LTE-WLAN Aggregation Link Failure Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
The integration of LTE and WLAN systems for data aggregation faces challenges such as unknown procedures for enabling/disabling WLAN functions, header compression protocol resets, and resource wastage due to unacknowledged packets, particularly during radio link failures.
Innovation Solution
A communication device and method that includes a processing unit configured to execute instructions for managing LTE-WLAN aggregation by establishing connections, performing RRC connection reestablishment, suspending communications, and generating encryption keys to handle disconnections and handovers, ensuring proper operation and resource management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If LTE-WLAN aggregation is implemented to increase data rate, then throughput is improved, but system complexity and operational difficulty increase due to unknown procedures for enabling/disabling WLAN functions, header compression protocol resets, and handling radio link failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the aggregation system into distinct functional modules: a determining module that identifies when to suspend WLAN communication, and a suspending module that executes the suspension. This modular segmentation allows independent management of LTE and WLAN protocols, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining aggregation benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by determining and suspending WLAN communication before RRC connection reestablishment or handover occurs. By proactively suspending WLAN transmission prior to LTE state changes, the system prevents header compression protocol mismatches and packet processing errors, thereby reducing operational complexity.
2Reliability
If RRC connection reestablishment or handover is performed on LTE network, then connection reliability is improved, but WLAN communication continuity is disrupted causing packet loss and resource wastage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary anti-action by suspending WLAN communication in advance before RRC connection reestablishment or handover. This preemptive suspension prevents the harmful effect of transmitting packets that would be lost due to subsequent LTE state changes, thereby avoiding resource wastage while maintaining connection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses feedback mechanisms where the determining module monitors LTE network state changes and provides feedback to the suspending module. When RRC connection reestablishment or handover is detected, the feedback triggers immediate WLAN suspension, creating a closed-loop control system that prevents resource wastage while ensuring reliable connection management.
3Manufacturing precision
If WLAN communication is suspended during RRC connection reestablishment or handover, then packet processing correctness is improved, but communication interruption occurs affecting throughput
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making WLAN communication state dynamic rather than static. The system dynamically adjusts WLAN transmission based on LTE network conditions, suspending WLAN only when necessary (during RRC reestablishment or handover) and resuming when normal operation resumes. This dynamic adaptation ensures packet processing correctness while minimizing throughput impact.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action through temporary, time-limited suspension of WLAN communication. Rather than permanent discontinuation, the system suspends WLAN only for the duration of the RRC connection reestablishment or handover process, then resumes normal aggregation operation. This periodic suspension pattern maintains packet processing correctness while preserving overall throughput.
Data Source
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AI summary
A communication device for handling long-term evolution (LTE)-wireless local area network (WLAN) aggregation is configured to execute instructions comprising connecting to a base station (BS) via LTE communication; detecting a radio link failure on the LTE communication; stopping transmission/reception of at least one first LTE protocol data unit (PDU) via a WLAN in response to the radio link failure, if the WLAN is configured by the BS for the transmission/reception of the at least one first LTE PDU with the BS via the WLAN; and keeping transmission/reception of at least one non-LTE PDU via the WLAN in response to the radio link failure, if the WLAN is not configured by the BS for the transmission/reception of the at least one first LTE PDU with the BS via the WLAN.