Inter-DU Multi-TRP Signaling via Control Plane Node
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current communication networks face challenges in implementing inter-DU multi-TRP (Transmission Reception Point) operations due to the lack of a DU-DU interface in 5G architecture, leading to overhead and delays in control plane signaling and user plane data transmission between distributed units.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves configuring an apparatus with processors and memory to manage inter-DU multi-TRP operations by using a control plane node for signaling and a user plane node for data transmission, allowing for data split and scheduling adjustments between serving and assisting cells, and implementing a DU-DU interface for direct data forwarding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If inter-DU multi-TRP operations are implemented without a DU-DU interface, then existing 5G architecture is maintained, but signaling overhead and delays increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control plane node acts as an intermediary between distributed units, relaying control plane signaling messages to enable inter-DU multi-TRP operations without requiring a direct DU-DU interface. This mediator approach maintains architectural simplicity while reducing signaling delays by providing a dedicated coordination path.
Solution Approach 2:
The system separates control plane and user plane functionalities into distinct nodes and interfaces. Control plane signaling between DUs is handled through the control plane node, while user plane data transmission uses direct user plane links, dividing the communication path to optimize for different types of traffic and reduce overall signaling overhead.
2Ease of operation
If control plane signaling is used for inter-DU communication, then configuration and management is enabled, but overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The signaling overhead is reduced by segmenting control plane and user plane communications. Control plane nodes handle only configuration and management signaling, while user plane data flows through dedicated user plane links, preventing data traffic from consuming control plane resources and reducing overall signaling overhead.
Solution Approach 2:
The control plane node serves as an intermediary that consolidates and manages control plane signaling between multiple distributed units. This centralized coordination reduces redundant signaling messages by allowing a single node to manage the configuration state for multiple DUs involved in multi-TRP operations.
3Productivity
If user plane data is transmitted between distributed units, then data forwarding is enabled, but additional interfaces would be required
Solution Approach 1:
The user plane node is designed with multi-functionality, handling both local user plane processing and inter-DU data forwarding through existing standardized interfaces. This universal design allows the same node to perform multiple functions without requiring specialized additional interfaces, maintaining productivity while controlling complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The user plane node acts as an intermediary for data forwarding between distributed units, using existing standardized interfaces rather than requiring new proprietary interfaces. This mediator approach enables efficient data transmission while leveraging already-standardized communication protocols and interface definitions.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes circuitry configured to transmit downlink data to a user equipment for at least one serving cell and at least one assisting cell; receive uplink data from the user equipment; wherein the serving cell is hosted with a serving distributed node, and the assisting cell hosted with an assisting distributed node; transmit control plane signaling, to configure and manage inter distributed unit multi transmission reception point operation, from the serving node to the assisting node using a control plane node, and transmit control plane signaling from the assisting node to the serving node using the control plane node; and transmit user plane data from the serving node to the assisting node using a user plane node for downlink multi transmission reception point operation, and transmit user plane data from the assisting node to the serving node using the user plane node for uplink multi transmission reception point operation.