Multiple active-coordination-set aggregation for mobility management

This document describes aspects of multiple active-coordination-set (ACS) aggregation for mobility management. A master base station coordinates aggregation of control-plane and user-plane communications, generated by a first active-coordination-set for a first joint communication between the first ACS and a user equipment, where the first ACS includes the master base station and at least a second base station. The master base station receives, from a second master base station of a second ACS, control-plane information or user-plane data associated with a second joint communication between the second ACS and the UE, the second ACS including the second master base station and at least a third base station. The master base station aggregates the control-plane and user-plane communications with at least a portion of the control-plane information or the user-plane data to coordinate data throughput to the user equipment.

BACKGROUND

The evolution of wireless communication to fifth generation (5G) and sixth generation (6G) standards and technologies provides higher data rates and greater capacity, with improved reliability and lower latency, which enhances mobile broadband services. 5G and 6G technologies also provide new classes of services for vehicular, fixed wireless broadband, and the Internet of Things (IoT).

A unified air interface, which utilizes licensed, unlicensed, and shared license radio spectrum, in multiple frequency bands, is one aspect of enabling the capabilities of 5G and 6G systems. The 5G and 6G air interface utilizes radio spectrum in bands below 1 GHz (sub-gigahertz), below 6 GHz (sub-6 GHz), and above 6 GHz. Radio spectrum above 6 GHz includes millimeter wave (mmWave) frequency bands that provide wide channel bandwidths to support higher data rates for wireless broadband.

To increase data rates, throughput, and reliability for a user equipment, various forms of wireless connectivity that use multiple radio links between base stations and the user equipment are supported in 5G and 6G systems. Techniques such as dual connectivity or coordinated multipoint communications, often coupled with beamformed signals, can improve data rates, throughput, and reliability, especially at the edge of cells. The use of these radio link configurations increases the complexity of mobility management to maintain high data rates and reliability for the user equipment.

Conventional mobility management techniques are based on base station neighbor relationships and use handovers to maintain connectivity for the user equipment. However, conventional handover techniques based on base station neighbor relationships disconnect radio bearers and establish new bearers during a handover, which can interrupt data communication for the user equipment during the handover, which affects data throughput and latency for the user equipment.

SUMMARY

Using conventional handover techniques for mobility management in 5G and 6G systems may result in inefficiencies due to interruptions in data communication for a user equipment (UE). For example, the interruptions are generally based on disconnection of radio bearers and establishment of new bearers during the handover, which affects data throughput and latency for the UE.

Seamless mobility for wireless communication between the UE and one or more base stations can be supported by an active coordination set (ACS) for each UE. This mobility is enhanced by using a multiple-ACS configuration that aggregates data throughput for the UE. Multiple ACSs are configured for a UE such that each ACS corresponds to a different carrier or radio access technology (RAT) for the same UE. Alternatively or in addition, the ACSs are directionally defined for the UE such that one ACS is configured only for uplink data and another ACS is configured only for downlink data. Each ACS includes a master base station. The master base stations of the different ACSs coordinate the aggregation of the data throughput for the UE. Accordingly, the techniques described herein include multiple ACS aggregation for mobility management.

In implementations of multiple ACS aggregation for mobility management, a master base station coordinates aggregation of control-plane and user-plane communications, generated by a first active-coordination-set (ACS) for a first joint communication between the first ACS and a user equipment (UE) where the first ACS includes the master base station and at least a second base station. The master base station also receives, from a second master base station of a second ACS, control-plane information or user-plane data associated with a second joint communication between the second ACS and the UE, the second ACS including the second master base station and at least a third base station. In implementations, the master base station aggregates the control-plane and user-plane communications generated by the first ACS with at least a portion of the control-plane information or the user-plane data from the second master base station to coordinate data throughput to the user equipment.

Aspects of multiple ACS aggregation for mobility management include a UE processing a first set of joint communications exchanged with a first set of two or more base stations included in a first ACS using a first carrier of a first radio access technology. The UE also processes a second set of joint communications exchanged with a second set of two or more base stations included in a second ACS using a second carrier that is different than the first carrier. In implementations, the second set of joint communications are coordinated with the first set of joint communications, such as by the first ACS coordinating with the second ACS through the use of a first master base station of the first ACS and a second master base station of the second ACS.

