JP2019146191A - Multiple connectivity - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a method to setup wireless connection with a primary cell and a secondary cell so as to establish multiple connectivity with the primary cell and the secondary cell.SOLUTION: The method comprises obtaining system access to a primary cell from a user device; performing a wireless connection setup of the user device to the primary cell in response to the system access; and/or obtaining a notification of the system access of the user device to at least one secondary cell from the at least one secondary cell; performing a resource setting of the user device with the secondary cell in response to obtaining the notification; and performing a wireless connection setup of the user device to the secondary cell on the basis of the resource setting.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

Field

  The present invention relates to communication.

background

  The following description of the background art may include insights, discoveries, understandings or disclosures, or relevance to disclosures provided by the present invention that were not known in the prior art prior to the present invention. Some of these contributions of the present invention may be specifically pointed out below, while others of such contributions of the present invention will be apparent from the context.

  With increased traffic load, more cells and larger capacity will be required to handle the expected throughput. Small cells and heterogeneous networks (HetNet) are introduced to provide greater capacity. Heterogeneous networks include multiple macrocells, picocells, and / or femtocells to provide wireless coverage in environments with a wide variety of wireless coverage areas ranging from open outdoor environments to office buildings, homes, and underground parts. It is often said that a type of access node is used in a wireless network.

  Dual connectivity (inter-site carrier aggregation), ie, carrier aggregation between sites, is an attractive solution for HetNet that does not have an ideal backhaul network. Dual connectivity allows mobility management to be maintained at the macro layer while aggregating small cells to provide additional user plane capacity, thus increasing throughput.

  As part of the recent discussion on 5G systems, one of the key capabilities of the UE is that multiple radio interface (RI) connections from different nodes for RRC (Radio Resource Control) connections. It is to have. Multiple air interface connections to a single UE allow for increased throughput and mobility robustness in deployments where there are various types of air interface nodes. This can be thought of as an extension of LTE dual connectivity in which LTE UEs are served by two independent schedulers to achieve increased throughput per user. One difference would be that nodes involved in multilink connectivity may have different L1 / L2 characteristics. This is because the operating frequency of each of these wireless interfaces can be at significantly different wavelengths. Thus, the wireless interface could be wide area (less than 6 GHz), cmW (6-30 GHz), and mmW (greater than 30 GHz).

Abstract

According to one aspect of the present invention, the following apparatus is provided. The apparatus is an apparatus comprising at least one processor and at least one memory containing computer program code, the computer program code being executed by the at least one processor, at least in the apparatus,
Monitoring at least one of the secondary cell candidates by the user device;
Selecting at least one of at least one of the secondary cell candidates as a secondary cell;
As well as
If there is no primary cell connection,
Performing system access to a primary cell and the at least one secondary cell, wherein the system access to the primary cell and the at least one secondary cell comprises the same user device system access identity; ,
Obtaining radio connection setting information of the primary cell in response to the system access to the primary cell;
Performing a wireless connection setup for the primary cell;
If there is a primary cell connection,
Performing system access to the at least one secondary cell using the same user device system access identity used in the primary cell connection;
Carry out
In addition, the device
Obtaining wireless connection setup configuration information for the at least one secondary cell in response to the system access to the at least one secondary cell;
Performing a wireless connection setup for the secondary cell;
Configured to carry out.

According to one aspect of the present invention, the following apparatus is provided. The apparatus is an apparatus comprising at least one processor and at least one memory containing computer program code, the computer program code being executed by the at least one processor, at least in the apparatus,
Gaining system access to the primary cell from the user device;
Performing a wireless connection setup of the user device to the primary cell in response to the system access and / or obtaining notification of system access of the user device to the at least one secondary cell from the at least one secondary cell When,
In response to obtaining the news, performing resource configuration of the user device with the secondary cell;
Performing a wireless connection setup of the user device to the secondary cell based on the resource configuration;
Configured to carry out.

According to one aspect of the present invention, the following apparatus is provided. The apparatus is an apparatus comprising at least one processor and at least one memory containing computer program code, the computer program code being executed by the at least one processor, at least in the apparatus,
Gaining system access from the user device to the secondary cell;
Sending a notification of system access of the user device to a primary cell;
Performing resource configuration of the user device for the secondary cell with the primary cell;
Configured to carry out.

According to still another aspect of the present invention, the following method is provided. This method
Monitoring at least one of the secondary cell candidates by the user device;
Selecting at least one of at least one of the secondary cell candidates as a secondary cell;
Including
If there is no primary cell connection,
Performing system access to the primary cell and the at least one secondary cell, wherein the system access to the primary cell and the at least one secondary cell comprises the same user device system access identity When,
Obtaining radio connection setting information of the primary cell in response to the system access to the primary cell;
Performing a wireless connection setup for the primary cell;
If there is a primary cell connection,
Performing system access to the at least one secondary cell using the same user device system access identity used in the primary cell connection;
I do. The method further comprises:
Obtaining wireless connection setup configuration information for the at least one secondary cell in response to the system access to the at least one secondary cell;
Performing a wireless connection setup for the secondary cell;
including.

According to still another aspect of the present invention, the following method is provided. This method
Gaining system access to the primary cell from the user device;
Performing a wireless connection setup of the user device to the primary cell in response to the system access and / or obtaining notification of system access of the user device to the at least one secondary cell from the at least one secondary cell When,
In response to obtaining the news, performing resource configuration of the user device with the secondary cell;
Performing a wireless connection setup of the user device to the secondary cell based on the resource configuration;
including.

According to still another aspect of the present invention, the following method is provided. This method
Gaining system access from the user device to the secondary cell;
Sending a notification of system access of the user device to a primary cell;
Performing resource configuration of the user device for the secondary cell with the primary cell;
including.

