SDAP Configuration in RRC Reconfiguration for Multi-RAT Dual Connectivity

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Solution Overview

Problem

The complexity of protocol processing between E-UTRA and NR technologies in Multi-RAT Dual Connectivity scenarios hinders efficient communication between terminal apparatuses and base station apparatuses, as their communication protocols differ.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a terminal apparatus and base station apparatus capable of receiving and transmitting RRC reconfiguration messages with DRB configurations that include SDAP entity configurations, allowing for SDAP header management, which enables efficient protocol processing and communication by determining whether SDAP configuration is required and managing SDAP headers accordingly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If Multi-RAT Dual Connectivity is implemented to allow communication with both E-UTRA and NR base stations, then communication versatility and network capability are improved, but protocol processing complexity increases due to format and function differences between E-UTRA and NR communication protocols

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication versatilityVSAvoidprotocol processing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an SDAP (Service Data Adaptation Protocol) layer as an intermediary between the upper layers and the underlying E-UTRA and NR protocols. This SDAP layer provides a standardized interface for QoS flow identification and data transmission, mediating the differences between E-UTRA and NR protocol formats and functions, thereby reducing the complexity of direct protocol interaction while maintaining multi-RAT communication versatility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If detailed SDAP configuration information is included in DRB configuration to enable proper SDAP entity setup, then communication reliability and QoS management are improved, but message overhead and processing complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoidmessage processing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs SDAP entity configuration in advance by including SDAP configuration information (such as QoS flow to DRB mapping, SDAP header presence indication, and PDU session association) within the DRB configuration message during bearer establishment. This preliminary configuration ensures that the SDAP entity is properly set up before data transmission begins, improving communication reliability while avoiding the need for separate configuration messages and reducing overall processing complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3648543B1Terminal device, base station device, communication method, and integrated circuit
Publication Date: 2024.05.08 SHARP KK
  • EP3648543B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3648543B1 patent drawingFigure 2(A)~2(B)
  • EP3648543B1 patent drawingFigure 3(A)~3(B)

AI summary

A technology for a terminal apparatus, a base station apparatus, a communication method, and an integrated circuit which enable efficient communication with reduced complexity of protocol processing is provided. A terminal apparatus for communicating with a base station apparatus receives an RRC connection reconfiguration request message including a Data Radio Bearer (DRB) configuration from the base station apparatus, the DRB configuration includes an SDAP configuration, the SDAP configuration includes information indicating whether an SDAP function is to be enabled or disabled, in a case that the SDAP function is enabled, the SDAP function is configured, and in a case that the SDAP function is disabled, the SDAP function is not configured.