This summary is provided to introduce simplified concepts of an active coordination set for mobility management. The simplified concepts are further described below in the Detailed Description. This summary is not intended to identify essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended for use in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This document describes methods, devices, systems, and means for multiple active-coordination-set (ACS) aggregation for mobility management. The evolution of wireless communication systems to fifth generation (5G) New Radio (5G NR) and Sixth Generation (6G) technologies provides higher data rates to users. By employing techniques, such as Coordinated MultiPoint (CoMP) or Dual Connectivity (DC) over beamformed wireless connections, higher data rates can be provided at the edges of 5G and 6G cells. However, the management of user equipment (UE) mobility and handovers becomes increasingly complex in these environments.

An Active Coordination Set (ACS) is a user equipment-specific set of base stations (e.g., 5G and/or 6G base stations) that are determined by the user equipment to be usable for wireless communication. More specifically, the base stations in the ACS are usable for joint transmission and/or reception (joint communication) between the user equipment and any or all of the base stations in the ACS. The joint transmission and/or reception techniques include CoMP, Single Radio Access Technology (RAT) Dual Connectivity (single-RAT DC), and/or Multi-Radio Access Technology Dual Connectivity (MR-DC).

A master base station of the ACS coordinates joint transmission and/or reception for the user equipment. For example, the master base station uses the ACS to schedule air interface resources for the set of base stations communicating with the UE, thus coordinating the joint transmission through joint scheduling. By using this joint scheduling for communications with the UE, scheduling efficiency is increased, and inter-cell interference (ICI) is reduced in the wireless network.

Multiple ACSs can be configured for the UE to aggregate data throughput for the UE. Each ACS can be configured for a different carrier or RAT. At least one ACS can be directionally defined for the UE, such that communications between the UE and a particular ACS include only uplink data or only downlink data. Communication between the ACSs can occur through respective master base stations. For example, the master base station of one ACS can communicate with another master base station of another ACS configured for the UE to aggregate the data throughput for the UE.

In implementations of multiple ACS aggregation for mobility management, a master base station coordinates aggregation of control-plane and user-plane communications, generated by a first active-coordination-set (ACS) for a first joint communication between the first ACS and a user equipment (UE) where the first ACS includes the master base station and at least a second base station. The master base station also receives, from a second master base station of a second ACS, control-plane information or user-plane data associated with a second joint communication between the second ACS and the UE, the second ACS including the second master base station and at least a third base station. In implementations, the master base station aggregates the control-plane and user-plane communications generated by the first ACS with at least a portion of the control-plane information or the user-plane data from the second master base station to coordinate data throughput to the user equipment.

Aspects of multiple ACS aggregation for mobility management include a UE processing a first set of joint communications exchanged with a first set of two or more base stations included in a first ACS using a first carrier of a first radio access technology. The UE also processes a second set of joint communications exchanged with a second set of two or more base stations included in a second ACS using a second carrier that is different than the first carrier. In implementations, the second set of joint communications are coordinated with the first set of joint communications, such as by the first ACS coordinating with the second ACS through the use of a first master base station of the first ACS and a second master base station of the second ACS.

In some aspects, a method for implementing multiple ACS aggregation by a master base station for mobility management of a UE is disclosed. The method includes the master base station coordinating aggregation of a first set of distributed transmissions between the UE and a first set of base stations forming a first ACS. The first set of base stations includes the master base station and at least one other base station. The master base station receives, from another master base station of a second ACS formed by a second set of base stations including the other master base station and at least one additional base station, control-plane data associated with a second set of distributed transmissions between the UE and the second set of base stations. Then, the master base station aggregates the first set of transmissions with the second set of transmissions for the UE.

In aspects, a method for multiple ACS aggregation by a UE is described. The method includes the UE jointly communicating with a first set of two or more base stations included in a first ACS. The UE also jointly communicates with a second set of two or more base stations included in a second ACS. In implementations, the UE uses a first carrier or RAT to communicate with the first ACS and a second carrier or RAT to communicate with the second ACS. In addition or in the alternative, each ACS is directionally defined for a specific UE, such that the UE communicates with the first ACS for only uplink data and with the second ACS for only downlink data.

