Dual Connectivity Traffic Offloading Bearer Modification
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Solution Overview
Problem
In radio communication systems with dual connectivity, existing technologies face challenges in efficiently managing traffic offloading between macro cells and small cells, leading to data interruptions during bearer modifications, as legacy handover procedures are not suitable for dual connectivity scenarios.
Innovation Solution
A method is introduced where a user equipment (UE) in dual connectivity with a primary and secondary node ceases data transmission from the secondary node after a predefined period or upon receipt of specific messages, initiating data transmission from the primary node, thereby minimizing data plane interruptions during bearer modifications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If dual connectivity is implemented to offload traffic from macro cells to small cells, then capacity needs in high traffic areas are met, but data interruptions occur during bearer modifications
Solution Approach 1:
The system initiates bearer modification procedures in advance and implements a coordinated cessation mechanism where the secondary node stops data transmission upon receiving modification requests, before the primary node fully establishes the new bearer. This preliminary action prevents data loss and interruptions during the transition period.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a coordination mechanism between the primary node and secondary node that acts as an intermediary control system. The primary node sends cessation requests to the secondary node, which then stops data transmission accordingly. This intermediary coordination ensures seamless handover without data loss.
2Ease of manufacture
If legacy handover procedures are used for dual connectivity scenarios, then implementation is straightforward, but they are not suitable for managing traffic offloading between macro cells and small cells
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the handover procedure into distinct phases: bearer modification initiation, data transmission cessation, and new bearer establishment. Each phase is handled by specific nodes (primary or secondary) with defined responsibilities, making the complex dual connectivity handover manageable while maintaining adaptability to traffic offloading scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the handover procedure based on the dual connectivity scenario. Unlike static legacy procedures, the patent implements dynamic bearer modification where the secondary node can be added or modified during an ongoing connection, allowing flexible traffic offloading while maintaining connection continuity.
3Reliability
If data transmission continues from the secondary node after bearer modification, then no data loss occurs, but redundant data transmission increases network load and causes confusion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the primary node monitors bearer modification status and sends cessation requests to the secondary node. The secondary node receives this feedback and stops data transmission accordingly, ensuring complete data transfer through the primary node while avoiding redundant transmissions that would waste network resources.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method, in a radio communication system, for initiating data transmission on a user plane between user equipment (UE) in dual connectivity with a primary node and a secondary node of the system after bearer modification, comprising transmitting a request for traffic offloading from the secondary node to the primary node, the request originating from either of the primary or secondary nodes, ceasing transmission to the UE from the secondary node in response to a first predefined parameter or action; and initiating data transmission to the UE from the primary node over a radio interface of the system in response to a second predefined parameter or action.