Split Bearer Backup Switching for Fast MCG Failure Recovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
In Multi-RAT Dual Connectivity (MR-DC) systems, existing MCG failure recovery processes are slow and inefficient, particularly in scenarios where the Master Node (MN) fails, leading to interruptions and suboptimal resource allocation during recovery.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a split bearer configuration that includes a reserve or backup leg for communication, allowing seamless switching to a Secondary Node (SN) upon MCG failure by pre-storing configuration information and using failure indications to activate the reserve leg, thereby bypassing traditional admission control and reducing interruption time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional MCG failure recovery procedure is used, then the UE follows SCG failure-like procedure and waits for MN response, but the recovery time is long and service interruption occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring split bearer with both MN and SN nodes before failure occurs. The configuration information for both nodes is stored in advance, including routing information and communication parameters. When MCG failure occurs, the UE can immediately switch to the pre-configured SN path without waiting for MN response, thus reducing recovery time while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the SN node as an intermediary during MCG failure recovery. Instead of directly communicating with MN which is experiencing failure, the UE routes communication through the SN node using the pre-configured split bearer. This intermediary approach allows continuous service while bypassing the failed MN, reducing interruption time
2Reliability
If the UE waits for MN response (RRCReconfiguration or RRCRelease) after detecting failure, then proper recovery decisions can be made, but service interruption time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary configuration of alternative communication paths through split bearer setup. Both MN and SN configuration information is prepared in advance including routing rules. When failure occurs, the UE can immediately activate the pre-prepared SN path without waiting for MN's RRCReconfiguration or RRCRelease response, thus maintaining service continuity while having reliable recovery options ready
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the UE to perform self-service during MCG failure by autonomously switching to the pre-configured SN path without requiring MN's explicit recovery instructions. The UE uses stored configuration information to independently establish communication through SN, improving service continuity while MN can still provide guidance when needed
3Loss of time
If split bearer configuration with reserve leg is implemented, then fast switching to SN is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing the split bearer configuration to serve multiple functions. The same configuration structure is used for both normal operation and failure recovery scenarios. The configuration information stored in the UE can be used for regular dual-connectivity operation and automatically serves as the backup path when MCG fails, reducing the need for separate recovery-specific configurations and managing complexity
Data Source
AI summary
Examples of the disclosure relate to an apparatus comprising means for: receiving configuration information to enable communication with a first node apparatus and with a second node apparatus, wherein the configuration information relates to split bearer communication; using the configuration information relating to the first node apparatus to communicate with the first node apparatus; storing the configuration information relating to the second node apparatus; and using the stored configuration information to switch from communicating with the first node apparatus to communicating with the second node apparatus if communicating with the first node apparatus has failed.