In another aspect, a base station is described that includes a radio-frequency transceiver and a processor and memory system coupled to the radio-frequency transceiver. The processor and memory system is configured to aggregate transmissions between a UE and a first ACS. The first ACS includes a first plurality of base stations including the base station. In addition, the processor and memory system is configured to transmit control-plane data associated with the transmissions to a master base station of a second ACS defined by a second plurality of base stations. The control-plane data is transmitted effective to enable the master base station of the second ACS to coordinate aggregation of the transmissions between the UE and the first ACS with additional transmissions between the UE and the second ACS.

While features and concepts of the described systems and methods for multiple active-coordination-set aggregation for mobility management can be implemented in any number of different environments, systems, devices, and/or various configurations, aspects of multiple active-coordination-set aggregation for mobility management are described in the context of the following example devices, systems, and configurations.

Example Environment

FIG.1illustrates an example environment100in which various aspects of multiple active-coordination-set aggregation for mobility management can be implemented. The example environment100includes a user equipment110(UE110) that communicates with one or more base stations120(illustrated as base stations121and122), through one or more wireless communication links130(wireless link130), illustrated as wireless links131and132. In this example, the UE110is implemented as a smartphone. Although illustrated as a smartphone, the UE110may be implemented as any suitable computing or electronic device, such as a mobile communication device, a modem, cellular phone, gaming device, navigation device, media device, laptop computer, desktop computer, tablet computer, smart appliance, or vehicle-based communication system. The base stations120(e.g., an Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network Node B, E-UTRAN Node B, evolved Node B, eNodeB, eNB, Next Generation Node B, gNode B, gNB, ng-eNB, a 6G node B, or the like) may be implemented in a macrocell, microcell, small cell, picocell, and the like, or any combination thereof.

The base stations120communicate with the UE110using the wireless links131and132, which may be implemented as any suitable type of wireless link. The wireless links131and132can include a downlink of data and control information communicated from the base stations120to the UE110, an uplink of other data and control information communicated from the UE110to the base stations120, or both. The wireless links130may include one or more wireless links or bearers implemented using any suitable communication protocol or standard, or combination of communication protocols or standards such as 3rd Generation Partnership Project Long-Term Evolution (3GPP LTE), Fifth Generation New Radio (5G NR), 6G, and so forth. Multiple wireless links130may be aggregated in a carrier aggregation to provide a higher data rate for the UE110. Multiple wireless links130from multiple base stations120may be configured for Coordinated Multipoint (CoMP) communication with the UE110. Additionally, multiple wireless links130may be configured for single-radio access technology (RAT) (single-RAT) dual connectivity (single-RAT-DC) or multi-RAT dual connectivity (MR-DC).

The base stations120are collectively a Radio Access Network140(RAN, Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network, E-UTRAN, 5G NR RAN or NR RAN). The base stations121and122in the RAN140are connected to a core network150, such as a Fifth Generation Core (5GC) or 6G core network. The base stations121and122connect, at102and104respectively, to the core network150using an NG2 interface (or a similar 6G interface) for control-plane signaling and using an NG3 interface (or a similar 6G interface) for user-plane data communications. In addition to connections to core networks, base stations120may communicate with each other using an Xn Application Protocol (XnAP), at112, to exchange user-plane and control-plane data. The UE110may also connect, using the core network150, to public networks, such as the Internet160to interact with a remote service170.

Example Devices

FIG.2illustrates an example device diagram200of the UE110and the base stations120. The UE110and the base stations120may include additional functions and interfaces that are omitted fromFIG.2for the sake of clarity. The UE110includes antennas202, a radio frequency front end204(RF front end204), an LTE transceiver206, a 5G NR transceiver208, and a 6G transceiver210for communicating with base stations120in the RAN140. The RF front end204of the UE110can couple or connect the LTE transceiver206, the 5G NR transceiver208, and the 6G transceiver210to the antennas202to facilitate various types of wireless communication. The antennas202of the UE110may include an array of multiple antennas that are configured similarly to or differently from each other. The antennas202and the RF front end204can be tuned to, and/or be tunable to, one or more frequency bands defined by the 3GPP LTE, 5G NR, and 6G communication standards and implemented by the LTE transceiver206, the 5G NR transceiver208, and/or the 6G transceiver210. Additionally, the antennas202, the RF front end204, the LTE transceiver206, the 5G NR transceiver208, and/or the 6G transceiver210may be configured to support beamforming for the transmission and reception of communications with the base stations120. By way of example and not limitation, the antennas202and the RF front end204can be implemented for operation in sub-gigahertz bands, sub-6 GHz bands, and/or above 6 GHz bands that are defined by the 3GPP LTE, 5G NR, and 6G communication standards.

