Multi-RAT Base Station Control for Seamless Data Transmission

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Solution Overview

Problem

In multi-RAT environments, user equipment (UE) cannot simultaneously transmit and receive data via different radio access technologies (RATs, leading to seamless data transmission and reception issues when a link is disconnected and re-established.

Innovation Solution

A method for dynamically setting priority levels between downlink and uplink data transmission for specific RATs based on UE and network status, using a network node to control access points and establish direct control connections between RATs to manage inter-RAT interworking, optimizing data transmission and reducing interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a UE selectively accesses one RAT at a time in a multi-RAT environment, then the UE can maintain simple access control and avoid simultaneous transmission conflicts, but the UE cannot achieve seamless data transmission when link disconnection occurs and cannot utilize multiple RATs simultaneously for improved throughput

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess control simplicityVSAvoiddata transmission throughput
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic switching between single-RAT and multi-RAT access modes based on network conditions and UE capabilities. The system dynamically adjusts the number of RATs accessed simultaneously, transitioning from selective single-RAT access to multi-RAT simultaneous access when conditions permit, thereby resolving the contradiction between access simplicity and transmission throughput.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the parameter of RAT access mode from static single-RAT selection to dynamic multi-RAT simultaneous access. By adjusting the access mode parameter based on network status and UE capability, the system achieves both simplified control (when using single RAT) and improved throughput (when using multiple RATs simultaneously).

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If the UE switches to another RAT when link disconnection occurs in a specific RAT, then the UE can maintain connectivity, but seamless data transmission cannot be achieved because data context is lost during the switch

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnectivity maintenanceVSAvoiddata transmission context
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by establishing multiple RAT connections simultaneously before disconnection occurs. When link disconnection happens in one RAT, the UE already has active connections and data contexts in other RATs, allowing seamless continuation of data transmission without losing context. This preliminary multi-RAT connection establishment prevents information loss during switching.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements beforehand cushioning by maintaining redundant RAT connections as backup paths. When one RAT link disconnects, the pre-established connections in other RATs provide immediate cushioning support, preventing service interruption and preserving data transmission context through the backup paths.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Quantity of substance

If downlink data of a first RAT is intensively generated, then the network can handle high downlink traffic load, but inter-cell interference increases and overall system throughput decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedownlink data volumeVSAvoidinter-cell interference
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the downlink data transmission across multiple RATs instead of concentrating all downlink traffic on a single RAT. By dividing the data flow and routing different portions through different RATs (first RAT and second RAT), the system handles high downlink traffic volume while distributing the interference impact, thereby reducing overall inter-cell interference and improving system throughput.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system applies local quality by assigning different transmission characteristics to different RATs based on local network conditions. When downlink data is intensively generated, the system selectively routes traffic through appropriate RATs with suitable interference characteristics, optimizing the quality of transmission for each RAT according to its local environment and capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

4Adaptability or versatility

If the access point is configured to support both downlink and uplink, then the access point provides full duplex functionality, but inter-cell interference increases for UEs at cell boundaries or in shadow areas

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefull duplex functionalityVSAvoidinter-cell interference at cell boundary
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic configuration of the access point, allowing it to switch between full duplex mode (both DL and UL supported) and half duplex mode (DL only or UL only) based on UE location and network conditions. For UEs at cell boundaries or in shadow areas, the system dynamically adjusts the AP configuration to reduce interference, thereby maintaining adaptability while minimizing harmful effects in specific scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system applies local quality by configuring different operational modes for the access point based on local UE conditions. UEs in favorable locations can utilize full duplex functionality with both DL and UL supported, while UEs at cell boundaries or in shadow areas receive optimized configuration (DL only or UL only) to reduce inter-cell interference, thereby achieving versatility without universally incurring interference penalties.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP3065495B1Method for controlling base station in multi-rat environment and transmitting/receiving data according to control of base station, and apparatus for performing same
Publication Date: 2020.01.08 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP3065495B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP3065495B1 patent drawingFigure 1C~1D
  • EP3065495B1 patent drawingFigure 1E

AI summary

A method for controlling, by an entity of a first radio access technology (RAT), a base station of a second RAT in a multi-RAT environment, according to one embodiment of the present invention, comprises the steps of: determining an operation mode of the base station of the second RAT; and transmitting, to the base station of the second RAT, a message instructing a transition to the determined operation mode, wherein the message changes the opportunity for the second RAT to occupy a radio resource through a contention between the base station of the second RAT and a terminal connected to the first RAT.