Methods to indicate a version of packet data convergence protocol (pdcp) in dual connectivity arrangements

A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium that stores instructions for execution by processing circuitry to perform operations for communication by an Evolved Node-B (eNB), the eNB configured to support Fifth Generation Core (5GC) operation, the operations to configure the processing circuitry to:

• encode a SystemInformationBlockType1 message to include a plmn-Identity-5GC-r15 parameter to indicate that the eNB supports 5GC operation,
• wherein the plmn-Identity-5GC-r15 parameter indicates an identifier of a public land mobile network (PLMN) for 5GC;
• decode, from a User Equipment (UE), a radio resource control (RRC) connection request message to establish an RRC connection, wherein establishment of the RRC connection includes establishment of a signaling radio bearer 1 (SRB1) between the eNB and the UE;
• decode, from the UE, an RRC connection setup complete message;
• determine that the UE supports 5GC operation based on an indicator in the RRC connection setup complete message;
• if it is determined that the UE supports 5GC operation:
• use new radio packet data convergence protocol (NR PDCP) to decode one or more subsequent messages received from the UE on the SRB1;
• and
• use NR PDCP to encode one or more subsequent messages transmitted to the UE on the SRB1.

An apparatus of a User Equipment (UE), the apparatus comprising:

• memory;
• and processing circuitry, configured to:
• decode a SystemInformationBlockType1 message received from an Evolved Node-B (eNB) via broadcast;
• determine that the eNB supports Fifth Generation Core (5GC) operation if the SystemInformationBlockType1 message includes a plmn-Identity-5GC-r15 parameter;
• encode a radio resource control (RRC) connection request message to establish an RRC connection, wherein establishment of the RRC connection includes establishment of a signaling radio bearer 1 (SRB1);
• if it is determined that the eNB supports 5GC operation, and if the UE supports 5GC operation:
• encode the RRC connection request message in accordance with a default new radio packet data convergence protocol (NR PDCP) configuration for the SRB1;
• and
• use new radio packet data convergence protocol (NR PDCP) for all subsequent messages received and sent on the SRB1.