The UE110also includes processor(s)212and computer-readable storage media214(CRM214). The processor212may be a single core processor or a multiple core processor composed of a variety of materials, such as silicon, polysilicon, high-K dielectric, copper, and so on. The computer-readable storage media described herein excludes propagating signals. CRM214may include any suitable memory or storage device such as random-access memory (RAM), static RAM (SRAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM), non-volatile RAM (NVRAM), read-only memory (ROM), or Flash memory useable to store device data216of the UE110. The device data216includes user data, multimedia data, beamforming codebooks, applications, and/or an operating system of the UE110, which are executable by processor(s)212to enable user-plane communication, control-plane signaling, and user interaction with the UE110.

In some implementations, the CRM214may also include an active coordination set (ACS) manager218. The ACS manager218can communicate with the antennas202, the RF front end204, the LTE transceiver206, the 5G NR transceiver, and/or the 6G transceiver210to monitor the quality of the wireless communication links130. Based on this monitoring, the ACS manager218can determine to add or remove base stations120from the ACS and/or trigger the transmission of an uplink ACS sounding signal. The active coordination set manager218can also communicate with the antennas202, the RF front end204, the LTE transceiver206, the 5G NR transceiver, and/or the 6G transceiver210to communicate uplink data via one ACS and downlink data via a different ACS.

The device diagram for the base stations120, shown inFIG.2, includes a single network node (e.g., a gNode B). The functionality of the base stations120may be distributed across multiple network nodes or devices and may be distributed in any fashion suitable to perform the functions described herein. The base stations120include antennas252, a radio frequency front end254(RF front end254), one or more LTE transceivers256, one or more 5G NR transceivers258, and/or one or more 6G transceivers260for communicating with the UE110. The RF front end254of the base stations120can couple or connect the LTE transceivers256, the 5G NR transceivers258, and/or the 6G transceivers260to the antennas252to facilitate various types of wireless communication. The antennas252of the base stations120may include an array of multiple antennas that are configured similarly to or differently from each other. The antennas252and the RF front end254can be tuned to, and/or be tunable to, one or more frequency bands defined by the 3GPP LTE, 5G NR, and 6G communication standards, and implemented by the LTE transceivers256, one or more 5G NR transceivers258, and/or one or more 6G transceivers260. Additionally, the antennas252, the RF front end254, the LTE transceivers256, one or more 5G NR transceivers258, and/or one or more 6G transceivers260may be configured to support beamforming, such as Massive-MIMO, for the transmission and reception of communications with the UE110.

The base stations120also include processor(s)262and computer-readable storage media264(CRM264). The processor262may be a single core processor or a multiple core processor composed of a variety of materials, such as silicon, polysilicon, high-K dielectric, copper, and so on. CRM264may include any suitable memory or storage device such as random-access memory (RAM), static RAM (SRAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM), non-volatile RAM (NVRAM), read-only memory (ROM), or Flash memory useable to store device data266of the base stations120. The device data266includes network scheduling data, radio resource management data, beamforming codebooks, applications, and/or an operating system of the base stations120, which are executable by processor(s)262to enable communication with the UE110.

CRM264also includes a joint communication scheduler268. Alternately or additionally, the joint communication scheduler268may be implemented in whole or part as hardware logic or circuitry integrated with or separate from other components of the base stations120. In at least some aspects, the joint communication scheduler268configures the LTE transceivers256, the 5G NR transceivers258, and the 6G transceiver(s)260for communication with the UE110, as well as communication with a core network, such as the core network150, and routing user-plane and control-plane data for joint communication. Additionally, the joint communication scheduler268may allocate air interface resources and schedule communications for the UE110and base stations120in the ACS when the base station120is acting as a master base station for the base stations120in the ACS.

