gNB-CU-UP PDCP Entity Configuration for Centralized Traffic Convergence
Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge of implementing effective configuration of gNB-CU-UP protocol entities in 5G wireless communications systems, particularly in managing the separation of control plane and user plane data through the fronthaul interface, has not been adequately addressed.
Innovation Solution
An entity configuration method and gNB-CU-UP device that acquires and configures PDCP entities using specified information via the Xn interface, enabling centralized traffic convergence by managing PDU sessions and user plane configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If control plane and user plane data are processed in a single centralized unit, then system complexity is reduced, but transmission capacity and bandwidth requirements of the fronthaul interface increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the gNB-CU into two separate units: gNB-CU-CP (control plane) and gNB-CU-UP (user plane). This segmentation allows control plane functions to be centralized while user plane functions can be distributed, thereby reducing the transmission capacity requirements of the fronthaul interface while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the user plane PDCP entity from the control plane PDCP entity, creating separate gNB-CU-UP and gNB-CU-CP units. This extraction enables independent configuration and management of user plane data processing, reducing the burden on the fronthaul interface transmission capacity while keeping the control plane centralized.
2Quantity of substance
If fronthaul interface transmission capacity is reduced by separating control and user plane, then deployment costs decrease, but configuration complexity of protocol entities increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service mechanisms where the gNB-CU-UP autonomously configures user plane PDCP entities based on received configuration information from the core network, without requiring manual intervention or complex coordination with the gNB-CU-CP. This self-service approach simplifies the overall configuration process despite the architectural separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a standardized configuration interface between the core network and the gNB-CU-UP that acts as an intermediary, simplifying the configuration process. This intermediary interface handles the complexity of protocol entity configuration internally while presenting a simplified interface to external systems.
3Quantity of substance
If user plane PDCP entity is separated from control plane, then fronthaul bandwidth requirements are reduced, but interface configuration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the Xn interface between gNB-CU-CP and gNB-CU-UP with universal configuration capabilities that can handle multiple types of protocol entity configurations through a unified interface. This multi-functional interface design reduces the complexity of configuring user plane PDCP entities despite the separation architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary configuration of user plane PDCP entities during the initial setup phase, where all necessary configuration parameters are pre-configured and stored. This preliminary action eliminates the need for complex real-time configuration operations, simplifying the interface configuration process while maintaining reduced fronthaul bandwidth requirements.
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided are an entity configuration method, device and system, a gNB-CU-User Plane (gNB-CU-UP). The entity configuration method includes: acquiring, through an Xn interface, specified information for configuring each packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) entity for processing a data radio bearer, where the Xn interface is an interface between a gNB-CU-Control Plane (gNB-CU-CP) and a gNB-CU-UP; and configuring the each PDCP entity according to the specified information. The present disclosure solves the problem of how to implement configuration of a gNB-CU-UP protocol entity and achieves centralized traffic convergence.