Multi-AP Association with Two-Tier User Plane Split
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for improvements in 5G New Radio (NR) technology to enhance communication systems, particularly in reducing the number of tiers in the user plane path and improving data transmission efficiency between network entities and user equipment.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves reducing the number of tiers in the user plane path from three to two by redistributing the functionality of the central unit user plane between two network entities, and implementing a first-tier entity that transmits data using quality of service (QoS) flows, with the ability to map QoS flows to data radio bearers or general packet radio service tunneling protocol for coherent data reception by the third-tier entity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the user plane path is reduced from three tiers to two tiers by redistributing functionality, then the complexity of the user plane path is reduced, but the reliability of data transmission may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the user plane functionality into two distinct network entities (first network entity and second network entity) instead of three tiers. The first network entity handles user plane protocol session hosting and data transmission, while the second network entity handles user equipment communication. This segmentation reduces path complexity while maintaining functional separation and reliability through defined interfaces and protocols between the two entities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic functionality redistribution between the two network entities based on operational needs. The first network entity can dynamically map QoS flows to data radio bearers or GPRS tunneling protocols, and the system can adaptively adjust the distribution of user plane functions between entities to optimize both complexity reduction and transmission reliability under different conditions.
2Productivity
If functionality is redistributed between two network entities, then data transmission efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional inter-entity communication
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the user plane protocol session hosting functionality and user plane data transmission functionality into a single first network entity, while the second network entity handles user equipment communication. This merging eliminates redundant functions across multiple tiers and simplifies the overall architecture. The inter-entity communication is standardized through defined interfaces, reducing configuration complexity despite the distributed architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces standardized communication protocols and interfaces as intermediaries between the first and second network entities. These intermediaries facilitate efficient data transmission while abstracting the complexity of inter-entity communication, allowing each entity to operate independently with well-defined communication rules, thus improving transmission efficiency without proportionally increasing configuration complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If QoS flows are mapped to data radio bearers or GPRS tunneling protocol, then adaptability of data transmission is improved, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring transmission status increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by implementing QoS flow to data radio bearer mapping at the first network entity level, and QoS flow to GPRS tunneling protocol mapping at the interface level. Each mapping point is optimized for its specific function: radio bearer mapping handles wireless transmission characteristics, while GPRS tunneling handles core network transport. This localized optimization improves adaptability while keeping monitoring complexity manageable through distributed status reporting.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the second network entity reports transmission status to the first network entity, and the first network entity can adjust QoS flow mappings based on this feedback. This closed-loop control enables the system to adapt to changing transmission conditions while maintaining manageable monitoring complexity through automated status reporting and adjustment protocols between the two entities.
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the disclosure are directed to a lower layer split for a radio access network (RAN) node. In some examples, the number of tiers for the user plane path may be reduced from three to two, which may include redistribution of functionality of a central unit user plane (CU-UP) between two network entities. In some examples, a first network entity of the two network entities may be configured to receive, from a second network entity of the two network entities, a first user plane protocol data unit (UP-PDU) associated with a user plane (UP) protocol session. In some examples, the first UP-PDU includes a first identifier configured to identify the tunnel, a second identifier configured to identify the first flow of UP-PDUs, a third identifier configured to identify the first UP-PDU within the first flow of UP-PDUs, and a first data for transmission to a user equipment (UE).