CSG Access Control in Dual-Connection LTE Architecture

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is no effective method for controlling Closed Subscriber Group (CSG) access in dual-connection architectures, particularly in scenarios involving Home eNBs, which are critical for ensuring proper user equipment (UE) access and mobility in LTE networks.

Innovation Solution

A method and system for controlling CSG access in dual-connection architectures, where a base station acquires CSG identity state information from the Mobile Management Entity (MME) or directly from the UE, determines the CSG access policy, and manages the addition or refusal of Secondary eNBs based on this information to ensure authorized access.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If small base stations are densely deployed to improve data rate and spectral efficiency, then system capacity and coverage are improved, but handover failure probability increases and service continuity is influenced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata rateVSAvoidservice continuity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the base station functionality into Master eNB (MeNB) and Secondary eNB (SeNB) roles. The MeNB maintains RRC connection and provides coverage guarantee, while the SeNB provides additional data rate through dual connection. This segmentation allows the system to maintain service continuity through the MeNB while achieving high data rates through the SeNB, resolving the contradiction between productivity and reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If dual-connection architecture is implemented to improve data rate, then spectral efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespectral efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the control plane functions in the MeNB while keeping user plane functions distributed between MeNB and SeNB. The MeNB handles RRC connection, mobility management, and control signaling, while the SeNB focuses on data transmission. This merging of control functions simplifies the overall system complexity compared to fully distributed architecture, while still achieving high spectral efficiency through dual connection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If CSG access control is implemented in dual-connection architecture, then access security is improved, but there is no effective control method available

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess securityVSAvoidcontrol method availability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces the MeNB as an intermediary that mediates CSG access control between the UE and the SeNB. The MeNB verifies CSG membership status and controls the addition of SeNB based on CSG access policies. This intermediary approach enables effective CSG access control in dual-connection architecture, where the MeNB acts as the control point for managing SeNB addition according to CSG subscription information.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3133864B1Method and system for controlling access of CSG in dual-connection architecture

Publication Date: 2023.06.21 ZTE CORP

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AI summary

The present invention discloses a method and a system for controlling access of a Closed Subscriber Group (CSG) in a dual-connection architecture. The method includes: a base station acquiring CSG identity state information of a user equipment (UE); and the base station determining a CSG access policy of the UE according to the acquired CSG identity state information of the UE.