Multi-Radio Multi-Connectivity Network Architecture for 5G
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems, particularly 5G networks, face challenges in efficiently providing services across Multi-Radio Multi-Connectivity (MR-MC) network systems, which require complex management of multiple radios, nodes, and connectivity types.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves designing a Multi-Radio Multi-Connectivity (MR-MC) network system architecture that includes a Master Node (MN), Secondary Nodes (SNs), a Cloud/Centralized Radio Access Network (C-RAN), a Control Plane (CP), and a User Plane (UP). This architecture determines the capabilities of User Equipment (UE) and configures functionalities of network nodes based on UE capabilities and Radio Access Technology (RAT) measurements, enabling dynamic switching and resource optimization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a Multi-Radio Multi-Connectivity (MR-MC) network system is implemented to provide diverse wireless services, then service versatility and connectivity are improved, but system complexity and management difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into distinct functional components: Master Node (MN) for control plane management, Secondary Nodes (SN) for radio access, Cloud/Centralized RAN (C-RAN) for centralized coordination, and separate Control Plane (CP) and User Plane (UP) paths. This segmentation allows each component to handle specific tasks independently, improving service versatility while managing system complexity through modular architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The Master Node (MN) acts as an intermediary between the User Equipment (UE) and Secondary Nodes (SN). The MN receives control plane messages from the UE, determines SN addition/modification/release, and coordinates with SNs through standardized interfaces. This intermediary role simplifies the overall system by centralizing control functions at the MN level while allowing multiple SNs to provide diverse radio access services.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple Secondary Nodes (SNs) are added to provide diverse radio access services, then connectivity and service capability are improved, but signaling overhead and battery power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically manages the number and configuration of Secondary Nodes based on UE capabilities, RAT measurements, and current service requirements. The MN can add, modify, or release SNs dynamically, and can configure different RAT combinations (e.g., NR-EUTRA, EUTRA-NR) based on real-time conditions. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize connectivity while minimizing unnecessary signaling and power consumption by activating only the required number of SNs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes key parameters such as UE capability information, RAT measurements, and SN configuration parameters to optimize performance. The MN determines SN addition/modification/release based on changing parameters including UE support for multi-radio, measurement results of different RATs, and current network conditions. This parameter-based control enables flexible adaptation to maintain connectivity while managing power consumption.
3Productivity
If dynamic switching and configuration of network nodes is implemented, then resource optimization and service efficiency are improved, but control complexity and processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by determining UE capabilities and configuring SN parameters before actual service delivery. The MN obtains UE capability information in advance, performs RAT measurements, and pre-configures SN addition/modification/release decisions based on capability matching. This preliminary configuration reduces real-time control complexity during actual service operation, as the basic framework is already established.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the MN continuously monitors RAT measurements, UE capability status, and service performance to dynamically adjust SN configuration. The MN receives measurement reports from UE, evaluates service requirements, and provides feedback by adding, modifying, or releasing SNs accordingly. This closed-loop feedback control optimizes service efficiency while managing control complexity through systematic decision-making based on real-time information.
Data Source
AI summary
A design and architecture for a Multi-Radio Multi-Connectivity (MR-MC) network system is provided. The method includes providing and defining a role of a Master Node (MN), a Secondary Node (SN), a Cloud/Centralized Radio Access Network (C-RAN), a Control Plane (CP) and a User Plane (UP) in the MR-MC network system. Furthermore, the method includes determining a capability of a UE in the MR-MC network system. Furthermore, the method includes determining Radio Access Technology (RAT) measurements associated with the MN, an SN1, and an SN2 in the MR-MC network system. Furthermore, the method includes configuring functionalities of the MN, an SN1, and an SN2 based on the capability of the UE and the RAT measurements. Furthermore, the method includes sending an activation/deactivation command for the SN in the MR-MC network system.