LTE-NR SCG Split Bearer Resource Allocation Failure Handling

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Solution Overview

Problem

The current LTE network architecture faces challenges in efficiently managing resource allocation for SCG Split bearer configurations in LTE NR interworking scenarios, particularly in cases where resource allocation failures occur, leading to disruptions in dual connectivity operations.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a method that modifies SCG Split bearer configurations to handle resource allocation failures by allowing the secondary node (SgNB) to configure SCG bearers independently, with mechanisms for alternative configurations such as Minimum Guaranteed Bit Rate (Min-GBR) and SCG-Split-bearer release, ensuring seamless operation without impacting overall procedures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the master node device allocates resources for SCG Split bearer configurations, then the bearer configuration can be established, but resource allocation failures occur leading to disruptions in dual connectivity operations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedual connectivity operation continuityVSAvoidresource allocation management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the bearer configuration into two independent parts: SCG bearer configuration (handled by secondary node) and MCG bearer configuration (handled by master node). This segmentation allows the secondary node to configure SCG bearers independently without requiring resource allocation from the master node, thereby eliminating resource allocation failures while maintaining dual connectivity operation continuity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If the secondary node configures SCG bearers independently with alternative configurations, then resource allocation failures are handled seamlessly, but the configuration complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation continuity during resource allocation failureVSAvoidconfiguration management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by having the secondary node prepare alternative configurations (Min-GBR and SCG-Split-bearer release) in advance. When resource allocation failures occur, these pre-prepared alternatives can be immediately activated without requiring complex real-time decision-making or additional signaling, thus maintaining ease of operation while managing configuration complexity through advance preparation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If alternative configurations such as Min-GBR and SCG-Split-bearer release are implemented, then throughput is optimized during resource allocation failure, but the system requires additional configuration options

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethroughput during resource allocation failureVSAvoidnumber of configuration options
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by modifying bearer configuration parameters to create alternative configurations. The Min-GBR configuration changes the guaranteed bit rate parameter, while the SCG-Split-bearer release configuration changes the bearer type parameter. These parameter-based alternatives allow the system to optimize throughput under different resource allocation scenarios without requiring fundamentally different configuration structures, thus managing the complexity of multiple configuration options.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3422799B1LTE-NR interworking procedure for SCG split bearer configurations
Publication Date: 2020.08.05 NOKIA SOLUTIONS & NETWORKS OY
  • EP3422799B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3422799B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3422799B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method including, sending, from a master node device, a secondary node (SN)-Addition-Request message to a secondary node device, wherein the SN-Addition-Request message includes a list of secondary cell group (SCG) bearers to be configured, receiving an SN-Addition-Response message based on the SN-Addition-Request message, wherein the SN-Addition-Response message includes at least one configuration for a split bearer and a secondary configuration that corresponds to a release of the split bearer. The method also includes determining whether the master node device is able to allocate resources for the at least one configuration for the split bearer, sending, to at least one user equipment, a long term evolution radio resource control (LTE RRC) message based on the determination whether the master node device is able to allocate resources for the least one configuration for the split bearer, and sending an SN reconfiguration complete message to the secondary node device.