According to still another aspect of the present invention, the following apparatus is provided. This device
Means for monitoring at least one of the secondary cell candidates by a user device;
Means for selecting at least one of at least one of the secondary cell candidates as a secondary cell;
Is provided.
The apparatus is a means for executing system access to the primary cell and the at least one secondary cell if there is no primary cell connection, and the system access to the primary cell and the at least one secondary cell is the same user Said means comprising a device system access identity; means for obtaining radio connection setup information of the primary cell in response to system access to the primary cell; and means for performing radio connection setup for the primary cell.
The apparatus also comprises means for performing system access to the at least one secondary cell using the same user device system access identity as used in the primary cell connection if a primary cell connection exists.
The apparatus further comprises means for obtaining radio connection setup information for the at least one secondary cell in response to system access to the at least one secondary cell, and means for executing radio connection setup for the secondary cell.

  According to yet another aspect of the present invention, means for obtaining system access to a primary cell from a user device, and performing radio connection setup of the user device to the primary cell in response to system access and / or at least one secondary cell Means for obtaining a notification of system access of the user device from the at least one secondary cell, means for executing resource setting of the user device together with the secondary cell in response to obtaining the notification, and wireless connection of the user device to the secondary cell An apparatus is provided comprising means for performing setup based on resource settings.

  According to still another aspect of the present invention, means for obtaining system access from a user device to a secondary cell, means for transmitting notification of system access of the user device to the primary cell, and resource setting of the user device for the secondary cell An apparatus is provided comprising means for executing with a primary cell.

According to yet another aspect of the invention, a computer program is provided comprising a program code portion for controlling execution of a process. This process
Monitoring at least one of the secondary cell candidates by the user device;
Selecting at least one of at least one of the secondary cell candidates as a secondary cell;
Including
If there is no primary cell connection,
Performing system access to a primary cell and the at least one secondary cell, wherein the system access to the primary cell and the at least one secondary cell comprises the same user device system access identity; ,
Obtaining radio connection setting information of the primary cell in response to the system access to the primary cell;
Performing a wireless connection setup for the primary cell;
If there is a primary cell connection,
Performing system access to the at least one secondary cell using the same user device system access identity used in the primary cell connection, and the process further comprises:
Obtaining radio connection setup configuration information for the at least one secondary cell in response to the system access to the at least one secondary cell, and performing radio connection setup for the secondary cell.

According to yet another aspect of the invention, a computer program comprising program code portions for controlling the execution of a process is provided. This process
Gaining system access to the primary cell from the user device;
Performing a radio connection setup of the user device to the primary cell in response to the system access and / or obtaining notification of the user device's system access to the at least one secondary cell from the at least one secondary cell And
In response to obtaining the news, performing resource configuration of the user device with the secondary cell;
Performing a wireless connection setup of the user device to the secondary cell based on the resource configuration;
including.

According to yet another aspect of the invention, a computer program comprising program code portions for controlling the execution of a process is provided. This process
Gaining system access from the user device to the secondary cell;
Sending a notification of system access of the user device to a primary cell;
Performing resource configuration of the user device for the secondary cell with the primary cell;
including.

  In the following, some embodiments of the present invention will be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings.

An example of a system is shown. 2 shows an example of an apparatus used in the communication device of FIG. 2 shows an example of a device used in the access node of FIG. It is a signaling diagram. It is a flowchart. It is another flowchart. It is another flowchart.

Description of some embodiments

  The following embodiments are only examples. This specification may refer to “an”, “one”, or “some” embodiments in several places, but this is not necessarily the case. It does not mean that each reference is to the same embodiment (s) or features are only applicable to a single embodiment. Single embodiments of different embodiments can be combined to provide other embodiments. Further, the terms “comprising” and “including” should not be understood as limiting the described embodiments to be comprised solely of the features mentioned, and such implementations. Forms may also include features, structures, units, modules, etc. not specifically mentioned.

  Each embodiment includes any user device, such as a user terminal, and any network component, relay node, server, node, corresponding component, and / or any communication system or various communications that support the required functionality. Applicable to any combination of systems. The communication system may be a wireless communication system or a communication system that utilizes both fixed and wireless networks. Devices such as protocols used, communication system specifications, servers and user terminals develop rapidly, especially in wireless communications. Such development may require additional changes to the embodiments. Accordingly, all words and expressions are to be interpreted broadly and are for the purpose of illustration and not limitation of the embodiments.

  In the following, various exemplary embodiments will be described using a radio access architecture based on Long Term Evolution Advanced (LTE Advanced, LTE Advanced) as an example of an access architecture to which the embodiments may be applied. However, embodiments are not limited to such an architecture. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the embodiments can be further applied to other types of communication networks with appropriate means by adjusting parameters and procedures accordingly. Some other examples of suitable systems include 5G, universal mobile communications system (UMTS) radio access network (UTRAN or E-UTRAN), long term evolution (LTE), E -Same as UTRA), wireless local area network (WLAN (wireless local area network) or WiFi), WiMAX (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), personal communication services (PCS), ZigBee (registered trademark) , WCDMA (registered trademark), ultra-wide band (UWB: Ultra-wideband) system, sensor network, mobile ad-hoc network (MANET), and Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem (IMS), or any combination thereof There is.

  FIG. 1 shows an example of a simplified system architecture showing only some components and functional entities, all logical units, the implementation of which may differ from the figure. The connections shown in FIG. 1 are logical connections and the actual physical connections may be different. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the system typically also includes functions and structures other than those shown in FIG.

  It should be noted that the embodiments are not limited to the system given as an example, and those skilled in the art can apply this solution to other communication systems with the necessary characteristics. Another example of a suitable communication system is the 5G concept. 5G can use much more base stations or nodes than LTE (so-called small cell concept), including multiple input-multiple output (MIMO) antennas, macro sites cooperating with smaller stations Adopt various wireless technologies for better coverage and perhaps even better coverage and improved data transfer rates. 5G is likely to consist of two or more radio access technologies (RAT), each optimized for a specific use case and / or spectrum. 5G mobile communications has a wider range of use cases and related applications, including video streaming, augmented reality, various data sharing methods, and various forms of machine type applications including vehicle safety, various sensors, and real-time control. Would have.

