UE-Assisted QoE Feedback for LTE-WLAN Uplink Direction Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current WLAN scheduling is not suitable for LTE, as WLAN transmission is not scheduled by the eNB but rather in response to clear channel assessment, leading to unpredictable and unreliable user experience, especially in scenarios with uplink data transmission where eNB lacks information on user equipment (UE) feedback, resulting in suboptimal UL direction determination.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method and apparatus for UE-assisted feedback to enable dynamic configuration of UL direction for split bearers, allowing UEs to provide quality of experience (QoE) evaluations and feedback on triggering events such as busy medium, traffic congestion, and preference direction, enabling eNB to make informed decisions on UL direction configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If WLAN transmission operates without eNB scheduling (autonomous clear channel assessment), then WLAN autonomy and flexibility are improved, but transmission reliability and predictability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where UE measures QoE metrics (throughput, latency, packet loss) and reports them to eNB. Based on this feedback, eNB dynamically adjusts UL direction configuration and traffic steering decisions, creating a closed-loop system that improves reliability while preserving WLAN autonomy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between different UL directions (LTE uplink, WLAN uplink, or both) based on real-time QoE conditions. The eNB can reconfigure the split bearer configuration adaptively, changing the degree of WLAN aggregation according to measured performance metrics.
2Reliability
If eNB implements full per-packet scheduling of WLAN, then transmission control and reliability are improved, but system complexity and processing overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of full per-packet scheduling, the patent implements partial scheduling where eNB controls the UL direction configuration and traffic steering decisions at a higher layer. The actual packet transmission over WLAN remains autonomous, reducing scheduling complexity while maintaining sufficient control for reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the scheduling function into different layers: eNB handles UL direction selection and configuration (control plane), while WLAN maintains autonomous packet transmission (data plane). This segmentation reduces the burden on eNB scheduling complexity.
3Loss of information
If UE provides detailed QoE feedback, then eNB can make more informed UL direction decisions, but feedback signaling overhead and processing burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses parameter changes by selecting different QoE metric combinations based on service type and network conditions. The system can adjust which metrics are measured and reported (throughput, latency, packet loss, MOS scores) to balance information completeness with feedback overhead.
Solution Approach 2:
The QoE feedback mechanism serves multiple functions: it provides UL direction decision input, enables network optimization, supports service quality monitoring, and facilitates handover decisions. This multi-functionality justifies the feedback overhead by deriving multiple benefits from the same information.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure is directed to a method and apparatuses for controlling quality of experience (QoE) based on UE assisted feedback. In one aspect, the method would include not limited to: receiving an enable indicator which indicates a first feedback signaling to be transmitted; performing a quality of experience (QoE) evaluation for fulfilling a performance requirement; and transmitting the first feedback signaling including a first preferred configuration of licensed wireless connection in response to performing the QoE evaluation, wherein the wireless connection comprises a licensed wireless connection and a licensed-assisted access connection.