WLAN-E-UTRAN Carrier Aggregation at RAN Level
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mobile communication systems face limitations in transmitting large amounts of data efficiently due to limited frequency resources, and unlicensed frequency bands cannot be exclusively used, necessitating a method to aggregate wireless local area network (WLAN) with Long Term Evolution (LTE) carriers at the Radio Access Network (RAN) level for enhanced data transmission.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that enable the integration of WLAN as a single carrier with E-UTRAN at the RAN level for user plane data transmission, involving the transmission and reception of WLAN MAC address and IP address information, configuration of bearers, and data transfer between the UE and base station using both E-UTRAN and WLAN carriers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a base station uses limited frequency resources to transmit data to multiple terminals, then the base station can provide service to multiple terminals, but the base station cannot transmit large amounts of data efficiently due to resource limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines LTE carrier and WLAN carrier into a unified carrier aggregation framework, merging two different wireless access technologies (3GPP LTE and 3GPP2 WLAN) to transmit data simultaneously. This allows the base station to aggregate bandwidth resources from both carriers, significantly increasing data transmission capacity without requiring additional dedicated frequency resources for each terminal.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal carrier aggregation mechanism that can handle both LTE and WLAN carriers through a common PDCP layer and RRC management. The system can dynamically allocate data streams across different carrier types based on network conditions, making the frequency resources more versatile and efficiently utilized for serving multiple terminals with varying data requirements.
2Productivity
If unlicensed frequency bands are shared by multiple service providers or communication systems, then frequency resources can be utilized more efficiently, but exclusive use cannot be guaranteed leading to potential interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an aggregation entity and PDCP layer as intermediaries that manage the interaction between LTE and WLAN carriers. These intermediary components coordinate data transmission across both carriers, handling protocol adaptation, data segmentation, and reassembly. This intermediary layer enables reliable data transmission over shared unlicensed bands by managing potential interference and ensuring data integrity despite the non-exclusive nature of WLAN frequency access.
3Speed
If WLAN is aggregated with LTE carrier at RAN level, then high-speed data transmission comparable to wired networks can be achieved, but system complexity increases due to multi-carrier coordination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the carrier aggregation functionality into distinct modular components: PDCP layer for data processing, RLC layer for reliability control, MAC layer for scheduling, and physical layers for both LTE and WLAN. This segmentation allows each component to be independently optimized and managed, reducing overall system complexity while enabling high-speed transmission through coordinated operation of these modular elements.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are a method and an apparatus for aggregating the WLAN with an E-UTRAN carrier at a radio access network (RAN) level and using the same to transmit and receive LTE-WLAN aggregation data. A method of a terminal for receiving data by aggregating a WLAN carrier may include transmitting WLAN MAC address information or IP address information which are configured in the terminal, receiving configuration information to configure a specific bearer through the WLAN carrier, receiving the data through the base station and the WLAN carrier, respectively, and transferring the specific bearer data received through the WLAN carrier to a PDCP entity of the specific bearer within the terminal.