  Of course, future networks will almost certainly use network function virtualization (NFV). This is a network architecture concept that proposes virtualizing network node functions into “building blocks” or entities that can be operatively connected or linked to provide services. A virtualized network function (VNF) may comprise one or more virtual machines that execute computer program code using standard or general purpose servers rather than custom hardware. Cloud computing or data storage may also be utilized. For wireless communications, this can mean that the operation of the node is at least partially performed at a server, host, or node that is operatively coupled to the remote radio head. Further, node operations can be distributed among multiple servers, nodes, or hosts. Furthermore, it will be appreciated that the effort distribution between core network operation and base station operation may or may not be different from that of LTE. Some other technological developments that will probably be used are software-defined networking (SDN), big data, and all-IP, which change the way networks are built and managed Can be.

  Although FIG. 1 shows only two eNodeBs (eNBs) 2a, 2b with overlapping coverage areas 4, 6, cellular networks typically provide countless access that provides nearly continuous coverage over a large geographic area. Provide points. Although only one cell is shown for each eNB 2 in FIG. 1, a single eNB 2 may operate two or more cells simultaneously. The two eNBs 2a and 2b may communicate with each other via an inter-eNB X2 interface, and may communicate with an evolved packet core (EPC) network via an S1 interface. A cellular radio access network typically also includes other components, such as resource management entities, which are not shown in FIG. 1 for the sake of brevity.

  The communication system can further communicate with other networks such as a public switched telephone network or the Internet. Communication networks may also be able to support the use of cloud services. Of course, (e) NodeBs or their functionality may be implemented using entities such as any node, host, server, or access point suitable for such use.

  The communication system may further comprise a central control entity or the like that provides facilities for different operator networks to collaborate, eg, with spectrum sharing.

  FIG. 2 shows a schematic diagram of an example of user equipment 8 that may be used to communicate with at least eNB 2 of FIG. 1 over a wireless interface. User equipment (UE) 8 for various tasks such as making and receiving calls, for sending and receiving data to and from the data network, and for example experiencing multimedia or other content May be used for

  A user device (also referred to as a UE, user equipment, user terminal, terminal device, etc.) is described herein with respect to a user device because it represents one type of device to which resources of the air interface are allocated and granted. Any feature may be implemented using an associated device such as a relay node. An example of such a relay node is a layer 3 relay (self backhaul relay) for the base station.

  A user device typically refers to a portable computing device including, but not limited to, a wireless mobile communication device that operates with or without a subscriber identification module (SIM). Mobile stations (cell phones), smart phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), handsets, devices using wireless modems (such as alarm or measurement devices), laptops and / or touch screen computers, tablets, game consoles , Node books, and multimedia device types. Of course, the user device may also be a nearly exclusive uplink-only device, examples of which are cameras or video cameras that load images or video clips into the network. The user device may further be a device that has the ability to operate in an Internet of Things (IoT) network. An IoT network is a scenario in which an object is provided with the ability to transfer data over the network without requiring person-to-person or person-computer interaction.

  The user device (or layer 3 relay node in some embodiments) is configured to perform one or more of the user equipment functionality. A user device may also be referred to as a subscriber unit, mobile station, remote terminal, access terminal, user terminal, or user equipment (UE), to name just a few examples or devices.

  UE8 may communicate via the appropriate radio interface configuration of UE8. The configuration of the interface may be provided by, for example, the radio unit and associated antenna configuration 205. The antenna configuration may be arranged inside or outside the UE 8 and may include a plurality of antennas that can operate in a multi-layer transmission scheme.

  The UE 8 may be provided with at least one data processing entity 203 and at least one memory or data storage entity 217 used in the tasks it is designed to perform. Data processor 203 and memory 217 may be provided on a suitable circuit board and / or in a chipset.

  The user may control the operation of the UE 8 through a suitable user interface such as a keypad 201, voice commands, touch-sensitive screen or pad, combinations thereof. A display 215, speakers, and microphone may also be provided. Furthermore, the UE 8 may be provided with suitable connectors (either wired or wireless) for connecting to other devices and / or external accessories such as hands-free equipment for example.

  Although FIG. 2 shows an example of a UE including a user interface, the UE may also be a communication device without any user interface, such as a device designed for machine type communications (MTC). it can.

  Of course, the user device in FIG. 1 is shown to include two antennas for clarity only. Of course, the number of receive and / or transmit antennas may vary depending on the current implementation.

  Further, although the device is shown as a single entity, various units, processors, and / or memory units (all not shown in FIG. 1) may be implemented.

  FIG. 3 shows an example of an apparatus used in the eNB 2 of FIG. The apparatus includes a radio frequency antenna array 301 configured to transmit and receive radio frequency signals, a radio frequency interface circuit 303 configured to serve as an interface for radio frequency signals transmitted and received by the antenna array 301, and a data processor 306. Prepare. The radio frequency interface circuit 303 may also be known as a transceiver. The device further comprises an interface 309 through which the device can send and receive information to and from one or more other network nodes such as the core network 10 and other eNBs 2. The data processor 306 controls the radio frequency interface circuit 303 to process the signal from the radio frequency interface circuit 303 and generate an RF signal suitable for communicating information to the UE 8 via the wireless communication link, It is configured to exchange information with other network nodes via 309. Memory 307 is used to store data, parameters, and instructions used by data processor 306.

  As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the system shown is only an example of a portion of a radio access system, in fact the system may comprise multiple (e) NodeBs, and a user device may have multiple radios. The cell may be accessible and the system may also include other devices such as physical layer relay nodes or other network components. At least one of the NodeB or eNodeB may be a Home (e) nodeB. Further, a plurality of different types of wireless cells as well as a plurality of wireless cells may be provided in a certain geographical area of the wireless communication system. A radio cell may be a macro cell (or umbrella cell), which is typically a large cell having a diameter of up to several tens of kilometers, or may be a smaller cell such as a micro, femto, or pico cell. The (e) NodeB in FIG. 1 may provide any type of the cell. A cellular radio system may be implemented as a multi-layer network including several types of cells. Typically, in a multi-layer network, one nodeB provides one or more types of cells, so multiple (e) NodeBs are required to provide such a network structure.

