Unified RRC Entity for LTE-NR Tight Interworking
Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies face challenges in realizing effective tight interworking between LTE and NR cellular systems, particularly in handling simultaneous connections and inter-RAT handovers between LTE and NR networks.
Innovation Solution
A communication device and method that enables tight interworking by allowing simultaneous connections to LTE and NR base stations through specific message transactions and response mechanisms, using transaction identifiers to manage communications across different radio access technologies, facilitating seamless handovers and data transmission between LTE and NR networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate RRC entities are used for LTE and NR independently, then each RAT can be managed autonomously, but the complexity of inter-RAT coordination and handover management increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the RRC entities for LTE and NR into a single integrated RRC entity that handles both radio access technologies. This integration allows unified management of inter-RAT operations, reducing coordination complexity while maintaining independent control capabilities for each RAT through logical separation within the unified entity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a unified RRC entity as an intermediary that mediates between LTE and NR subsystems. This mediator coordinates handovers, message transactions, and resource allocation across RATs, simplifying the interaction interface while preserving the autonomy needed for independent RAT management.
2Reliability
If simultaneous connections to LTE and NR base stations are established, then network interoperability and handover capability are improved, but the management of message transactions and resource allocation becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The unified RRC entity is designed with multi-functionality to handle both LTE and NR message transactions, resource allocation, and handover management through a single interface. This universal approach simplifies the device architecture by eliminating the need for separate management mechanisms for each RAT while maintaining full interoperability capabilities.
3Productivity
If tight interworking between LTE and NR is implemented, then seamless communication and user experience are achieved, but the overhead for coordination and synchronization increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging LTE and NR coordination functions into a unified RRC entity, the patent eliminates redundant coordination messages and synchronization procedures that would exist between separate entities. The integrated architecture enables direct internal coordination without the overhead of inter-entity signaling, achieving tight interworking with reduced overhead.
Data Source
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AI summary
A communication device for handling a first radio access technology (RAT) and second RAT tight interworking comprises a storage device for storing instructions and a processing circuit coupled to the storage device. The processing circuit is configured to execute the instructions stored in the storage device. The instructions comprise connecting to a first base station (BS) via a first RAT; receiving a first message of the first RAT from the first BS, wherein the first message includes a second message of a second RAT, and the second message configures the communication device to connect to a second BS via the second RAT; transmitting a first response message to the first BS; connecting to the second BS; and communicating second data with the second BS according to a configuration of the second RAT, when communicating first data with the first BS.