RRC Connection Establishment Over WLAN Links
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems lack mechanisms to support the establishment, reestablishment, or modification of connections with a 5G radio access network over a wireless local area network (WLAN) link, and there are limited techniques for adding, modifying, or releasing nodes associated with dual connectivity communications.
Innovation Solution
The described techniques enable a wireless device to establish a radio resource control (RRC) connection over a WLAN link by transmitting a packet with an RRC container containing an RRC message to an access point (AP) or WLAN termination (WT), which forwards the message to a centralized unit (CU). This allows for efficient messaging between the device and the CU via an already-established WLAN link, and enables dual connectivity configurations to be modified under various trigger conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a wireless device establishes a connection with a 5G radio access network over a WLAN link, then connection establishment capability is improved, but system complexity increases due to the need for RRC container forwarding and dual connectivity configuration
Solution Approach 1:
The access point (AP) or WLAN termination (WT) node acts as an intermediary between the wireless device and the centralized unit (CU). It receives RRC container messages from the device, forwards them to the CU, and receives response messages to forward back to the device. This intermediary mechanism enables connection establishment over WLAN without requiring direct complex integration between all components.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection establishment process is segmented into distinct functional components: the wireless device generates RRC container messages, the AP/WT forwards these messages, and the CU processes them to establish the actual connection. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, managing overall system complexity.
2Reliability
If dual connectivity configurations are implemented over WLAN links, then communication reliability is improved, but message processing time increases due to additional configuration steps
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring the AP/WT node with the capability to handle RRC container messages and by establishing the WLAN link before full dual connectivity operation begins. This allows the connection establishment process to proceed more efficiently once initiated.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the CU sends response messages through the AP/WT back to the wireless device, and the AP/WT forwards configuration updates. This feedback loop enables efficient coordination and reduces processing time by allowing immediate confirmation and adjustment of connection parameters.
3Productivity
If RRC messages are forwarded through the AP or WT node, then connection establishment efficiency is improved, but network infrastructure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The AP or WT node is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a standard WLAN access point for data communication and as a relay node for RRC container message forwarding. This universal design allows the same infrastructure component to handle multiple functions without adding separate dedicated hardware for connection establishment.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and devices for wireless communications are described. A wireless device may establish a radio resource control (RRC) connection over a wireless local area network (WLAN) link. For example, the wireless device may transmit a packet to an access point or WLAN termination that includes an RRC container including an RRC message for establishing (e.g., setting up, resuming) a connection with a centralized unit (CU). In some examples, the wireless device may additionally or alternatively be configured with dual connectivity over a WLAN link, including the addition, modification, and release of nodes associated with different radio access technologies. In such cases, the CU may configure connectivity with the WLAN, where the CU may configure a port number for each radio bearer via an RRC message transmitted over a direct link with the wireless device (e.g., via a distributed unit) or via the WLAN link.