MAC and RRC Multiplexing for Inter-RAT Dual Connectivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems face challenges in establishing and maintaining concurrent connections with both current radio access technologies (RATs) and next-generation radio access technologies, such as LTE and 5G NR, especially in supporting simultaneous inter-RAT dual uplink connectivity on the same frequency carrier.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of MAC and RRC multiplexing techniques in wireless devices allows for simultaneous inter-RAT dual uplink connectivity by multiplexing uplink data from different RATs at the media access control (MAC) or radio resource control (RRC) layers, enabling the use of shared frequency carriers and independent downlink operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If simultaneous inter-RAT dual uplink connectivity is implemented on the same frequency carrier, then data transmission capability is improved, but interference between different RATs occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the uplink transmission by separating different RATs (LTE and NR) onto different frequency carriers. The UE maintains concurrent connections with both LTE and NR networks, but transmits uplink data for each RAT on its designated frequency carrier, thereby preventing interference while maintaining dual connectivity capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from time-division multiplexing (using the same frequency at different times) to frequency-division multiplexing (using different frequencies simultaneously). By allocating separate frequency carriers for LTE and NR uplink transmissions, the system enables simultaneous dual-RAT connectivity without mutual interference
2Object-generated harmful factors
If separate frequency carriers are used for LTE and NR uplink, then interference is reduced, but frequency resource utilization efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a unified MAC layer that can handle multiple RATs (LTE and NR) concurrently. This MAC layer acts as a universal interface that manages uplink transmissions for both RATs, allowing the system to efficiently allocate and utilize frequency resources while maintaining separate carriers for each RAT to prevent interference
3Adaptability or versatility
If MAC layer multiplexing is implemented, then concurrent inter-RAT connectivity is enabled, but protocol complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a unified MAC layer as an intermediary between the physical layers of LTE and NR. This MAC layer serves as a mediator that handles the complexity of concurrent RAT management, providing a single point of control for uplink transmissions and simplifying the overall protocol architecture while enabling dual-RAT connectivity
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatuses, systems, and methods for a wireless device to perform simultaneous uplink activity for multiple RATs in the same carrier using multiplexing at a layer above the physical layer. The wireless device may establish wireless links with first and second base stations, respectively, according to first and second radio access technologies (RATs), respectively. The first base station may provide a first cell operating in a first system bandwidth and the second base station may provide a second cell operating in a second system bandwidth. The wireless device may determine whether inter-RAT uplink coexistence in the same frequency band is enabled. If so, the wireless device may perform uplink activity for both the first RAT and the second RAT in the first system bandwidth by multiplexing uplink data for the first RAT and uplink data for the second RAT at a layer above the physical layer.