Central Unit Data Volume Reporting in EN-DC Dual Connectivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
The Secondary RAT Data Usage Report function in EN-DC has not been specified, particularly for an en-gNB acting as a secondary node to report data usage to a master node in dual connectivity scenarios.
Innovation Solution
A mechanism is provided where a central unit in a first base station, hosting the PDCP layer, connects to a distributed unit via an interface and transmits data volume information to a second unit, enabling the reporting of data usage from a secondary node to a master node through specific messaging protocols and interfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the Secondary RAT Data Usage Report function is implemented in EN-DC, then data usage reporting from secondary node to master node is enabled, but the mechanism for obtaining data amount at the secondary node is not specified
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a data amount obtaining mechanism as an intermediary component at the secondary node (en-gNB). This mediator enables the secondary node to acquire data usage information and transmit it to the master node through standardized interfaces, resolving the implementation gap without complicating the overall EN-DC architecture.
2Productivity
If data volume information is transmitted between central unit and distributed unit, then data usage reporting is enabled, but additional interfaces and messaging protocols are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent leverages existing universal interfaces (F1 for CU-DU communication, X2 for base station connectivity) to enable data usage reporting. By making these interfaces multi-functional (supporting both traditional functions and data volume reporting), the system achieves improved productivity without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the data transmission parameters and messaging protocols at the protocol layer, enabling data volume information to be carried over existing interfaces. This approach allows enhanced reporting capability while maintaining interface compatibility, thus improving productivity without significant complexity increase.
Data Source
AI summary
In order to make it possible to report an amount of data from a secondary node (SN) to a master node (MN) in dual connectivity, there is provided a first unit according to the present disclosure which is a first unit of a central unit of a first base station. The first unit includes a controller and a transceiver. The central unit is configured to host at least PDCP layer in the first base station; and is connected to a distributed unit via a first interface, the distributed unit hosting RLC, MAC and PHY layers in the first base station. The controller is configured to host at least a user plane of the PDCP layer hosted by the central unit; and the transceiver is configured to transmit, to a second unit via a second interface, first information indicative of a volume of data processed by the first unit. The second unit is configured to host at least a control plane of the PDCP layer hosted by the central unit.