Cell-by-Cell PDCP Configuration for 5G Uplink Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In 5G radio architectures, existing Dual Connectivity setups face challenges in allowing the eNB to specify a specific cell for uplink transmission in the architecture using a common PDCP layer, as the Master eNB can only configure the UE with a cell group, not a specific cell within the group.
Innovation Solution
A radio station system and method that enable the selection and configuration of a specific cell for uplink or downlink transmission on a cell-by-cell basis using a common Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) layer, allowing the eNB to transmit configuration information to the radio terminal for precise cell selection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a common PDCP layer is used for both LTE and New 5G RAT protocol stacks, then protocol layer integration and interworking are improved, but the ability to specify a specific cell for uplink transmission deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the cell configuration by introducing a new field in the PDCP configuration that allows cell-specific control. Instead of treating all cells uniformly in the common PDCP layer, the system divides control into cell-group level (for inter-RAT coordination) and cell level (for specific transmission parameters), enabling both integration and precise control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by allowing different control parameters for different cells within the same common PDCP layer. Each cell can have its own specific configuration (e.g., which radio bearer maps to which cell) while still benefiting from the common PDCP layer's integration benefits.
2Device complexity
If cell-group level configuration is used in Dual Connectivity, then system complexity is reduced, but transmission precision and control flexibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the configuration into two levels: cell-group level configuration (maintaining simplicity) and cell-level specific configuration (providing precision). The cell-level configuration uses additional fields in the PDCP configuration to specify exact cell mappings without requiring complete redesign of the dual connectivity framework.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic cell-specific configuration capabilities that can be adjusted based on real-time conditions. The system can dynamically select which cells to configure at the cell level versus cell-group level, providing flexibility to optimize between complexity and precision based on operational needs.
Data Source
AI summary
A radio station (2) transmits configuration information (501) to a radio terminal (1). The configuration information (501) indicates, on a cell-by-cell basis, at least one specific cell on which the radio terminal (1) is allowed to perform at least one of data transmission and data reception on a radio bearer used for uplink transmission or downlink transmission or both via a common Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) layer (402). As a result, in a radio architecture that provides tight interworking of two different Radio Access Technologies (RATs), it is for example possible to allow an eNB to indicate, to a radio terminal (UE), a specific cell on which the UE should perform uplink transmission.