  Recently, the concept of “plug and play” (e) NodeB was introduced to meet the need to improve the deployment and performance of communication systems. Typically, networks that can use “plug and play” (e) Node B include home node B gateways, ie, HNB-GW (home node B), in addition to Home (e) NodeB (H (e) nodeB). gateway) (not shown in FIG. 1). The HNB gateway (HNB-GW) is typically installed in the operator's network and can reaggregate traffic from multiple HNBs to the core network.

  In the following, embodiments suitable for multi-connection operation will be disclosed in more detail. In 5G, the underlying wide-area layer (generated by the macro node) can be used as a coordination layer by directing device connections down to coordinate the scheduling of various cells in the small cell layer (s) Have the potential to fulfill the functions of The wide area layer also functions as a signaling connection layer, and can maintain the connectivity of the control plane while the user plane is handed over to the small cell.

  As a matter of course, in 5G, the node can function as a secondary node for data offload without an overhead channel. For such a deployment, a secondary or additional capacity increasing wireless connection must be established via a macro node operating as an umbrella node or a wide area node. This may also be true for multi-RAT connections. Macro nodes or cells are sometimes referred to as primary cells, and additional cells are sometimes referred to as secondary cells. There can be one or more secondary cell connections per user device. Thus, multi-connectivity or multi-connection operation may mean that the user device has a connection to the primary cell and a connection to each (one or more) secondary cells at the same time.

  One embodiment is illustrated by FIG. This embodiment may be performed by a user device.

  In block 500, at least one of the secondary cell candidates is monitored.

  Cell monitoring may be performed by measuring beacon signals transmitted (unicast, multicast, broadcast) by the node providing the cell. The measured parameter may be a signal to noise ratio, a signal to noise interference ratio, a quality of service, a bit error rate, and the like. The monitoring may be performed as a normal monitoring performed by the user device, or the monitoring may be specifically triggered to establish a multi-connectivity mode of operation. Measurement and / or monitoring may be performed as part of idle mode measurement and / or monitoring.

  Of course, cell monitoring further provides the user device with the option of obtaining system information for the cell. The system information may be used in the system access procedure. The system information may include channel bandwidth, carrier frequency, timing reference, network identification information, and / or random access channel settings that help the user device initiate a random access procedure (preamble information, transmission time for frame and subframe numbers, As well as transmission power, etc.). Specifically, the system information may vary depending on the wireless system. To obtain the system information, the user device may use another radio interface receiver to avoid interruption of reception at the primary radio interface.

  Of course, the monitoring may be part of the idle mode operation of the user device, so the information obtained by monitoring for the primary cell connection may be stored and used for secondary cell selection. . Monitoring at least one of the secondary cell candidates may be performed by specifically listening to the small cell beacon signal for secondary cell connection, and all cells in the area may be distinguished from macro cells or small cells. When monitored, it may be part of general monitoring.

  In one embodiment, when the user device is connected to the primary cell, the secondary cell system information may be passed using dedicated signaling.

  At block 502, at least one of the at least one secondary cell candidate is selected as a secondary cell.

  The user device has a radio interface connection to the serving primary cell. Non-access stratum (NAS) functionality such as security key exchange and mobility information is provided by the primary cell. All secondary bearers are understood as additional transmission resources. Thus, multi-connectivity is considered to include a primary cell radio interface connection and one or more secondary cell radio interface connections. The primary cell is considered to operate as a master cell that handles the necessary control.

  The secondary cell is selected from candidates, for example, from among all the small cells that the user device can detect or perform reception in an appropriate manner. The selection may be based on one or more criteria such as measured signal-to-noise ratio, signal-to-noise interference ratio, quality of service, bit error rate, supported services, user device mobility characteristics. Additionally or alternatively, the network may broadcast / unicast specific rules on how to select secondary cells (by service, by capability, by mobility profile, etc. (the mobility profile is eg a mobility pattern, ie Based on whether the user device is currently moving fast, moving slowly, or stationary, and historical information may also be used)).

  In one option, if there is no primary cell connection (No in block 504), system access to the primary cell and at least one secondary cell is performed, and system access to the primary cell and at least one secondary cell is the same user device. A system access identity is provided (block 506). Radio connection setup information for the primary cell is obtained in response to system access to the primary cell (block 508), and radio connection setup for the primary cell is performed based on the radio connection setup information (block 510). The wireless connection setting information of the primary cell may be received from the primary cell. In another option, if a primary cell connection exists (block 504 yes), there is no need to establish a primary connection. Accordingly, system access for at least one secondary cell is performed using the same user device system access identity used for the primary cell connection (block 512). Of course, if there is already a connection to the primary cell, re-establishment at this stage will not take place unless there is a specific reason to do so, eg poor radio quality.

  System access (both primary and secondary) may be performed in a manner similar to the LTE random access procedure or in any manner suitable for accessing a radio cell. The specific procedural steps and the information conveyed can vary. Of course, different radio access technologies may be used for the primary cell and the at least one secondary cell, which also applies to each secondary cell when more than one secondary cell is involved.

  The system access identity may be an LTE contention resolution identity or a corresponding radio access or random access identity (of contention resolution identity type) that may be the basis for identifying the user device requesting access to the cell. . For multi-connectivity, the system access identity of one user device is the same for all connections, whether primary or secondary. This simplifies connection control for multi-connectivity operations. System access may also include an additional identifier on which the secondary node can identify the master node that provides the primary cell. Additional identifiers may not be necessary if the secondary cell is connected to only one master cell.

  The radio connection settings may include a radio bearer that specifies layer 2 and physical layer settings. Setting generally means setting resources required for data transmission via the wireless interface. The exact information may specifically vary depending on the wireless system.

  Next, in both options described above, at block 514, at least one secondary cell radio connection setup configuration information is obtained in response to system access to the at least one secondary cell.

