Joint Multi-PCell Operation for Stable Data Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication systems face issues with data transmission interruptions and delays when the connection between a user equipment (UE) and its primary cell (PCell) becomes unstable, leading to disconnection of all configured connections in carrier aggregation and dual connectivity scenarios.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method and apparatus for joint operations of multiple PCells and control plane interfaces between the core network and radio access network, enabling packet switching, distribution, and duplication to maintain communication stability and reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single PCell is configured for UE connection, then control plane operations are simplified, but data transmission is interrupted when the PCell connection becomes unstable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single PCell control plane into multiple independent PCell control planes. Each PCell maintains its own control plane interface with the core network, allowing independent operation. This segmentation enables the system to maintain control plane functionality even when individual PCells experience connection issues, thereby improving reliability without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of PCell configuration from single to multiple, fundamentally altering the system's operational characteristics. By configuring multiple PCells with independent control plane interfaces, the system transforms from a single-point-of-failure architecture to a redundant architecture, improving reliability while managing complexity through standardized interfaces.
2Reliability
If multiple PCells are configured with joint operations, then data transmission reliability is improved, but control plane complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control plane is segmented into independent interfaces for each PCell, allowing each to operate autonomously. This segmentation prevents complexity from cascading across the entire system - each PCell's control plane interface manages only its own connections, simplifying the overall control architecture while maintaining multiple active paths for data transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-configures multiple PCell control plane interfaces and establishes their operational relationships in advance. This preliminary configuration includes setting up the joint operation mechanisms and packet routing paths before actual data transmission begins, allowing the system to quickly switch between PCells during unstable connections without complex real-time decision-making.
3Productivity
If packet switching and distribution are implemented across multiple PCells, then data transmission continuity is maintained, but operational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control plane interface is designed with universal functionality to handle multiple operations: packet switching, packet distribution, and packet routing. This multi-functional interface simplifies operation by providing a unified mechanism that performs all necessary packet handling tasks across multiple PCells, rather than requiring separate specialized procedures for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the control plane continuously monitors the status of multiple PCell connections and automatically adjusts packet routing and distribution accordingly. This feedback-driven operation maintains data transmission continuity by dynamically switching packets through available PCells without requiring complex manual intervention or prediction algorithms.
Data Source
AI summary
An operation method of a first cell in a communication system may include: receiving, from a first communication node that is an upper node of the first cell, a first signal including second cell configuration information of a second cell connected with the first communication node and a second communication node that is a lower node of the first cell; identifying, based on the first signal, that the first cell and the second cell are jointly operated by the first communication node as coordinative PCells; transmitting, to the second communication node, a second signal including information on joint operations of the coordinative PCells by the first communication node; and performing communication with the first communication node and the second communication node based on the joint operations of the coordinative PCells.