Multi-RAT User Equipment for Split Control and Multimedia Planes
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing UMTS network architecture is inadequate for delivering high-quality, bandwidth-demanding multimedia content to a large number of users, leading to significant performance strain on the core network and UTRA elements due to high volumes of MBMS/BCMCS traffic.
Innovation Solution
Separate the control and user planes of MBMS traffic across two different Radio Access Technologies (RATs) operating on different frequency bands, using Time Division Duplexing (TDD) for multicast traffic and Frequency Division Duplexing (FDD) for control information, allowing for maximum spectrum utilization and reducing network strain.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If MBMS traffic is transmitted over the same network and frequency band as control signaling, then service delivery is simplified, but network performance deteriorates due to significant strain on core network and UTRA elements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments MBMS traffic into two distinct planes: control plane (CP) and user plane (UP). Control signaling is transmitted over one network/frequency band while MBMS user data is transmitted over a different network/frequency band. This segmentation isolates the high-volume multimedia traffic from control signaling, preventing performance degradation of network elements while maintaining architectural simplicity through standardized plane separation procedures.
2Adaptability or versatility
If high-volume MBMS traffic is transmitted over existing UMTS network, then broadcasting service is enabled, but network elements experience significant performance strain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a new dimension to the network architecture by utilizing a second radio access technology (such as WiMAX or LTE) specifically for MBMS user plane traffic. This dimensional expansion allows the system to handle high-volume broadcasting traffic without overloading the existing UMTS network elements, as the second RAT provides additional processing capacity and transport resources dedicated to multimedia content delivery.
3Reliability
If control and user plane are separated across different RATs, then network strain is reduced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a Mobility Management Entity (MME) or equivalent control node as an intermediary that coordinates between the first RAT (for control plane) and the second RAT (for user plane). This intermediary manages the interaction between different RATs, handles routing decisions, and maintains session information, thereby reducing the perceived complexity for individual network elements while enabling effective control-user plane separation across heterogeneous networks.
Data Source
AI summary
A user equipment (UE) is configured to communicate, using a first radio access technology (RAT) having a first paired spectrum, wherein the first paired spectrum has a first frequency for downlink and a second frequency for uplink. The UE is further configured to transmit, using the first radio access technology (RAT), a service request message including information associated with at least one UE service. The UE is configured to receive, based on the transmitted service request message, a message with information to setup a bearer for a second RAT, wherein the second RAT is a different RAT than the first RAT. The UE is configured to receive multimedia data using the second RAT and simultaneously receive data using the first RAT.