  The wireless connection setting information of at least one secondary cell may be received from the primary cell.

  The radio connection settings may include a radio bearer that specifies layer 2 and physical layer settings. Setting generally means setting resources required for data transmission via the wireless interface. The exact information may specifically vary depending on the wireless system.

  At block 516, a wireless connection setup for the secondary cell is performed. The wireless connection setup is executed based on the wireless connection setting information.

  Another embodiment is illustrated by FIG. This embodiment is suitable to be performed by a primary cell, which may be a master node or a macro cell.

  In block 600, system access to the primary cell is obtained from the user device.

  System access may be performed in a manner similar to the random access procedure of LTE or in any form suitable for accessing a wireless cell. The specific procedural steps and the information conveyed can vary.

  In block 602, a wireless connection setup of the user device to the primary cell is performed in response to the system access and / or notification of the user device's system access to the at least one secondary cell is obtained from the at least one secondary cell. Of course, if there is already a connection to the primary cell, re-establishment at this stage will not take place unless there is a specific reason to do so, eg poor radio quality.

  The wireless connection setup may be performed in a manner similar to that of LTE or in some other manner used in another wireless system. Since 5G is likely to consist of more than one radio access technology (RAT), each optimized for a specific use case and / or spectrum, it will be appreciated that the primary cell and at least one secondary cell are: Different radio access technologies may be used.

  Performing the wireless connection setup of the user device for the primary cell and obtaining notification of the system access of the user device for the at least one secondary cell are done independently. In other words, the primary cell does not wait for notification before executing the wireless connection setup.

  In one embodiment, the primary cell transmits a random access channel assignment as part of the system information to those within its coverage area that can be secondary cells. The assignment is specific to the secondary cell and may be identified using the physical cell identifier of the secondary node in question. Of course, the primary node does not need to pre-configure or prepare secondary cell candidate cells, but provides a mapping of general random access channel parameters identified by physical cell identity (PCI). It is enough. Based on this information, the user device may access the secondary cell, for example by a contention based RACH procedure.

  In one embodiment, when the user device is connected to the primary cell, the system information of the secondary cell is used, for example, as general secondary connection information (not specified for a specific secondary cell) or secondary using dedicated signaling It may be passed as cell specific information. The dedicated signaling may be unicast, multicast, or broadcast type signaling.

  In one embodiment, certain rules regarding how a user device should select a secondary cell (by service, by capability, by mobility profile, etc.) are broadcast / unicast.

  In block 604, resource configuration of the user device is performed along with the secondary cell in response to obtaining the notification.

  Resource configuration for the secondary cell connection of the user device is performed in cooperation with the secondary cell, providing the primary cell with options to control multi-connectivity operation. For example, bearer allocation may be performed by the secondary node and notified to the primary node, or vice versa. The bearer may further be negotiated taking into account resource reservation and interference conditions of both nodes. The notification serves as a trigger for the assignment procedure.

  At block 606, a wireless connection setup of the user device for the secondary cell is performed based on the resource settings.

  The radio connection setup may be performed using an LTE RRC connection reconfiguration message or in any suitable manner depending on the radio access technology.

  Yet another embodiment is illustrated by FIG. This embodiment is suitable for execution by a secondary cell which may be a small cell.

  In block 700, system access from the user device to the secondary cell is obtained.

  System access may be performed in a manner similar to the random access procedure of LTE or in any form suitable for accessing a wireless cell. The specific procedural steps and the information conveyed can vary. System access typically comprises a system access identity. The system access identity may be an LTE contention resolution identity or a corresponding radio access or random access identity that may be the basis for identifying a user device requesting access to a cell. System access may comprise information about the primary cell such as an additional identifier on which the secondary node can identify the master node.

  At block 702, a user device system access notification is sent to the primary cell.

  The system access notification may be a message comprising the system access identity of the accessing user device. The message may further comprise a secondary cell identity. The system access notification may serve as a trigger for secondary cell resource settings.

  At block 704, user device resource configuration for the secondary cell is performed with the primary cell.

  Resource configuration for the secondary cell connection of the user device is performed in cooperation with the secondary cell, providing the primary cell with options to control multi-connectivity operation. For example, bearer allocation may be performed by the secondary node and notified to the primary node, or vice versa. The bearer may further be negotiated taking into account resource reservation and interference conditions of both nodes. The notification serves as a trigger for the assignment procedure.

  The following description relates to a more detailed example of multi-connectivity establishment (multi-connection operation) illustrated by FIGS. Of course, this is only given as an example and should not be understood as limiting the scope of the embodiment. In FIG. 4, the operations of various devices are shown together to provide a system diagram for the operation of user devices, primary cells, and secondary cells. The example of FIG. 4 is based on LTE, which is an example of applicable radio access technology.

  In this example, the UE 8 starts in the RRC IDLE mode where there is no data to be transmitted / received to / from the core network 10 (radio resource control). UE8 is not connected to any eNB2, but is camping on one or more cells selected by UE8 based on reference signal measurement results and selection rule / frequency layer priority information in RRC IDLE mode . When there is data to be transmitted from UE8 or when UE8 recognizes data ready to transmit to UE8, UE8 may select different access selected by UE8 based on selection rule / frequency layer priority information. The wireless connection is started through the two cells operated by the nodes 2a and 2b. The selection rule / frequency layer priority information described above may be broadcast via one or more cells of the network, for example, by service, by capability, or by mobility profile. The two cells selected by the UE 8 for the radio connection may have equal or different priority levels.

  In this example, the two cells selected by the UE 8 include a macro cell operated by the macro eNB 2a and a smaller non-macro cell operated by the small cell eNB 2b.

  The start of the radio connection through the cell is started when the UE 8 transmits a contention based random access channel (RACH) request (RACH Msg1) through each cell. UE8 transmits RACH Msg1 via the radio resource identified in the system information of the cell broadcasted via the individual cell (or in the system information of the cell broadcasted by the other of the two cells as described below) To do. RACH Msg1 identifies the preamble index selected by UE 8 from the group of preamble indexes that form part of the RACH configuration included in the broadcast system information of individual cells.