The base stations120include an inter-base station interface270, such as an Xn and/or X2 interface, which the joint communication scheduler268configures to exchange user-plane and control-plane data between other base stations120, to manage the communication of the base stations120with the UE110. The base stations120include a core network interface272that the joint communication scheduler268configures to exchange user-plane and control-plane data with core network functions and/or entities.

FIG.3illustrates an air interface resource that extends between a user equipment and a base station and with which various aspects of multiple active-coordination-set aggregation for mobility management can be implemented. The air interface resource302can be divided into resource units304, each of which occupies some intersection of frequency spectrum and elapsed time. A portion of the air interface resource302is illustrated graphically in a grid or matrix having multiple resource blocks310, including example resource blocks311,312,313,314. An example of a resource unit304therefore includes at least one resource block310. As shown, time is depicted along the horizontal dimension as the abscissa axis, and frequency is depicted along the vertical dimension as the ordinate axis. The air interface resource302, as defined by a given communication protocol or standard, may span any suitable specified frequency range, and/or may be divided into intervals of any specified duration. Increments of time can correspond to, for example, milliseconds (mSec). Increments of frequency can correspond to, for example, megahertz (MHz).

In example operations generally, the base stations120allocate portions (e.g., resource units304) of the air interface resource302for uplink and downlink communications. Each resource block310of network access resources may be allocated to support respective wireless communication links130of multiple UE110. In the lower left corner of the grid, the resource block311may span, as defined by a given communication protocol, a specified frequency range306and comprise multiple subcarriers or frequency sub-bands. The resource block311may include any suitable number of subcarriers (e.g., 12) that each correspond to a respective portion (e.g., 15 kHz) of the specified frequency range306(e.g., 180 kHz). The resource block311may also span, as defined by the given communication protocol, a specified time interval308or time slot (e.g., lasting approximately one-half millisecond or 7 orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) symbols). The time interval308includes subintervals that may each correspond to a symbol, such as an OFDM symbol. As shown inFIG.3, each resource block310may include multiple resource elements320(REs) that correspond to, or are defined by, a subcarrier of the frequency range306and a subinterval (or symbol) of the time interval308. Alternatively, a given resource element320may span more than one frequency subcarrier or symbol. Thus, a resource unit304may include at least one resource block310, at least one resource element320, and so forth.

In example implementations, multiple UE110(one of which is shown) are communicating with the base stations120(one of which is shown) through access provided by portions of the air interface resource302. The joint communication scheduler268(shown inFIG.2) may determine a respective data-rate, type of information, or amount of information (e.g., data or control information) to be communicated (e.g., transmitted) by the UE110. For example, the joint communication scheduler268can determine that each UE110is to transmit at a different respective data rate or transmit a different respective amount of information. The joint communication scheduler268then allocates one or more resource blocks310to each UE110based on the determined data rate or amount of information.

Additionally, or in the alternative to block-level resource grants, the joint communication scheduler268may allocate resource units at an element-level. Thus, the joint communication scheduler268may allocate one or more resource elements320or individual subcarriers to different UEs110. By so doing, one resource block310can be allocated to facilitate network access for multiple UEs110. Accordingly, the joint communication scheduler268may allocate, at various granularities, one or up to all subcarriers or resource elements320of a resource block310to one UE110or divided across multiple UEs110, thereby enabling higher network utilization or increased spectrum efficiency.

The joint communication scheduler268can therefore allocate the air interface resource302by resource unit304, resource block310, frequency carrier, time interval, resource element320, frequency subcarrier, time subinterval, symbol, spreading code, some combination thereof, and so forth. Based on respective allocations of resource units304, the joint communication scheduler268can transmit respective messages to the multiple UEs110indicating the respective allocation of resource units304to each UE110. Each message may enable a respective UE110to queue the information or configure the LTE transceiver206, the 5G NR transceiver208, and/or the 6G transceiver210to communicate using the allocated resource units304of the air interface resource302.

User Plane and Control Plane Signaling

FIG.4illustrates an example block diagram400of a wireless network stack model400that characterizes a communication system for the example environment100, in which various aspects of multiple ACS aggregation for mobility management can be implemented. The wireless network stack400includes a user plane402and a control plane404. Upper layers of the user plane402and the control plane404, share common lower layers in the wireless network stack400. Wireless devices such as the UE110or base stations120implement each layer as an entity for communication with another device using the protocols defined for the layer. For example, a UE110uses a Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) entity to communicate to a peer PDCP entity in a base station120using the PDCP.

