A macro-assisted multi-connectivity scheme in multi-rat cellular systems
AssigneeMediatek Inc.
InventorsAimin Justin Sang, Yuanyuan Zhang
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A novel Macro-assisted Multi-Connectivity (MC) mobility scheme for UEs traversing clusters of (mmWave) small cells (small-BS or SBS) under the coverage of the same 5G or LTE Macro-cell (macro-BS or MBS) is proposed. It keeps the same Control/User split scheme and C-Plane anchor at MBS, same as in LTE Dual Connectivity (DuCo or DC), yet extending DuCo with a multi-connectivity split bearer user plane. For example, MBS adopts a multi-way packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) bearer split based on routing weighted by channel quality, SBS's resource availability, etc. with or without inter-BS flow control. Utilizing the MC user plane, a macro-assisted make-before-break MC mobility can be enabled.
Claims22
A method comprising:
- establishing a radio resource control (RRC) connection with a macro base station (MBS) by a user equipment (UE) in a heterogeneous network having a macrocell served by the MBS and overlaying smallcells served by smallcell base stations (SBSs);
- establishing a multi-connectivity (MC) multi-way split bearer U-plane for simultaneous data transmission with one or more base stations;
- and
- performing macro-assisted make-before-break MC mobility by using the multi-way split bearer.
A User Equipment (UE) comprising:
- a control plane handler that establishes a radio resource control (RRC) connection with a macro base station (MBS) in a heterogeneous network having a macrocell served by the MBS and overlaying smallcells served by smallcell base stations (SBSs);
- a user plane handler that establishes a multi-connectivity (MC) multi-way split bearer U-plane for simultaneous data transmission with one or more base stations;
- and
- a mobility circuit that performs macro-assisted make-before-break MC mobility by using the multi-way split bearer.
A method comprising:
- establishing a radio resource control (RRC) connection with a user equipment (UE) by a macro base station (MBS) in a multi-RAT network having a microwave macrocell served by the MBS and overlaying smallcells served by smallcell base stations (SBSs);
- establishing a multi-connectivity (MC) multi-way split bearer U-plane together with the SBSs for providing simultaneous data transmission to the UE;
- and
- performing macro-assisted make-before-break MC mobility for the UE by using the multi-way split bearer.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.