Dual Connectivity PDU Session Splitting via TEID Allocation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current dual connectivity in wireless communications systems assumes a single Service Data Adaptation Protocol/Packet Data Convergence Protocol (SDAP/PDCP) entity per PDU session, which is split only in the RAN, and lacks clear mapping of Quality of Service (QoS) flows to radio bearers, particularly in scenarios involving dual connectivity between NR nodes.
Innovation Solution
The method involves allocating two sets of tunnel endpoint identifiers (TEIDs) for a 5G core network node to enable PDU session splitting between a master and secondary NG-RAN node, allowing for simultaneous existence of two SDAP/PDCP entities, one in each node, and deciding QoS flow mapping at the secondary NG-RAN node, with feedback on splitting information and transport layer details.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single SDAP/PDCP entity per PDU session is used, then the system maintains simplicity in entity management, but it prevents PDU session splitting in UPF and limits dual connectivity flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the single SDAP/PDCP entity into multiple independent entities (one per PDU session), allowing each entity to be independently managed and mapped to different radio bearers. This enables PDU session splitting in UPF while maintaining clear entity boundaries and management procedures.
2Adaptability or versatility
If QoS flow mapping is centralized in M-NG-RAN, then control is simplified, but it reduces flexibility in resource allocation and bearer management
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by allowing the S-NG-RAN node to independently decide QoS flow to radio bearer mapping for its local SDAP entities. This distributed mapping approach provides local autonomy and flexibility while maintaining overall system coordination through the master node.
3Adaptability or versatility
If SDAP/PDCP entities are distributed across multiple nodes, then dual connectivity flexibility is improved, but feedback and coordination mechanisms become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes feedback mechanisms where the S-NG-RAN node reports PDU session splitting information and transport layer details to the M-NG-RAN node. This feedback loop ensures the master node maintains awareness of the distributed entity configuration for coordinated management while preserving the benefits of distributed architecture.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of operating a network node to provide dual connectivity in a new radio telecommunications system. The method allocates two tunnel endpoint identifiers (TEIDs). The method sends the allocated TEIDs to at least one other network node for transporting a Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session that can be split. The method receives two TEIDs for a master node and a secondary node (SN). A related method of operating a master node provides dual connectivity. The method receives two TEIDs in a request for a PDU session that can be split, allocates a TEID for a master node and receives a TEID allocated by a SN to transport the PDU session and sends the allocated TEIDs to the core network. A further method of operating a master node provides dual connectivity. The method sends a SN addition request message to a SN. The method sends a SN add/modify completion indication to the SN that informs the SN that the operations to add/modify are complete.