Dual Connect Wireless System Macro Small Cell Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless communication systems, particularly in Advanced-EUTRA, efficient switching of data transmission and reception control between macro and small cells is challenging, especially during carrier aggregation, where control information and user information need to be appropriately managed across different cells.
Innovation Solution
A wireless communication system and method that enables efficient switching of data transmission and reception control between macro and small cells by utilizing a dual connect procedure, involving a base station device and a mobile station device, which includes specific message exchanges and configuration steps to manage radio resources and handover processes effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If control information is transmitted from a macro cell and user information is transmitted from a small cell during carrier aggregation, then data transmission efficiency is improved, but the complexity of managing transmission and reception control between base stations increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control and user data transmission paths by introducing separate signaling mechanisms: RRC signaling for control information management and dedicated data bearers for user information. This segmentation allows independent optimization of control plane and user plane, resolving the contradiction between transmission efficiency and control complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary signaling mechanism (RRC reconfiguration messages and path switch requests) that mediates between the macro cell control function and small cell data transmission. This intermediary layer coordinates the dual-connect operation, reducing the direct complexity of managing control and user plane simultaneously.
2Reliability
If dual connect is implemented between macro and small cells, then communication performance is optimized, but the load on the interface between base station devices increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the control plane functions from the data transmission path by implementing separate signaling protocols. Control information is extracted and managed through RRC signaling between the macro cell and mobile station, while user data flows independently through small cell bearers. This extraction reduces the interface load by eliminating redundant control data transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements partial dual-connect operation where only necessary control functions are maintained at the macro cell while data transmission is offloaded to the small cell. This partial implementation optimizes communication performance for data-intensive applications while minimizing the control interface load.
3Adaptability or versatility
If switching of data transmission control between macro and small cells is implemented, then network flexibility is improved, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring transmission status increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms through RRC acknowledgment messages and path switch confirmation procedures. When switching data transmission control between macro and small cells, the mobile station provides feedback to confirm successful reconfiguration, and the macro cell receives confirmation from the small cell. This feedback loop enables reliable detection of transmission status changes despite the increased flexibility.
Data Source
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AI summary
According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a wireless communication system that performs communication of a first base station device and a second base station device with a terminal device through a plurality of cells, in which the first base station device notifies the second base station device of a request message including information regarding whether or not a data path for user data of the terminal device has been changed, and the second base station device changes the data path for the user data of the terminal device, based on the information regarding whether or not the data path has been changed.