Buffer Status Report Processing in Inter-ENB Carrier Aggregation

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Solution Overview

Problem

In LTE systems with inter-ENB carrier aggregation, there is a challenge in efficiently processing Buffer Status Reports (BSR) from user equipment (UE) to evolved NodeBs (ENBs), particularly when UE is connected to multiple ENBs, leading to resource allocation inefficiencies.

Innovation Solution

A method for processing BSRs in UE and ENBs, where UE aggregates carriers from multiple ENBs and transmits BSRs to each ENB, allowing for dynamic resource allocation based on the reported buffer status, and includes a threshold-based mechanism to prevent duplicate reporting and optimize resource allocation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If UE transmits BSR to each ENB separately in inter-ENB carrier aggregation, then each ENB can allocate resources independently based on buffer status, but redundant information transmission occurs and resource allocation efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveIndependent resource allocation capabilityVSAvoidRedundant information transmission

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines BSR reporting from multiple ENBs into a single unified report transmitted to one ENB. Instead of each ENB receiving separate BSR transmissions from UE, the BSR information is merged and shared among all serving ENBs through the primary ENB, eliminating redundant transmissions while ensuring all ENBs have access to the buffer status information needed for resource allocation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Loss of information

If UE reports BSR to multiple ENBs simultaneously, then each ENB has complete buffer status information for resource allocation, but resource allocation inefficiency occurs due to duplicate reporting

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveBuffer status information availabilityVSAvoidResource allocation efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces the primary ENB as an intermediary that receives BSR from UE and distributes it to other serving ENBs. This mediator approach ensures all ENBs obtain complete buffer status information without requiring UE to transmit duplicate reports to each ENB individually, thus maintaining information availability while improving allocation efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If separate BSR reporting is used for each ENB, then resource allocation can be optimized per ENB, but the complexity of managing multiple BSR transmissions increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovePer-ENB resource allocation flexibilityVSAvoidBSR management complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal BSR reporting mechanism where a single BSR report serves all serving ENBs simultaneously. The primary ENB receives the unified BSR and distributes it to secondary ENBs, allowing each ENB to perform independent resource allocation based on the same buffer status information, thus maintaining per-ENB flexibility while reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3614769B1Methods and devices for processing buffer state report in wireless communication system using inter-ENB carrier aggregation technology

Publication Date: 2025.04.02 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

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AI summary

The present invention proposes a method of processing a buffer state report when a wireless communication system uses inter-eNB carrier aggregation technology. According to the present invention, a terminal may be provided with a proper amount of uplink resource allocations by notifying base stations of a buffer state.