PDCP Version Synchronization for Multi-Core Network Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

In the context of next-generation LTE (NG-LTE) systems, there is a challenge in synchronizing the Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) versions between user equipment (UE) and network devices when accessing different core networks, such as 5G CN and 4G EPC, leading to incorrect parsing of data packets if version mismatch occurs.

Innovation Solution

A method where the terminal device sends an indication message to the network device specifying the type of core network to access, allowing the network device to use the appropriate PDCP version for communication, ensuring both parties use compatible PDCP versions for correct data packet parsing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the terminal device and network device use different PDCP versions when accessing different core networks, then the system supports multi-core network access flexibility, but the receiving party cannot correctly parse content of data packets

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemulti-core network access flexibilityVSAvoiddata packet parsing correctness

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the PDCP version parameter based on the core network type. When accessing 5G core network, the terminal device and network device use PDCP version v18100; when accessing 4G EPC network, they use PDCP version v17060. This parameter adaptation ensures compatibility with different core networks while maintaining correct data packet parsing through version synchronization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary action by having the terminal device indicate its supported PDCP versions before actual data transmission. The network device selects an appropriate PDCP version based on this indication, and both parties synchronize to the same version before communicating, preventing parsing errors in advance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If the terminal device indicates core network type to enable PDCP version synchronization, then data packet parsing correctness is improved, but the communication protocol complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata packet parsing correctnessVSAvoidcommunication protocol complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the PDCP version selection process into distinct steps: first, the terminal device indicates its supported PDCP versions; second, the network device selects an appropriate version; third, both parties synchronize to the selected version. This segmentation makes the complex version negotiation manageable and systematic.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses the core network type indication as an intermediary element that facilitates PDCP version selection. The terminal device's indication of supported PDCP versions acts as a mediator that enables the network device to choose the appropriate version, ensuring synchronization without direct complex negotiation between all parameters.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS11419160B2Network access method, terminal device, and network device

Publication Date: 2022.08.16 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to network access methods, terminal devices, and network devices. One example method includes sending a first message to a network device, where the first message includes first indication information, and the first indication information is used to indicate a type of a core network to be accessed by a terminal device, and receiving a second message sent by the network device, where packet data convergence protocol is used for the second message, and version of the packet data convergence protocol corresponds to the type of the core network.