Uplink Dual Connectivity Management via Split Bearers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems face challenges in managing dual connectivity in uplink scenarios, particularly in efficiently switching between different radio access technologies (RATs) and optimizing data transmission across multiple network access devices, leading to suboptimal performance and throughput.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a method and apparatus that allow user equipment (UE) to indicate its capability for uplink aggregation dual connectivity or fast switching dual connectivity modes, enabling simultaneous communication with multiple network access devices using different RATs, and managing data transmission through split bearers and PDCP continuity or RLC continuity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a UE communicates with multiple network access devices simultaneously in dual connectivity mode, then uplink throughput and data transmission efficiency are improved, but device complexity and management difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the uplink data transmission by introducing split bearers that divide data flow into multiple paths (MCG bearer, SCG bearer, and split bearer). This segmentation allows the UE to simultaneously communicate with multiple network access devices while managing complexity through structured data routing protocols at different protocol layers (PDCP, RLC, MAC).
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic switching capabilities between different dual connectivity modes (uplink aggregation mode and fast switching mode) based on network conditions and UE capabilities. The system can dynamically adjust which network access device handles uplink traffic, enabling adaptive optimization of throughput while managing complexity through condition-based mode selection.
2Adaptability or versatility
If fast switching between different RATs is implemented, then uplink performance and adaptability are improved, but switching management complexity and protocol overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent prepares switching capabilities in advance by establishing PDCP continuity mechanisms and pre-configuring split bearers before actual switching occurs. The network can pre-establish connections with multiple network access devices using different RATs, so when switching is needed, the transition is facilitated by pre-prepared protocol contexts and data paths, reducing actual switching complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal dual connectivity framework that can operate across different RATs (LTE, NR, mmW) using common protocol structures. The split bearer mechanism and PDCP continuity protocols provide multi-functional support that works across various radio technologies, reducing the need for RAT-specific switching logic and thereby managing complexity through standardized universal protocols.
3Productivity
If uplink aggregation mode is used to communicate with multiple network access devices, then data transmission efficiency is improved, but buffer management and resource allocation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges buffer status reporting into a unified mechanism that handles multiple data buffers (MCG buffer, SCG buffer, and split bearer buffer) through standardized BSR procedures. Instead of managing separate reporting protocols for each network access device, the system combines buffer management into a cohesive framework where the UE can report buffer status to the master network access device, which then coordinates resource allocation across all connected devices, reducing overall management complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A first method includes transmitting, to a network, an indication of a capability to operate in an uplink aggregation dual connectivity mode or in a fast switching dual connectivity mode; and receiving, from the network, a dual connectivity configuration for the UE based at least in part on the indication of the capability. A second method includes communicating with a first network access device; transmitting, to a second network access device, a request to perform fast switching from the first network access device to the second network access device; receiving, from the second network access device, a dual connectivity configuration for communicating with the second network access device; and communicating with the second network access device based at least in part on the dual connectivity configuration.