LTE Wi-Fi Dual Connectivity via PDCP Split Bearer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current LTE Dual Connectivity (DC) systems do not effectively utilize existing Wi-Fi infrastructure, leading to inefficient use of wireless network services and integration with LTE.
Innovation Solution
Implementing dual wireless connectivity models, such as Split Bearer and Dual Bearer, which leverage the Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) layer for channel aggregation and Wi-Fi convergence protocols to enable efficient use of both licensed and unlicensed channels, allowing LTE to work alongside Wi-Fi for enhanced network performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If LTE Dual Connectivity is implemented using only LTE eNodeBs, then LTE network coverage and connectivity are improved, but Wi-Fi infrastructure cannot be utilized and network efficiency is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges LTE and Wi-Fi networks by integrating a Wi-Fi access point into the LTE eNodeB architecture. The eNodeB establishes both an LTE connection and a Wi-Fi connection with the user device, combining two separate wireless technologies into a unified dual-connectivity system. This allows the LTE network to leverage existing Wi-Fi infrastructure while maintaining LTE control plane functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The eNodeB is designed to perform multiple functions by supporting both traditional LTE eNodeB operations and Wi-Fi access point functionality. It can simultaneously manage LTE bearers and Wi-Fi connections, acting as both an LTE base station and a Wi-Fi gateway, thereby increasing its versatility and ability to utilize diverse network resources.
2Adaptability or versatility
If time-division multiplexing is used between LTE and Wi-Fi in unlicensed spectrum, then spectrum sharing is achieved, but Wi-Fi infrastructure efficiency is not optimized and integration remains inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the data transmission by creating separate bearers for LTE and Wi-Fi connections. Different data flows are assigned to different access networks based on traffic requirements, application type, and network conditions. This segmentation allows efficient utilization of both LTE licensed spectrum and Wi-Fi unlicensed spectrum without forcing time-division multiplexing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically selects and switches between LTE and Wi-Fi connections based on real-time network conditions, traffic requirements, and available resources. The eNodeB can activate or deactivate Wi-Fi connections as needed, and can dynamically allocate bandwidth and resources across both networks to optimize overall network productivity and Wi-Fi infrastructure efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A first network device may operate as a base station in a wireless wide area network (WWAN) and may establish a WWAN connection with a user device. A media access control (MAC) address of the user device may be obtained and sent to a second network device which operates an access point for a wireless local area network (WLAN). An acknowledgement containing a first service set identifier of the WLAN may be received from the second network device and sent to the user device to set up a secondary connection. An identifier for ordered data communication may used to enable in order communication through both the first and the second network devices. Data to be transmitted to the user device may be split into a first portion and a second portion, and transmitted through the WWAN connection and to the second network device for transmission to the user device via the WLAN respectively.