-cell, reducing overhead without sacrificing information completeness.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, apparatus and computer program product are provided to receive, at a user equipment, an indication providing a cell location to which the user equipment, operating in a dual connectivity mode, should transmit a buffer status report for one or more bearers, the cell location being one of a first location, a second location, or a first location and second location and in response to being triggered, causing buffer status report to be transmitted to the location provided in the indication. In some embodiments, the bearer may be a split bearer. In some embodiments, the indication may be provided by RRC signaling, MAC signaling or physical layer signaling.