Macro Base Station RRC Control for Micro Cell Node Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Micro cell nodes in LTE networks often lack radio resource control (RRC) protocol functions, preventing backward compatible user equipment from accessing cells, as they require system information, paging messages, and RRC message establishment, which current micro cell nodes cannot provide.

Innovation Solution

A method where a macro base station configures and sends control information to a micro cell node, enabling it to forward or combine control information, thereby implementing RRC functions, including cell common and dedicated control information, to support user equipment access and mobility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If micro cell node simplifies function and reduces cost by removing RRC protocol function layer, then device complexity and cost are reduced, but backward compatible UE cannot access the cell

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveRRC protocol function layerVSAvoidaccess availability for backward compatible UE

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The macro base station acts as an intermediary that generates and sends control information to the micro cell node, enabling the micro cell node to provide necessary control information to backward compatible UE without having its own RRC protocol function layer

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The micro cell node forwards control information generated by the macro base station to user equipment, effectively copying the RRC functionality from the macro base station to enable backward compatible UE access

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Ease of manufacture

If micro cell node has no RRC function, then cost is reduced, but the micro cell node cannot provide system information, paging messages, and RRC message establishment

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovecostVSAvoidcontrol information provision capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The macro base station provides control information that enables the micro cell node to serve multiple functions including system information provision, paging message transmission, and RRC message establishment for backward compatible UE

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The macro base station serves as an intermediary that generates comprehensive control information and transmits it to the micro cell node, enabling the micro cell node to provide full control information capabilities without having its own RRC function

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS10111210B2Method for implementing radio resource control protocol function, macro base station, and micro cell node

Publication Date: 2018.10.23 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD

AI summary

Embodiments of the present invention disclose a method for implementing a radio resource control protocol function, a macro base station, and a micro cell node. In the method, a macro base station configures control information and sends the control information to a micro cell node, so that the micro cell node forwards the control information to a user equipment. Therefore, the macro base station assists a micro cell node having no RRC function in completing generation and parsing of dedicated control information of the UE and cell common control information, so that a the user equipment can camp on or be handed over to the micro cell node.