Protocol Interface for Heterogeneous Network RRC Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Heterogeneous networks face challenges in managing radio resource control messages across different entities in a unified protocol stack, particularly in extending connectivity from macrocells to small cells, which affects seamless data transfer and network compatibility.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a protocol interface that establishes a service access point to manage radio resource control entities within a single protocol stack, allowing for the routing of messages between macro and small cell networks, using headers in packet data convergence protocol messages to indicate routing, and maintaining compatibility with EPS RRC entities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a unified protocol stack is used to manage radio resource control across heterogeneous networks, then network compatibility and seamless data transfer are improved, but device complexity increases due to the need to manage multiple radio resource control entities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the radio resource control functionality by creating separate RRC entities (first RRC entity for macrocell, second RRC entity for small cell) within the unified protocol stack. Each entity independently manages its respective network type, reducing the complexity of managing heterogeneous networks while maintaining unified stack architecture. The service access point further segments the interface by providing separate access points for different RRC entities.
2Device complexity
If separate protocol stacks are used for macrocell and small cell networks, then device complexity is reduced, but seamless data transfer and network compatibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple radio resource control entities (first RRC entity and second RRC entity) into a single unified protocol stack. This consolidation allows seamless data transfer between macrocell and small cell networks by providing integrated resource management and unified protocol handling, while the internal segmentation through service access points maintains the benefits of separate entity management.
3Ease of operation
If routing indicators are added to packet data convergence protocol headers, then message routing between different entities is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase due to header format specifications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by adding routing indicators specifically to Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) headers only when needed for inter-entity routing. The indicator is a localized field within the existing PDCP header structure, allowing precise control over message routing without requiring changes to the overall protocol header format specifications. This approach maintains ease of operation for routing while minimizing impact on manufacturing precision requirements.
Data Source
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AI summary
Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, are provided for a protocol interface for a heterogeneous network. In one aspect there is provided a method. The method may include detecting, by a user equipment, a local area radio network; and establishing, at the user equipment, a first entity configured to manage a first radio resource of a local area radio network, wherein the first entity includes an interface to a second entity, at the user equipment, configured to manage a second radio resource of a cellular radio network. Related apparatus, systems, methods, and articles are also described.