Dual Connectivity Bearer Selection via Capability Signaling

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is no framework to appropriately control the dual connectivity scheme when multiple user plane architectures are available in existing mobile communication systems.

Innovation Solution

A master base station and user equipment are configured to select between SCG and split bearers based on capability information, with the master base station determining the appropriate user plane architecture for dual connectivity operations by considering network and user equipment conditions, allowing for flexible resource allocation and improved throughput.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple user plane architectures are available in dual connectivity, then flexibility and adaptability are improved, but device complexity and control difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser plane architecture selection flexibilityVSAvoidcontrol framework complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically selects between SCG bearer and split bearer architectures based on real-time capability information exchange between UE and base station. The UE reports its support for SCG/split bearers, and the base station adapts the bearer configuration accordingly, making the system flexible without requiring complex static control frameworks

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the operational parameters of the dual connectivity system by introducing capability information parameters that indicate UE support for SCG bearer and split bearer. Based on these parameter values, the system selects the appropriate bearer architecture, enabling adaptability through parameter-based control rather than complex structural frameworks

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If SCG bearer and split bearer are both configured to user equipment, then bearer diversity and reliability are improved, but processing load and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebearer configuration reliabilityVSAvoidbearer configuration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of always configuring both SCG bearer and split bearer, the system applies partial action by configuring only the bearer type that the UE supports according to its capability information. This avoids unnecessary complexity while maintaining reliability through appropriate bearer selection rather than universal configuration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The invention inverts the traditional approach by having the UE report what it does NOT support (through capability information) and configuring only the supported bearer type. This inversion simplifies the configuration process by avoiding the need to manage both bearer types simultaneously, reducing complexity while maintaining reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Data Source

PatentUS10925106B2Mobile communication system, control apparatus, base station, and user terminal supporting dual connectivity

Publication Date: 2021.02.16 KYOCERA CORP

AI summary

An MBS (master base station), UE (user equipment) and method operate using dual connectivity where the UE is connected to an MBS and a SBS (secondary base station). Capability information is transmitted to the MBS by the UE and indicates whether the UE supports a SCG (Secondary Cell Group) bearer and whether the UE supports a split bearer split in a PDCP (Packet Data Convergence Protocol) layer of the MBS. The UE receives from the MBS a message configuring, but not simultaneously configuring, either the SCG bearer or the split bearer to the UE. Radio protocols of the SCG bearer are only located in the SBS, and radio protocols of the split bearer are located in both the MBS and the SBS. One split path of the split bearer goes via the SBS and another split path of the split bearer goes via the MBS and not via the SBS.