  When eNB2 detects RACH Msg1 through the cell in which it operates, it transmits a random access response (RAR) message (RACH Msg2) within a predetermined resource window. RACH Msg2 includes at least RA preamble included in RACH Msg1, timing adjustment information, information on an uplink (UL: uplink) resource for an RACH message (RACH Msg3) to be described later (initial UL grant), And a temporary radio network identifier (temporary cell radio network temporary identifier: Temporary Cell Radio Network Temporary Identifier).

  The UE8 checks whether there is a RACH Msg2 including the same preamble index as that included in the RACH Msg1 by the UE8 in the above-described radio resource window. If the UE8 detects such RACH Msg2, the UE8 generates an RRC (Radio Resource Control) connection request message (RACH Msg3), and the timing adjustment included in the RACH Msg2 via the UL grant radio resource identified in the RACH Msg2 RACH Msg3 is transmitted using the information. RACH Msg3 is the first RACH message that uses the signaling radio bearer (SRB0) in a contention based random access procedure. RACH Msg3 includes at least the C-RNTI identified in RACH-Msg2, the contention resolution identifier, and in the case of a small cell, identification information of a macro cell in which the UE has started a second radio connection in parallel. The contention resolution identifier is a random value generated by UE8 (or previously used by UE8 if it happened that UE8 had previously connected to the core network (such as temporary mobile subscriber identity (TMSI) etc.) ) UE identifier). The contention resolution identifier is included as a tool for resolving collisions when two or more UEs respond to the same RACH Msg2, as described further below.

  eNB2 responds to RACH Msg3 using an RRC connection setup message (RACH Msg4), which is at least the contention resolution identifier contained in RACH Msg3 and after being transferred via the cell between UE8 and eNB2 Configuration details of an additional signaling radio bearer (SRB1) for the other messages.

  If two (or more) UEs accidentally transmit a RACH request message (RACH Msg1) with the same preamble simultaneously via the same RACH radio resource, eNB2 does not detect any RACH request message successfully Or only one RACH request message may be detected successfully. Both UEs may detect RACH Msg2 sent as a response by the eNB, and both may send RACH Msg3, but the timing adjustment information contained in RACH Msg2 It will be accurate only for UEs where RACH Msg1 has been successfully detected by eNB2. When such a collision occurs, the UE knows success only after detecting the RACH Msg4 including the contention resolution identifier included in the RACH Msg3 by the UE.

  As described above, the UE 8 performs a random access procedure (steps 400 and 402 in FIG. 4) using the same contention resolution identifier for both cells in parallel for two cells operated by different eNBs 2a and 2b. To do. Furthermore, as described above, the UE 8 includes, in the RACH Msg 3 for the small cell, the notification of the parallel start of the radio connection with the macro cell eNB 2a via the contention-based random access procedure. Subsequent to RACH Msg4 of the macro cell, the UE 8 and the macro eNB 2a exchange RRC setup messages (step 404 in FIG. 4) almost simultaneously, the small cell eNB 2b receives the random access of the UE 8 in the small cell via the inter-eNB X2 interface. The macro cell eNB 2a is notified that the procedure has been successfully completed (step 406).

  The macro cell eNB2a assumes the role of a master eNB (MeNB: master eNB), and an EPS (Evolved Packet System: Evolved Packet) for transferring data between the UE 8 and the core network 10 from the core network 10 (via the S1 interface). System) Bearer setting information is acquired (step 408 in FIG. 4). The reception of this EPS bearer setting information at the MeNB 2a is a trigger, and the UE 8 and SeNB 2b for the EPS bearer are transferred from the MeNB 2a to the other eNB 2b (secondary eNB (SeNB: secondary eNB)) via the inter-eNB X2 interface. A request for setting information of the radio bearer between is sent (step 410 in FIG. 4). The request message identifies the UE 8 by the contention resolution identifier used in the above-mentioned RACH Msg3. The SeNB 2b responds by transmitting the requested setting information to the MeNB 2a (step 410 in FIG. 4). The setting information transmitted to the MeNB 2a by the SeNB 2b does not need to include RACH resource information. The reason is that the random access procedure has already been completed for the small cell and there is already a synchronized RRC connection between the UE 8 and the SeNB 2b.

  The MeNB 2a transmits the small cell radio bearer setting information received from the SeNB 2b to the UE 8 in an RRC connection reconfiguration (RCR: RRC Connection Reconfiguration) message (step 412 in FIG. 4).

  The UE 8 uses the setting information received from the MeNB 2a to transfer data between the UE 8 and the core network 10 via both simultaneous radio connections (that is, a radio connection with the MeNB 2a and a radio connection with the SeNB 2b) ( For step 414), the UE 8 itself is set for both simultaneous radio connections. No further RACH procedure is required before this user plane operation can begin.

  As described above, the UE 8 starts the wireless connection with both the eNBs 2a and 2b without waiting for the completion of the setup of one wireless connection with one eNB. In one variation of the above technique, the UE 8 may further continue without waiting for completion of the RRC connection setup with the MeNB 2a to exchange configuration information with the SeNB 2b via the SRB 1 (further signaling radio Information for setting the bearer SRB2). Alternatively, the non-access layer (NAS) message (related to security and authentication) may be exchanged via SeNB 2b and SRB 2 without first waiting to complete the setup of the RRC connection with MeNB 2a.

  In the above example, the UE 8 is camping on both cells in the IDLE mode, and obtains individual contention-based RACH configuration information from the system information broadcast by each cell. In one variation, the system information broadcast by one cell includes the necessary contention-based RACH configuration information for both cells, and the UE provides the contention-based RACH configuration information required for both cells via one cell. Get all. In such a variant, the system information of the second cell may be tagged to the physical cell identifier (PCI) of the second cell. The system information of the second cell broadcast via the first cell may include the entire system information of the second cell, or may include only a part of the system information of the second cell, the rest being dedicated signaling or It may be obtainable via in-band signaling as part of the data received via the first cell.

