NR-DC Secondary Node Data Usage Reporting Across FR1 and FR2
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 3GPP standards do not address the reporting of secondary node (SN) data usage when both the master node (MN) and SN are in the same radio access technology (RAT), specifically in NR-DC scenarios involving Frequency Range 1 (FR1) and Frequency Range 2 (FR2) bands, limiting operators' ability to apply different tariffs based on frequency usage.
Innovation Solution
A method for reporting SN data usage is introduced, allowing separate billing for FR1 and FR2 bands by generating and providing data usage reports to the access management function (AMF) through the master node (MN), enabling flexible and systematic data usage reporting across different frequency ranges within the same NR deployment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate billing for FR1 and FR2 bands is implemented, then operators can apply tiered pricing based on frequency usage, but additional control plane interfaces to the core network are required
Solution Approach 1:
The master node acts as an intermediary between the secondary node and the access management function. The master node receives data usage reports from the secondary node, generates updated data usage reports incorporating both master and secondary node usage, and forwards these to the access management function. This eliminates the need for the secondary node to have direct control plane interfaces to the core network while still enabling separate billing for different frequency bands.
2Ease of operation
If direct control plane interfaces are provided to the core network, then data usage reporting is simplified, but network infrastructure costs and operational expenses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The master node combines its own data usage information with the secondary node's data usage reports to generate comprehensive data usage reports. By merging the reporting functions and utilizing the master node's existing control plane interface to the access management function, the system eliminates the need for separate secondary node interfaces to the core network, reducing infrastructure complexity while maintaining reporting capability.
3Productivity
If NR-DC is deployed with FR1 and FR2 bands, then network capacity and coverage are improved, but the ability to monitor and control data usage separately is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the secondary node reports data usage information to the master node, which then generates updated data usage reports and forwards them to the access management function. This feedback loop ensures that detailed data usage information from both FR1 and FR2 bands is captured and transmitted to the core network, enabling separate monitoring and control of data usage for each frequency band while maintaining high network capacity.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are techniques for reporting secondary node (SN) data usage in an NR-DC cellular communication for billing different tariffs of a UE's data usage over FR1 and FR2 bands provided by, respectively, a master node (MN) and a secondary node (SN). Also disclosed are details of the messages exchanged in various NR-DC architectures. In some embodiments, an SMF is configured for selecting a CHF from a CHF pool based on various factors.