Radio Link Selection for Multi-Connectivity Data Forwarding

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Solution Overview

Problem

The development of 5G new radio access technology faces challenges in efficiently managing data provision in multi-connectivity scenarios where user equipment (UE) is connected to both LTE and NR networks, particularly in handling packet loss and channel conditions that affect data forwarding.

Innovation Solution

The UE determines the optimal radio link for data forwarding and transmits a radio link selection message to the base station, allowing for adaptive data forwarding based on channel conditions, thereby reducing packet loss and improving resource utilization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If data packets are forwarded through multiple radio links in multi-connectivity scenarios, then data provision capacity is improved, but packet loss increases due to poor channel conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata provision capacityVSAvoidpacket loss
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic radio link selection where the base station adapts the data forwarding path based on real-time channel conditions. The network switches between direct transmission and relay transmission modes depending on measured channel quality, ensuring optimal balance between data provision capacity and reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a relay base station as an intermediary node in the data transmission path. This mediator forwards data packets between the source base station and user equipment when direct transmission is not feasible, thereby improving data provision capacity while maintaining packet delivery reliability through alternative paths.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If adaptive radio link selection is implemented, then resource utilization is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource utilizationVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where channel conditions are continuously measured and reported to the base station. This feedback loop enables adaptive radio link selection and dynamic path adjustment, optimizing resource utilization while keeping complexity manageable through standardized feedback procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes transmission parameters such as routing path, modulation scheme, and coding rate based on channel conditions. By dynamically adjusting these parameters, the system achieves adaptability in resource utilization without requiring fundamental architectural changes that would increase complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3566495B1Methods and apparatuses for selecting a radio link in a mobile communication system
Publication Date: 2024.10.09 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY CORP OF AMERICA
  • EP3566495B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3566495B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5
  • EP3566495B1 patent drawingFigure 6~9

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to auser equipment in a mobile communication system. The UE comprises processing circuitry, which in operation, determines at least one radio link via which a first base station is to forward data packets to the user equipment. The user equipment is connectable to both the first base station via a first radio link and to a second base station via a second radio link. The UE further comprises a transmitter, which in operation, transmits a radio link selection message to the first base station. The radio link selection message comprises information on the determined at least one radio link for instructing the first base station via which at least one radio link to forward the data packets to the user equipment.