Parallel RRC Connections for Bandwidth Aggregation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current communication systems typically allow only one RRC connection per network node, limiting the ability to manage multiple connections simultaneously and efficiently, especially in scenarios with multiple small cells where bandwidth aggregation, load balancing, and fault tolerance are needed.
Innovation Solution
The system and method enable multiple RRC connections to be established and maintained in parallel across multiple network nodes, allowing for independent bearers and IP flow management, enabling bandwidth aggregation, load balancing, and fault tolerance by using IP-Level Coordinated Multi-Point Transmission of Packet-Data Communications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If only one RRC connection is established per network node, then device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but bandwidth aggregation capability is limited and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the single RRC connection into multiple independent RRC connections (first RRC connection and second RRC connection) between the WTRU and network nodes. Each connection can be independently managed and optimized, allowing bandwidth aggregation across multiple connections while maintaining separate control planes. This segmentation enables parallel data transmission paths without requiring complex integrated management of a single connection.
2Productivity
If multiple RRC connections are established in parallel, then bandwidth aggregation and load balancing are enabled improving productivity, but device complexity and difficulty of managing multiple connections increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a new dimension of connection management by establishing RRC connections across multiple network nodes (eNBs) rather than multiplying connections to a single node. This spatial distribution across different network nodes provides redundancy and load balancing capabilities while the core network maintains centralized coordination, reducing the complexity burden on the WTRU compared to managing multiple connections to the same node.
3Reliability
If multiple independent bearers are established across multiple network nodes, then fault tolerance and reliability are improved, but system complexity and difficulty of establishing connections increases
Solution Approach 1:
The core network acts as an intermediary that coordinates the establishment and management of multiple bearers across different network nodes. The core network receives bearer establishment requests, routes them through appropriate network nodes, and maintains the mapping between bearers and network nodes. This intermediary role simplifies the complexity for the WTRU by providing centralized coordination rather than requiring the WTRU to directly manage complex inter-node bearer relationships.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for providing multiple connections or interfaces at the same time may be disclosed herein. For example, in an embodiment, a first RRC connection may be established between a wireless transmit and receive unit (WTRU) or user equipment (UE) and a network node such as an eNB and a second RRC connection may be established between the WTRU or UE and the network node such as the eNB or another network node such as another eNB. The first RRC connection and the second RRC connections may then be maintained in parallel (e.g. at the same time).