Multi-Connection Data Splitting in 5G LTE Networks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing multi-connectivity solutions in 5G systems do not fully utilize the higher transmission rates of 5G networks, as data anchoring primarily occurs in LTE networks, limiting the potential benefits of 5G data transmission rates.

Innovation Solution

A multi-connectivity communication method that allows User Equipment (UE) to simultaneously access both LTE and new radio (NR) networks, with data splitting performed at the Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) layer, enabling the NR network to act as an anchor for data splitting, thereby leveraging the higher transmission rates of the NR network.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If data splitting is performed by using a base station of the LTE network as the anchor, then the existing multi-connectivity solution can increase a data transmission rate compared with transmitting data solely in an LTE network, but it cannot bring advantages of the higher data transmission rate in the 5G system into play

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission rateVSAvoidutilization of 5G network capabilities
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the traditional anchor selection by making the 5G NR base station the data splitting anchor instead of the LTE base station. This inversion allows the system to leverage the higher transmission rates of 5G NR while maintaining backward compatibility with LTE networks, thereby resolving the contradiction between increasing data transmission rate and utilizing 5G capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the anchor selection parameter from LTE-based to 5G NR-based. By modifying which network serves as the data splitting anchor, the system can now exploit the higher bandwidth and transmission capabilities of 5G NR, transforming the overall system performance while maintaining multi-connectivity functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If UE accesses both LTE and 5G systems simultaneously for multi-connectivity transmission, then the data transmission rate can be increased, but the complexity of network configuration and data routing increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission rateVSAvoidnetwork configuration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a standardized interface between LTE and 5G NR base stations that acts as an intermediary for data routing and coordination. This interface simplifies the complexity of simultaneous access by providing a defined mechanism for data splitting and routing, reducing the overall network configuration complexity while maintaining high data transmission rates.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3461216B1Multi-connection communication method and device
Publication Date: 2023.12.13 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP3461216B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3461216B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3461216B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

Embodiments of the present invention provide a multi-connectivity communication method and a device. An access network device of a first network determines to use an access network device of a second network to perform data splitting for data of UE, and then sends first splitting configuration information to the UE and sends second splitting configuration information to the access network device of the second network. The first splitting configuration information is used to notify the UE that the access network device of the second network is to split to-be-split data of the UE. The second splitting configuration information is used to instruct the access network device of the second network to split the to-be-split data of the UE. The access network device of the second network is used to split the to-be-split data of the UE to the access network device of the first network and the access network device of the second network for simultaneous transmission, thereby improving transmission efficiency and increasing a throughput.