MeNB RRC Message Nesting for SeNB Coordination in LTE Dual Connectivity
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current 3GPP LTE standards do not support the transmission of Radio Resource Control (RRC) messages via a Secondary Evolved Node B (SeNB), limiting the ability to coordinate and align configuration and operations in dual connectivity networks, which hampers the full utilization of dual connectivity capabilities.
Innovation Solution
Modifications to the MeNB RRC message structure are introduced to carry RRC configuration information and messages from the SeNB to the User Equipment (UE) through the Master Evolved Node B (MeNB), using new message types and fields within the ASN.1 program coding to enable SeNB communication in dual connectivity scenarios.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If RRC messages are transmitted only via MeNB in current 3GPP LTE standards, then the network architecture remains simple and standardized, but the ability to coordinate and align configuration and operations in dual connectivity networks is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent embeds SeNB RRC messages within MeNB RRC message containers. The SeNB RRC messages are nested inside the MeNB's RRC reconfiguration message, allowing the UE to receive both MeNB and SeNB configuration information through a single standardized interface while enabling full dual connectivity coordination capability
Solution Approach 2:
The MeNB RRC message structure is enhanced to serve multiple functions: it maintains backward compatibility with existing LTE standards while simultaneously carrying both MeNB and SeNB configuration information. This multi-functionality allows the same message structure to support both single-connectivity and dual-connectivity scenarios
2Adaptability or versatility
If SeNB RRC message transmission is not supported, then the current standard implementation is maintained, but the full benefit of dual connectivity networks cannot be realized
Solution Approach 1:
The MeNB acts as an intermediary that receives RRC messages from the SeNB and forwards them to the UE within MeNB RRC message containers. This mediator approach enables SeNB configuration information to reach the UE without requiring direct SeNB-to-UE RRC message transmission, thus maintaining standard compliance while achieving full dual connectivity capability
Data Source
AI summary
A 3GPP LTE protocol enhancement may realize the full benefit of dual connectivity in Long Term Evolution (LTE) networks by providing a mechanism to carry Radio Resource Control (RRC) messages and/or Information Elements (IE)s from a Secondary Evolved Node B (SeNB) to User Equipment (UE) via Master Evolved Node B (MeNB) RRC messages. Novel downlink (DL) Common Control Channel (CCCH) and Dedicated Control Channel (DCCH) messages, and augmented messages having Information Elements (IE)s for relaying RRC messages from a SeNB to a UE via a MeNB, are defined. Modifications to ASN.1 program coding of LTE 3rd Generation Partnership Project specifications to enable RRC messages from the MeNB to relay RRC information from the SeNB to the UE are provided. In one embodiment, the UE receives, from a MeNB, an RRC message comprising information relayed from a SeNB and interprets the RRC message for control channel and radio resource configuration information from the SeNB.