The shared lower layers include a physical layer406(PHY layer406), a Media Access Control layer408(MAC layer408), a Radio Link Control layer410(RLC layer410), and a Packet Data Convergence Protocol layer412(PDCP layer412). The physical layer406provides hardware specifications for devices that communicate with each other. As such, the physical layer406establishes how devices connect to each other, assists in managing how communication resources are shared among devices, and the like.

The MAC layer408specifies how data is transferred between devices. Generally, the MAC layer408provides a way in which data packets being transmitted are encoded and decoded into bits as part of a transmission protocol.

The RLC layer410provides data transfer services to higher layers in the wireless network stack400. Generally, the RLC layer410provides error correction, packet segmentation and reassembly, and management of data transfers in various modes, such as acknowledged, unacknowledged, or transparent modes.

The PDCP layer412provides data transfer services to higher layers in the wireless network stack400. Generally, the PDCP layer412provides transfer of user plane402and control plane404data, header compression, ciphering, and integrity protection.

Above the PDCP layer412, the wireless network stack splits into the user-plane stack402and the control-plane stack404. The user plane402layers include an optional Service Data Adaptation Protocol layer414(SDAP414), an Internet Protocol layer416(IP416), a Transmission Control Protocol/User Datagram Protocol layer418(TCP/UDP418), and an application420that transfer data using the wireless link130. The optional SDAP layer414is present in 5G NR networks and maps a Quality of Service (QoS) flow for each data radio bearer and marks QoS flow identifiers in uplink and downlink data packets for each packet data session. The IP layer416specifies how the data from the application420is transferred to a destination node. The TCP/UDP layer418is used to verify that data packets intended to be transferred to the destination node reached the destination node, using either TCP or UDP for data transfers by the application420. In some implementations, the user plane402may also include a data services layer that provides data transport services to transport application data, such as IP packets including web browsing content, video content, image content, audio content, social media content, and so forth.

The control plane404includes Radio Resource Control424(RRC424) and a Non-Access Stratum426(NAS426). The RRC424establishes and releases connections and radio bearers, broadcasts system information, performs power control, and so forth. The RRC424supports 3GPP access but does not support non-3GPP access (e.g., Wi-Fi). The NAS426provides support for mobility management (e.g., using a 5GMM layer428) and packet data bearer contexts (e.g., using a fifth-generation session management (5GSM) layer430) between the UE110and entities or functions in the core network150, such as an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF), or a Mobility Management Entity (MME), or the like. The NAS426supports 3GPP access and non-3GPP access.

In the UE110, each layer in both the user plane402and the control plane404of the wireless network stack400interacts with a corresponding peer layer or entity in a base station120, a core network entity or function, and/or a remote service, to support user applications and control operation of the UE110in the NR RAN or the E-UTRAN.

Active Coordination Set

In aspects, an active coordination set for mobility management is described.FIG.5illustrates an example environment500in which a UE110is moving through a radio access network (RAN) that includes multiple base stations120, illustrated as base stations121-127.

For example, the UE110follows a path502through the RAN140while periodically measuring the link quality of base stations that are currently in the ACS and candidate base stations that the UE110may add to the ACS. For example, at position504, the ACS at506includes the base stations121,122, and123. As the UE110continues to move, at position508, the UE110has deleted base station121and base station122from the ACS and added base stations124,125, and126, as shown at510. Continuing along the path502, the UE110, at position512, has deleted the base stations123and124and added the base station127, as shown in the ACS at514.

FIG.6illustrates an example environment600in which a UE110is configured with multiple active coordination sets. The ACS may be UE-specific and carrier-specific (or RAT-specific). For example, the UE110may be configured with multiple different active coordination sets, each corresponding to a different carrier or RAT. ACSs corresponding to different carriers or RATs for a particular UE can each include a different set of base stations. In some instances, one base station may not be able to cover all the carriers that the UE supports, so that one base station may be included in one ACS but not in another ACS. One or more base stations may, however, be included in multiple ACSs for the UE.

