Inter-RAT Configuration Coordination via Index Mediation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing LTE and NR systems face challenges in coordinating their configurations without requiring detailed knowledge of each other's capabilities, leading to potential limitations in user equipment capabilities and increased software/hardware compatibility requirements.
Innovation Solution
A method where the Master-eNB indicates its chosen configuration to the Secondary-eNB based on UE capabilities, allowing each node to select compatible configurations independently, with reference indexes and indications stored on communication network devices to facilitate dual connectivity operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If tight interworking coordination between LTE and NR systems is implemented, then dual connectivity operations can be achieved, but software/hardware compatibility requirements between eNBs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the configuration management by introducing separate configuration containers for LTE and NR systems, each with its own configuration index. The Master eNB manages LTE configurations while the Secondary eNB manages NR configurations, dividing the coordination complexity into independent manageable parts that reduce cross-system compatibility requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces configuration index information as an intermediary mechanism between LTE and NR systems. Instead of requiring direct detailed knowledge of each other's capabilities, eNBs exchange configuration index information that references pre-defined configuration sets, acting as a mediator that simplifies the coordination interface.
2Measurement precision
If detailed capability knowledge is exchanged between LTE and NR systems, then configuration coordination accuracy improves, but information overhead and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses configuration index information that references pre-defined configuration containers stored in both Master and Secondary eNBs. Instead of exchanging complete configuration details, systems exchange compact index references that point to identical configuration data stored locally at both ends, dramatically reducing information overhead while maintaining coordination accuracy.
3Adaptability or versatility
If independent configuration management is implemented for each RAT, then system adaptability improves, but configuration coordination difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal configuration index mechanism that works across both LTE and NR systems. The same configuration index structure and exchange protocol can be applied regardless of which RAT is Master or Secondary, providing a multi-functional coordination solution that maintains independence while enabling seamless interworking between different RAT configurations.
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus and method comprising: determining by a first network node of a user equipment that a user equipment is to be dual connected to the first network node and a second network node; identify at least one radio configuration supported by the first network node from communication capability information of the user equipment; sending information to the second network node, the information comprising the capability information and the at least one radio configuration supported by the first network node; and in response to the sending, receiving from the second network node an indication of a chosen at least one radio configuration of the at least one supported radio configuration for use in the dual connection.