Split Bearer Decision Table for 5G Dual Connectivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
The transition from 4G to 5G networks poses challenges in maintaining quality of service and minimizing service interruptions due to the susceptibility of 5G NR mmWave air interface to signal quality degradation and the need to support concurrent connections across different radio access technologies within limited wireless spectrum.
Innovation Solution
A split bearer decision table is generated for each sector of a master eNodeB, using a combination of 4G and 5G-NR signal measurements to determine sustainable split bearers, ensuring reliable connections by applying network heuristics and RF measurements from end devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If 5G NR mmWave air interface is used to provide high bandwidth and data throughput, then data rate is improved, but signal quality becomes susceptible to degradation due to multipath propagation and fading
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the bearer into multiple components (MCG bearer, SCG bearer, and split bearer) that can be transmitted over different radio access technologies (4G LTE and 5G NR). This segmentation allows the system to distribute data traffic across multiple paths, reducing the impact of signal quality degradation on any single path while maintaining high overall throughput.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines 4G LTE and 5G NR radio access technologies into a unified dual connectivity architecture. By merging these two different RATs, the system leverages the high bandwidth of 5G NR while using 4G LTE as a reliable fallback, thus achieving both high data throughput and signal quality reliability simultaneously.
2Reliability
If dual connectivity is implemented to support concurrent 4G and 5G connections, then quality of service is improved, but network complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic bearer management where the network can flexibly switch between MCG bearers, SCG bearers, and split bearers based on real-time radio conditions. This dynamic approach allows the system to optimize quality of service while managing network complexity through automated decision-making rather than static complex configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates self-service mechanisms through automated bearer selection and management algorithms that dynamically determine the optimal bearer type based on measured radio conditions. This reduces the need for manual network configuration and management, thereby handling complexity autonomously while maintaining high quality of service.
3Reliability
If split bearer is activated based on instantaneous 5G signal measurements, then connection reliability is improved, but service interruptions occur due to rapid signal quality changes at mmWave frequencies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary filtering and hysteresis mechanisms to signal measurements before making split bearer activation decisions. By preprocessing the signal measurements to smooth out rapid fluctuations, the system avoids premature or unnecessary bearer switches, thereby maintaining service continuity while still achieving reliable connections based on sustained signal quality.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods manage split bearer selection in a multi-RAT dual connectivity environment. A first wireless station receives, from a first device, a first signal measurement for the first wireless station and a second signal measurement for a second wireless station. The first wireless station determines that the second signal measurement indicates that a split bearer for the first device can be supported by the second wireless station and identifies, based on the first signal measurement, a distance category for the first device relative to the first wireless station. The first wireless station determines, based on the second signal measurement, whether the second wireless station supports a sustainable split bearer and initiates a split bearer for the first device using the second wireless station, in response to determining that the second wireless station supports the sustainable split bearer.