Split Bearer PDCP Layer Switching in 5G User Equipment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current 5G wireless technologies lack a scheme to voluntarily control which base station processes the PDCP layer during communication using a split bearer, limiting flexibility in managing data transmission between LTE and New Radio access networks.

Innovation Solution

User equipment and radio communication systems that allow voluntary switching of the base station performing the PDCP layer processing within a split bearer, enabling either the LTE or New Radio node to handle PDCP processing, thereby facilitating flexible communication by dynamically managing the processing load between base stations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the PDCP layer processing is fixed to a specific base station in split bearer communication, then the system complexity is reduced and control is simplified, but the flexibility and adaptability of the communication system deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol complexityVSAvoidflexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic switching capability where the base station that performs PDCP layer processing can be changed voluntarily between the first and second base stations. This allows the system to adapt to different communication scenarios and conditions, resolving the contradiction by making the previously fixed assignment dynamic and configurable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the parameter of PDCP layer processing assignment from a fixed state to a configurable state. By allowing voluntary switching of which base station performs PDCP processing, the system can optimize performance based on different operational conditions while maintaining manageable complexity through standardized switching procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Device complexity

If the PDCP layer processing is fixed to one base station, then the processing load distribution is simplified, but the data transmission efficiency and system performance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing load managementVSAvoiddata transmission efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables dynamic adjustment of processing load distribution by allowing the PDCP layer processing to be switched between base stations based on system conditions, traffic requirements, and performance considerations. This dynamic capability improves data transmission efficiency while maintaining manageable complexity through standardized switching mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the processing load distribution from a fixed assignment to a configurable assignment. By allowing voluntary switching of PDCP processing responsibility, the system can optimize data transmission efficiency for different scenarios while keeping processing load management manageable through defined switching procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If the system supports voluntary switching of PDCP layer processing base station, then the flexibility and adaptability are improved, but the device complexity and control overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem flexibilityVSAvoidcontrol mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the control functions by separating the switching decision logic from the execution logic. The user equipment receives configuration information indicating which base station should perform PDCP processing and can switch between base stations based on received instructions, distributing the control complexity across multiple entities rather than concentrating it in one location.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention introduces configuration information as an intermediary mechanism that carries switching instructions between base stations and user equipment. This standardized information structure mediates the switching process, allowing flexible PDCP processing assignment while managing control complexity through a defined information exchange protocol.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3435728B1User device and communication method
Publication Date: 2024.07.10 NTT DOCOMO INC
  • EP3435728B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3435728B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3435728B1 patent drawingFigure 4A

AI summary

There is provided user equipment for communicating with a first base station and a second base station, the user equipment including a receiver that receives, form the first base station or the second base station with which an RRC connection is established, a first message indicating to establish a split bearer between the first base station and the second base station; and a communicator that establishes the split bearer between the first base station and the second base station that are reported by the first message, wherein, in the split bearer, a process of a PDCP layer is performed by one of the first base station and the second base station.