LTE-WLAN Spectrum Integration via RRC Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless portable devices face limitations in peak throughput and network efficiency due to the lack of effective integration between licensed and unlicensed wireless spectrum, leading to suboptimal data transmission capabilities and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A control circuit is configured to switch a wireless device from licensed to unlicensed spectrum by transmitting a Radio Resource Control message, enabling simultaneous use of both spectrums through tighter integration below the PDCP or RLC layer, specifically using an Evolved Node-B base station and an 802.11-compatible wireless local area network node.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If IP-level interworking between licensed and unlicensed spectrum is implemented, then device compatibility is improved, but peak throughput per application is not improved and network complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the interworking implementation by introducing separate protocol stacks for licensed and unlicensed spectrum operations. The device maintains distinct protocol handling at lower layers (below IP level) while preserving higher-layer compatibility, allowing simultaneous optimization for both throughput and compatibility without merging the protocols entirely.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism at the protocol stack boundary that coordinates between licensed and unlicensed spectrum operations. This intermediary layer manages the interaction between the two protocol stacks, enabling seamless switching and coordinated operation without requiring full integration, thus maintaining compatibility while improving throughput.
2Reliability
If separate OSS and authentication mechanisms are maintained for WLAN and cellular networks, then network security is improved, but device complexity and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal authentication and OSS framework that operates across both licensed and unlicensed spectrum networks. This multi-functional system handles authentication and operations management for both WLAN and cellular networks through a unified interface, reducing device complexity while maintaining the security requirements of both networks through standardized protocols.
3Adaptability or versatility
If LTE and 802.11 operate with different traffic scheduling paradigms, then protocol independence is maintained, but integration capability and bearer split capability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic scheduling that adapts the traffic scheduling paradigm based on the operating spectrum type. The system dynamically switches between LTE's synchronous scheduled transmission mode and 802.11's opportunistic asynchronous transmission mode according to real-time channel conditions and network state, enabling seamless integration while preserving the inherent advantages of each protocol's scheduling approach.
Data Source
AI summary
A control circuit determines that a wireless portable electronic device currently being serviced via licensed wireless spectrum should also be served via unlicensed wireless spectrum and then transmits a Radio Resource Control (RRC) message to cause the wireless portable electronic device to connect to a network node operating in the unlicensed wireless spectrum. By one approach this control circuit comprises an Evolved Node-B base station in a Long Term Evolution (LTE) Radio Access Network (RAN) and the network node operating in the unlicensed wireless spectrum comprises an 802.11-compatible wireless local area network node.