Dual Connectivity SeNB Configuration via MAC CE Confirmation
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a procedure to manage radio resource configuration between a Master eNB (MeNB) and a Secondary eNB (SeNB) to enable setup, modification, or handover of a User Equipment (UE) bearer, where radio resources are provided by the SeNB different from the MeNB that hosts the RRC connection and core network connection, ensuring dual connectivity in wireless communication systems.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the UE, SeNB, and MeNB, where the UE receives and confirms a SeNB configuration from the MeNB, and the SeNB selects and sends its radio resource configuration to the MeNB, with confirmation and application processes involving Medium Access Control (MAC) Control Elements (CEs) to ensure proper configuration and quality of service (QoS) requirements are met.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If dual connectivity is implemented with separate MeNB and SeNB for radio resources, then network capacity and spectral efficiency are improved, but system complexity and coordination overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the eNB functionality into two separate entities: MeNB (Master eNB) that hosts the RRC connection and core network connection, and SeNB (Secondary eNB) that provides radio resources. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each node's function while maintaining dual connectivity, thereby increasing network capacity without requiring a complete system redesign.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary coordination mechanism where the MeNB acts as the primary coordinator for the UE, while the SeNB provides supplementary radio resources. The intermediary X2 interface between MeNB and SeNB enables coordinated resource allocation and configuration management, allowing the system to handle increased capacity requirements through structured inter-node communication.
2Manufacturing precision
If SeNB configuration is negotiated between MeNB and SeNB, then radio resource allocation accuracy is improved, but signaling overhead and configuration time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by having the MeNB pre-configure the SeNB with necessary radio resource parameters before actual data transmission begins. The SeNB configuration is prepared and negotiated in advance through the X2 interface, allowing the UE to quickly activate pre-configured resources when needed, thereby reducing configuration time while maintaining allocation accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where the MeNB receives configuration status reports from the SeNB and adjusts the negotiation process accordingly. The UE provides feedback on its capabilities and resource requirements, enabling the MeNB and SeNB to optimize the configuration parameters iteratively, achieving accurate resource allocation while minimizing unnecessary signaling exchanges.
3Reliability
If UE confirms SeNB configuration via MAC CE, then configuration reliability is improved, but processing overhead and latency increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the configuration confirmation process into the existing MAC layer operations by utilizing MAC Control Elements (CEs) that are already part of the uplink transmission framework. Instead of introducing separate confirmation signaling, the UE embeds configuration acknowledgment information within regular MAC CE structures, thereby ensuring reliable configuration confirmation while avoiding additional processing latency from separate confirmation procedures.
Data Source
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AI summary
A UE, a SeNB and a MeNB are provided as well as respective method performed thereby for modifying a radio resource configuration of the SeNB with respect to the UE, currently being connected to the MeNB, wherein the UE, the SeNB and the MeNB are operable in a wireless communication system, the wireless communication system being adapted to provide for dual connectivity between the UE and the MeNB, and between the UE and the SeNB. The method performed by the UE comprises receiving (2310), from the MeNB, a SeNB configuration for the radio resource of the SeNB with respects to the UE; and sending (2320) a confirmation to the SeNB, confirming the received SeNB configuration. The method further comprises applying (2340) the received SeNB configuration for the radio resource configuration of the SeNB.