Terminal Apparatus DRB-EPS Mapping for 5G Dual Connectivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity of protocol processing between E-UTRA and NR radio access technologies hinders efficient communication between base station apparatuses and terminal apparatuses due to differences in communication protocols, making dual connectivity challenging in 5G systems.
Innovation Solution
A terminal apparatus and method that includes a receiver to receive RRC reconfiguration messages with DRB configurations, associating DRBs with EPS identities, and a processing unit to manage DRB configurations, enabling efficient communication by aligning DRB identities with EPS bearer identities, even if they are not part of the current configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If Multi-RAT Dual Connectivity (MR-DC) is implemented to enable communication with both E-UTRA and NR base stations, then communication versatility and 5G capability are improved, but protocol processing complexity increases due to format and function differences between E-UTRA and NR protocols
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mapping mechanism that translates between E-UTRA protocol formats and NR protocol formats. The terminal apparatus maintains an mapping relationship between EPS bearer identities (E-UTRA) and DRB identities (NR), acting as a mediator that enables protocol compatibility without requiring complete protocol reimplementation. This intermediary layer resolves the complexity by providing a systematic translation approach rather than direct protocol handling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal configuration management system that handles both E-UTRA and NR protocol requirements through a unified DRB configuration structure. The mapping mechanism between EPS bearer identities and DRB identities provides a multi-functional framework that can accommodate different RAT protocols, making the terminal apparatus capable of handling multiple protocol formats through a single standardized interface.
2Productivity
If DRB configuration includes both DRB identity and EPS bearer identity for mapping, then communication efficiency between different RATs is improved, but configuration complexity and processing overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by establishing the mapping relationship between EPS bearer identities and DRB identities in advance, during the RRC reconfiguration phase. The terminal apparatus receives and stores the mapping configuration before actual data transmission occurs, allowing efficient protocol translation during communication without real-time computation overhead. This pre-configured mapping table enables rapid identity resolution during active communication.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by transforming the protocol identification parameters from EPS bearer identity format (E-UTRA) to DRB identity format (NR) through a systematic mapping relationship. The mapping mechanism changes the parameter representation while maintaining the underlying data flow continuity, allowing efficient protocol transition without requiring complete parameter reconfiguration during active communication.
Data Source
AI summary
A terminal apparatus for communicating with one or more base station apparatuses, the terminal apparatus including: a receiver configured to receive an RRC reconfiguration message including a DRB configuration from the one or more base station apparatuses, the DRB configuration including a DRB identity and an EPS bearer identity; and a processing unit configured to associate a DRB established with the EPS identity in a case that the DRB identity is not part of a current configuration of the terminal apparatus, and the DRB was configured for the EPS bearer identity.