  In another variation, the second cell is in a cell group in which UE 8 has previously received and stored information about how a physical cell identifier (PCI) is mapped to a RACH resource for contention based random access. One. When detecting the PCI of the second cell, the UE maps the detected PCI of the second cell to the RACH resource of the second cell based on the mapping information stored in the UE. Within the cell group, two or more cells may share the same PCI and contention based RACH resources.

  More generally, the UE 8 may store and update RACH configuration information based on system information detected in the broadcast by the radio access network.

  Note also that the UE 8 is not limited to sending and receiving data with the core network via two or more simultaneous radio connections. The UE may also be able to switch to sending and receiving data with the core network via a single radio connection.

  The steps / items, signaling messages, and related functions described above in FIGS. 4-7 are not in absolute chronological order, and some steps / items are performed simultaneously or in a different order than given. Also good. Other functions may be further performed between or within steps / items, or within steps / items, and other signaling messages may be sent between the indicated messages. Also good. Some steps / items or some of the steps / items can be omitted or replaced by corresponding steps / items or parts of steps / items.

  Of course, as used herein, carrying, broadcasting, signaling transmission, and / or receiving means preparing to carry, broadcasting, transmitting, and / or receiving data, carrying, broadcasting, signaling, transmitting, and / or Depending on the individual case, preparation of a message to be received or physical transmission and / or reception itself may be implied. The same principle can be applied to the terms transmission and reception.

  Certain embodiments provide an apparatus that may be a user device, or any suitable apparatus that can perform the process described above in connection with FIG. 5 (and / or FIG. 4).

  Of course, the apparatus may include, or may be in communication with, a control unit, one or more processors, or other entities that can perform the operations according to the embodiment described by FIG. It will be appreciated that each block of the flowchart of FIG. 5 and any combination thereof may be implemented by various means such as hardware, software, firmware, one or more processors, and / or circuits, or combinations thereof. Good.

  FIG. 2 shows a simplified block diagram of an apparatus according to the embodiment associated with FIG. The device 8 includes in the control unit 203 equipment (for example including one or more processors) for performing the functions of the embodiment according to FIG. This facility may be software, hardware, or a combination thereof, as described in more detail below. The parts / units / modules required for reception and transmission may be included in the device, or they may be located outside the device and the device may be operatively coupled to them. The device may further include or be coupled to one or more internal or external memory units.

The example apparatus disclosed by the present application may include at least one processor 203 and at least one memory 217 containing computer program code. When executed by the at least one processor, the computer program code is at least stored in the device.
Monitoring at least one of the secondary cell candidates by the user device;
Selecting at least one of at least one of the secondary cell candidates as a secondary cell;
As well as
If there is no primary cell connection,
Performing system access to a primary cell and the at least one secondary cell, wherein the system access to the primary cell and the at least one secondary cell comprises the same user device system access identity; ,
Obtaining radio connection setting information of the primary cell in response to the system access to the primary cell;
Performing a wireless connection setup for the primary cell;
If there is a primary cell connection,
Performing system access to the at least one secondary cell using the same user device system access identity used in the primary cell connection;
Carry out
In addition, the device
Obtaining wireless connection setup configuration information for the at least one secondary cell in response to the system access to the at least one secondary cell;
Performing a wireless connection setup for the secondary cell;
Configured to carry out.
Data processor 203 and memory 217 may be provided on a suitable circuit board and / or in a chipset.

Another example device disclosed in this application is:
Means 203 for monitoring at least one of the secondary cell candidates by the user device;
Means 203 for selecting at least one of at least one of the secondary cell candidates as a secondary cell;
Is provided.
The apparatus is means 203 for performing system access to a primary cell and the at least one secondary cell if no primary cell connection exists, and the system access to the primary cell and the at least one secondary cell is the same. Said means comprising a user device system access identity; means 203 for obtaining radio connection setup information of the primary cell in response to system access to the primary cell; and means 203 for performing radio connection setup for the primary cell.
The apparatus may also comprise means 203 for performing system access to the at least one secondary cell using the same user device system access identity as used in the primary cell connection if a primary cell connection exists. Good.
The apparatus further comprises means 203 for obtaining radio connection setup information of the at least one secondary cell in response to system access to the at least one secondary cell, and means 203 for executing radio connection setup for the secondary cell. May be.

  Some embodiments are described above in connection with FIGS. 6 and / or 7 or any device (such as an eNodeB), host, server, or user device (a small cell may be generated by a user device). Any suitable device capable of performing the process is provided.

  Of course, the apparatus may include, or may be in communication with, a control unit, one or more processors, or other entities that can perform the operations according to the embodiments described by FIGS. 6 and / or 7. . It will be appreciated that each block of the flowcharts of FIGS. 6 and / or 7 and any combination thereof may be achieved by various means such as hardware, software, firmware, one or more processors, and / or circuits, or combinations thereof. May be implemented.

  FIG. 3 shows a simplified block diagram of an apparatus according to an embodiment related to FIGS. 6 and / or 7 (and / or FIG. 4). The apparatus 2 includes equipment in the control unit 306 (eg including one or more processors) for performing the functions of the embodiments according to FIGS. 6 and / or 7. This facility may be software, hardware, or a combination thereof, as described in more detail below. The parts / units / modules required for reception and transmission may be included in the device, or they may be located outside the device and the device may be operatively coupled to them. The device may further include or be coupled to one or more internal or external memory units.

Another example apparatus disclosed by the present application may include at least one processor 306 and at least one memory 307 containing computer program code. When executed by the at least one processor, the computer program code is at least stored in the device.
Gaining system access to the primary cell from the user device;
Performing a wireless connection setup of the user device to the primary cell in response to the system access and / or obtaining notification of system access of the user device to the at least one secondary cell from the at least one secondary cell When,
In response to obtaining the news, performing resource configuration of the user device with the secondary cell;
Performing a wireless connection setup of the user device to the secondary cell based on the resource configuration;
Configured to carry out.
Memory 307 and data processor 306 may be provided on a suitable circuit board and / or in a chipset.