The example illustrated inFIG.6shows the UE110configured with three different ACSs, e.g., ACS602, ACS604, and ACS606. The ACS602is defined by base stations121and122. The ACS604is defined by base stations121,123,124, and125. The ACS606is defined by base stations123,124, and125.

In aspects, the ACS may be directionally defined. For example, a specific UE may be configured with a first ACS that is defined for uplink only and a second, different ACS that is defined for downlink only. In this way, the first ACS may define a first set of base stations to only coordinate for uplink aggregation for this specific UE and the second ACS may define a second set of base stations to only coordinate downlink aggregation for this specific UE. In another example, the uplink and downlink aggregations may be handled by different subsets of base stations within the same ACS for the UE. For example, a particular subset of base stations within the ACS may be defined to coordinate only for the uplink direction for the UE110using a specific carrier or RAT.

The UE110can be configured for a first ACS for uplink only for a specific carrier or RAT for the UE110and a second ACS for uplink only using a different carrier or RAT than the first ACS. Similarly, the UE110can be configured for a first ACS for downlink only for a specific carrier or RAT for the UE110and a second ACS for downlink only using a different carrier or RAT than the first ACS. Alternatively, the first ACS or the second ACS can be defined for both uplink and downlink directions using the specific carrier or RAT.

In an example implementation, the base stations121and122are eNBs forming a first ACS602configured for 4G uplink-only transmissions for the UE110. The base stations123,124, and125are ng-eNBs included, along with the base station121, in a second ACS604configured for downlink-only LTE transmissions. The base stations123,124, and125form a third ACS606configured for ng-eNB-only uplink and downlink transmissions.

In another example implementation, the base stations121and122forming the first ACS602are eNBs configured on a first carrier for uplink and downlink transmissions. The base stations123,124, and125are gNBs and form, along with the base station121, the second ACS604configured on a second carrier for uplink and downlink transmissions. In addition, the base stations123,124, and125form a third ACS606using a third carrier that is different from the first and second carriers used by the first and second ACSs602,604. The UE110can utilize two or more of the ACSs602,604, and606for dual connectivity and/or carrier aggregation.

Note that different RATs can have different ACSs. For instance, a first RAT (4G) includes the eNBs in the first ACS602and a second RAT (LTE) includes the ng-eNBs in the second ACS604. Alternatively, the base stations123,124, and125may be gNBs configured for 5G transmissions. In this case, the UE110uses 4G signals to communicate with the first ACS602and 5G signals to communicate with the third ACS606.

The techniques described herein can support active coordination while also performing carrier aggregation across multiple frequencies. In aspects, multiple ACSs can aggregate data throughput for the UE110by combining at least a portion of user data and/or control data transmitted between the UE110and at least two different ACSs configured for the UE110. The multiple ACS aggregation can be performed at a lower layer, such as a MAC layer. Alternately or in addition, the multiple ACS aggregation can be performed at an upper layer, such as layer-2 (e.g., PDCP layer). As described above, the ACS configuration for downlink and uplink directions can be different from each other, e.g., downlink-only, uplink-only, or both uplink and downlink for a particular ACS.

To facilitate aggregation of data throughput of the UE110between different ACSs, each ACS corresponding to a particular carrier or RAT for the UE110can include a master base station for that particular carrier or RAT. Master base stations from different ACSs coordinate the aggregation for the UE110. In other words, a first master base station of a first ACS that uses a first carrier can coordinate with a second master base station of a second ACS that uses a second carrier. For example, the first master base station can forward at least a portion of data for the UE110to the second master base station for the same UE110for processing at the second master base station. For uplink transmissions from the UE110, the first master base station of the first ACS can forward the received uplink transmission to the second master base station of the second ACS to aggregate the data at the second master base station.

The first master base station of the first ACS can forward layer-3 control information for the UE110to the second master base station of the second ACS. The layer-3 control information can include management information or control information for ACS management, such as adding or removing a base station from the first or second ACS.

The master base station of one ACS of the UE110can transmit lower-layer control information (e.g., layer-1, layer-2) for the UE110to the master base station of another ACS. The lower-layer information may include scheduling information, hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) information, or upper-layer flow control information (e.g., layer-2 flow control information, layer-2 acknowledgement information). Accordingly, this lower-layer control information is transmitted across the ACSs through the master base stations.

