Wireless Connection Management via Multipath TCP Bearer Segmentation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current dual connectivity approaches in wireless communication networks face challenges in managing radio bearers and directing traffic effectively, particularly in scenarios where multiple simultaneous TCP connections and varying radio conditions complicate the use of macro and small cells for enhanced throughput.
Innovation Solution
Implementing Multipath TCP (mptcp) with alternative connection indications and dynamic bearer management, allowing user devices to utilize secondary base stations for parallel connections when available, and optimizing bearer usage to enhance data throughput by establishing alternative PDN connections based on network authorization and user device capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If dual connectivity is implemented to increase throughput by connecting to multiple base stations, then data throughput is improved, but device complexity and bearer management complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the bearer management by introducing a specific bearer type (first type of bearer) that is dedicated for alternative parallel connections. This segmentation allows the system to handle alternative connections differently from regular connections, simplifying the overall management complexity while enabling throughput improvement through dual connectivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic bearer management where the network can authorize alternative connections on demand. The bearer configuration is not static but can be dynamically adjusted based on network conditions and user device capabilities, allowing the system to optimize throughput while managing complexity through adaptive control.
2Productivity
If alternative parallel connections are established to improve throughput, then data throughput is improved, but signaling load increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the network pre-authorize alternative connections before they are actually needed. The network can configure bearer contexts in advance and authorize alternative connections proactively, reducing the signaling load that would otherwise occur when establishing connections reactively in response to throughput demands.
3Productivity
If radio bearers are dynamically managed to optimize throughput, then data throughput is improved, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by assigning specific properties to specific bearers. The first type of bearer has distinct characteristics that enable alternative parallel connections, while other bearers follow standard procedures. This localized differentiation simplifies control complexity by applying specialized management only where needed rather than complicating the entire bearer management system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by introducing new configuration parameters that define bearer types and alternative connection capabilities. By changing the bearer configuration parameters dynamically, the system can optimize throughput for specific connections without redesigning the entire control architecture, thus managing complexity through parameter-based flexibility.
4Productivity
If simultaneous connectivity to macro and small cells is enabled to increase throughput, then data throughput is improved, but ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the user device to autonomously manage alternative connections based on network authorization. Once the network authorizes alternative connections and configures the appropriate bearers, the user device can independently establish and manage parallel connections without requiring complex manual configuration or intervention, thus improving ease of operation while maintaining throughput benefits.
Data Source
AI summary
Improved systems and techniques for dual connection to a wireless communications network. In a wireless network comprising one or more macro base stations and secondary base stations, a user device indicates capability to operate and readiness to initiate an alternative multipath transfer control protocol connection. Radio access network procedures provide for communication between a core network, radio access network, and user device to indicate that bearers are being used for, or authorized for use in, an alternative multipath connection and to establish a radio bearer context. In embodiments of the invention, a bearer for alternative multipath connection is established only when a secondary base station becomes available and when a network operator has allowed the use of multipath connection. When a user device indicates that it is ready for multipath connections, core network elements establish bearers, with the alternative connection released when connection to the secondary base station is lost.