Another example apparatus disclosed by the present application includes means 306 for obtaining system access to a primary cell from a user device, and performing radio connection setup of the user device to the primary cell in response to system access and / or at least one secondary cell Means 306 for obtaining notification of system access of the user device to the at least one secondary cell; means 306 for executing resource setting of the user device together with the secondary cell in response to obtaining the notice; and Means 306 for performing wireless connection setup based on resource settings.
The example apparatus also includes means 306 for obtaining system access from the user device to the secondary cell, means 306 for transmitting notification of system access of the user device to the primary cell, and resource setting of the user device for the secondary cell together with the primary cell. And means for executing 306.

  An apparatus is generally at least one processor, controller, or unit or module that is designed to perform the functions of the embodiments and is operatively coupled to at least one memory unit (or service) and typically various interfaces. May be included. Further, the memory unit may include volatile and / or nonvolatile memory. The memory unit may store computer program code and / or operating system, information, data, content, etc., for the processor to perform the operations according to the embodiments described above in connection with FIGS. 5, 6, and / or 7. Good. Each memory unit may be a random access memory, a hard drive, or the like. The memory unit may be at least partially removable and / or operatively coupled to the device such that it can be disconnected. The memory may be of any type suitable for the current technical environment and is implemented using any suitable data storage technology, such as semiconductor-based technology, flash memory, magnetic and / or optical memory devices. Can be done. The memory may be fixed or removable.

  The apparatus may be at least one software application, module, unit or entity configured as an arithmetic operation performed by at least one arithmetic processor or as a program (including software routines to be added or updated). It may include or be related to. A program, also called a program product or computer program, includes software routines, applets, and macros, may be stored on any device-readable data storage medium, and includes program instructions for performing specific tasks. The data storage medium may be a non-transitory medium. In addition, a computer program or computer program product may be loaded into the device. A computer program product executes any of the embodiments described above with reference to FIG. 5 or a combination thereof when the program is executed, for example, by one or more processors, optionally using internal or external memory. One or more computer-executable components configured to do so may be provided. The one or more computer-executable components may be at least one software code or part thereof. The computer program may be coded in a programming language or a low level programming language.

  Changes and settings necessary to implement the functionality of certain embodiments may be performed as routines, which may be implemented as added or updated software routines, application circuits (ASICs), and / or programmable circuits. May be implemented. In addition, software routines may be downloaded to the device. An apparatus such as a node device or a corresponding component is a chip including at least a memory or a processor for performing arithmetic operations as a computer or microprocessor such as a single chip computer element or providing storage capacity used for arithmetic operations It may be configured as a set.

  Embodiments provide a computer program embodied on a distribution medium comprising program instructions for setting the device as described above when loaded into an electronic device. The distribution medium may be a non-transitory medium.

  A computer program may be in the form of source code, in the form of object code, or some intermediate form, and any kind of holding body, distribution medium, or computer that may be any entity or device that can hold the program It may be stored on a readable medium. Such holders include, for example, recording media, computer memory, read-only memory, photoelectric and / or electric carrier signals, telecommunications signals, and software distribution packages. Depending on the processing power required, the computer program may be executed on a single electronic digital computer or distributed among several computers. The computer readable medium or computer readable storage medium may be a non-transitory medium.

  The various techniques described in this specification can also be applied to a cyber-physical system (CPS) (a system of cooperative computing elements that controls physical entities). CPS may enable the implementation and utilization of a vast amount of interconnected ICT devices (sensors, actuators, processor microcontrollers, etc.) embedded in physical objects at various locations. In a mobile cyber physical system, the physical system has intrinsic mobility, which is a subcategory of the cyber physical system. Examples of mobile physical systems include mobile robotics and electronic devices carried by people or animals.

  The techniques described herein may be implemented by various means. For example, these techniques may be implemented in hardware (one or more devices), firmware (one or more devices), software (one or more modules), or a combination thereof. In the case of hardware implementation, the device may include one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processors (DSPs), digital signal processing devices (DSPDs). Programmable logic devices (PLDs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), processors, controllers, microcontrollers, microprocessors, digital expansion circuits, perform the functions described herein Design Other electronic units or may be implemented in a combination thereof. In the case of firmware or software, implementation may be performed using modules (eg, procedures, functions, etc.) of at least one chipset that performs the functions described herein. The software code may be stored in a memory unit and executed by a processor. The memory unit may be implemented in the processor or external to the processor. In the latter case, the memory unit may be communicatively coupled to the processor via various means well known in the art. Further, the components of the system described herein may be rearranged and / or supplemented with additional components to facilitate the achievement of various aspects described therein, etc. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the exact configuration described in a given drawing.

  As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the inventive concept may be implemented in a variety of ways as technology advances. The invention and its embodiments are not limited to the examples described above but may vary within the scope of the claims.

Claims (7)

Receiving a contention based random access request for system access to a secondary cell from a user device;
Sending a notification of system access of the user device to a primary cell of the user device;
Performing resource configuration of the user device for the secondary cell with the primary cell;
Including methods.   The method according to claim 1, wherein the system access is performed using an identifier by which the secondary cell can identify the primary cell.   The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the system access notification is a message comprising a conflict resolution identifier and a secondary cell identity of the user device.   The resource setting is executed by the resource setting performed by the secondary cell and notified to the primary cell, or performed by the primary cell and notified to the secondary cell, or based on negotiation. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3.   5. An apparatus comprising processing means and storage means, wherein the storage means stores a program instruction, and when the program instruction is executed by the processing means, the apparatus is provided with any one of claims 1 to 4. An apparatus configured to carry out the method.   An apparatus comprising means for performing the method according to claim 1.   A computer program comprising program instructions configured to, when executed by processing means of an apparatus, cause the apparatus to perform the method of any of claims 1 to 4.

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