Terminal Apparatus DRB-EPS Identity Mapping for Multi-RAT Dual Connectivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity of protocol processing between E-UTRA and NR radio access technologies in Multi-RAT Dual Connectivity scenarios hinders efficient communication between base station apparatuses and terminal apparatuses due to differences in communication protocols.
Innovation Solution
A terminal apparatus and base station apparatus configuration that includes a receiver for receiving RRC reconfiguration messages with DRB configurations, associating DRBs with EPS identities, and processing units to manage DRB configurations, enabling efficient communication by aligning DRB identities with EPS bearer identities during RRC reconfiguration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If Multi-RAT Dual Connectivity is implemented to enable communication with both E-UTRA and NR base stations, then communication versatility is improved, but protocol processing complexity increases due to format and function differences between E-UTRA and NR communication protocols
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mapping mechanism that translates between E-UTRA DRB identities and NR DRB identities through EPS bearer identities. This mediator layer handles the protocol format differences between E-UTRA and NR, allowing seamless dual connectivity without requiring complex direct protocol translation between the two RATs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the DRB configuration into distinct identity components (EPS bearer identity, E-UTRA DRB identity, NR DRB identity) that can be independently managed and mapped. This segmentation allows the system to handle different protocol formats separately while maintaining overall coordination through the mapping relationships.
2Productivity
If DRB configuration includes both DRB identity and EPS bearer identity in RRC reconfiguration messages, then communication efficiency is improved through proper identity association, but message processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary association between DRB identities and EPS bearer identities during the RRC reconfiguration process. By establishing these mappings in advance through structured message processing, the system avoids complex real-time protocol translations during data transmission, thereby improving overall communication efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal mapping framework that works across both E-UTRA and NR protocols using the common EPS bearer identity as a reference. This multi-functional approach allows the same mapping mechanism to serve both RATs, reducing the need for separate processing logic for each protocol.
Data Source
AI summary
A terminal apparatus for communicating with one or more base station apparatuses, the terminal apparatus including: a receiver configured to receive an RRC reconfiguration message including a DRB configuration from the one or more base station apparatuses, the DRB configuration including a DRB identity and an EPS bearer identity; and a processing unit configured to associate a DRB established with the EPS identity in a case that the DRB identity is not part of a current configuration of the terminal apparatus, the terminal apparatus is configured with EN-DC, and the DRB was configured for the EPS bearer identity before the RRC reconfiguration message is received.