Dual Connectivity Data Flow Setup via Primary Node Mediation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radio communication systems face challenges in efficiently managing data flows between user equipment and nodes in dual connectivity scenarios, particularly in high traffic areas where small cells are deployed, due to non-ideal backhaul conditions and the need for effective traffic offloading from macro cells to small cells.
Innovation Solution
A method is introduced to determine and select the primary or secondary node for transmitting data flows based on quality of service parameters and radio conditions, allowing for the setup and modification of bearers in dual connectivity systems without a direct link between the mobility management entity and the secondary node, using the primary node for delivery of setup and modification data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If dual connectivity is implemented to enable traffic offloading from macro cells to small cells, then network capacity and handling of high traffic areas is improved, but device complexity and data flow management complexity increases due to non-ideal backhaul conditions and multiple connection paths
Solution Approach 1:
The macro cell eNB acts as an intermediary node that relays data flows between the small cell eNB and the core network. When the MME cannot directly communicate with the secondary node, the primary node (macro cell eNB) serves as a mediator to deliver setup and modification data, simplifying the overall architecture while maintaining dual connectivity capabilities.
2Area of stationary object
If small cells are deployed with non-ideal backhaul to provide dual connectivity support, then coverage and capacity in high traffic areas is improved, but reliability and data flow management becomes more difficult due to latency and connection stability issues
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by establishing the primary connection through the macro cell eNB before activating secondary connections to small cells. The macro cell eNB pre-configures relay paths and maintains ready-state connections, ensuring that if backhaul issues occur, data flows can be seamlessly managed through the pre-established primary node connection.
3Measurement precision
If the mobility management entity requires direct links to all nodes for bearer setup, then control and management precision is improved, but device complexity and network architecture complexity increases when secondary nodes are involved
Solution Approach 1:
The control function is segmented between the MME and the primary node. The MME maintains direct control links only with the primary node (macro cell eNB), while the primary node handles communication with secondary nodes. This segmentation reduces the number of direct links required from the MME while maintaining precise control through the hierarchical management structure.
Data Source
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Figure 3(A)~3(B)
AI summary
A method, in a radio communication system, for setup or modification of data flows between user equipment in dual connectivity with a primary node and a secondary node of the system, comprising 1receiving a bearer request for a data flow from a mobility management entity of the system; determining, at a core network or radio access network node of the system or at a network management node for the system located outside of the core network, if the data flow is to be transmitted to the user equipment (UE) via the primary or secondary nodes; selecting the primary or secondary node for transmitting the data flow to the user equipment; and transmitting the data flow to the user equipment via the selected node.