Master base stations of different ACSs can also coordinate the Quality of Service (QoS) flow routing for a particular IP flow or service. This may improve differentiation of QoS and satisfy the QoS requirement. This latency-sensitive flow may be routed through a particular ACS, while broadband service is routed through one or more other ACSs.

In aspects, an ACS can carry a layer-1 assignment, grant information, or HARQ feedback (ACK/NACK) for another ACS. An example includes a first ACS (ACS1) and a second ACS (ACS2) for the UE110. The uplink information sent on ACS2 can pass through ACS1. This enables one ACS to carry HARQ feedback for another ACS. If a grant for ACS2 passes through ACS1 to the UE110, the UE110can begin demodulating the data from ACS2. Other information can also pass through different ACSs, such as power control, channel-state information, scheduling information, and so forth. One ACS can also carry system information of another ACS. This may enable the UE110to access the other ACS.

One ACS may also carry layer-2 or layer-3 feedback for another ACS. Layer-3 feedback may include layer-3 control messages such as ACS management information (e.g., adding or removing a base station from the ACS) and ACS configuration. The layer-2 feedback may include layer-2 control messages such as power headroom (for a secondary ACS), buffer and queue management, upper-layer flow control and acknowledgement, and so on.

FIG.7illustrates an example environment700implementing various aspects of multiple ACS aggregation for mobility management. The UE110is engaged in joint transmission and/or reception (joint communication) with the three base stations121,122, and123, which form a first ACS (ACS1702). The base station121is acting as a master base station for the joint transmission and/or reception. The master base station can change as base stations are added and/or removed from the ACS1702or as network conditions change, and the UE110may not be informed which base station is designated as the master base station. The master base station coordinates control-plane and user-plane communications for the joint communication with the UE110using the Xn interfaces112a(or a similar 5G interface) to the base stations122and123and maintains the user-plane context between the UE110and the core network150. The coordination may be performed using proprietary or standards-based messaging, procedures, and/or protocols.

The UE110may also be engaged in joint communication with three additional base stations124,125, and126, which form a second ACS (ACS2704). In aspects, ACS2704includes at least one base station that is not included in ACS1702, e.g., at least one of the base stations124,125, or126is different than the base stations121,122, or123. In some cases, however, ACS1702and ACS2704may share one or more common base stations, e.g., at least one of the base stations121,122, or123is the same base station as the base stations124,125, or126. In the example environment700, the base station124acts as a master base station for the ACS2704for the joint communication. Like the master base station121of ACS1702, the master base station of the ACS2704is also transparent to the UE110, and the master base station can change as base stations are added and/or removed from the ACS2704. The master base station of the ACS2704coordinates control-plane and user-plane communications for the joint communication with the UE110using the Xn interfaces112b(or a similar 5G interface) to the base stations125and126and maintains the user-plane context between the UE110and the core network150. The coordination may be performed using proprietary or standards-based messaging, procedures, and/or protocols. In aspects, the ACS1702may correspond to a first carrier or RAT for the UE110and the ACS2704may correspond to a second carrier or RAT for the UE110. The ACS1702may be configured for uplink-only communications with the UE110while the ACS2704is configured for downlink-only communications with the UE110. Alternatively, the ACS1702may be configured for downlink-only communications with the UE110while the ACS2704is configured for uplink-only communications with the UE110. Other examples described with respect toFIG.6may also apply to the example ACS1702and ACS2704.

In addition, the master base station124of the ACS2704(e.g., base station124) can coordinate control-plane and user-plane communications, for the joint communication with the UE110, using Xn interface112c(or similar 5G interface) with the master base station121of the ACS1702(e.g., base station121). The master base station121of the ACS1702may also coordinate such communications for the joint communication with the UE110with the master base station124of the ACS2704. As described above, the communications between the master base station121of ACS1702and the master base station124of ACS2704can include layer-3 control information for the UE110, lower-layer control information (e.g., layer-1, layer-2), QoS flow routing, layer-1 assignment, grant information, HARQ feedback, layer-2 or layer-3 feedback, and so on.

The master base station121of ACS1702schedules air interface resources for the joint communication for the UE110and the base stations121,122, and123. Similarly, the master base station124of ACS2704schedules air interface resources for the joint communication for the UE110and the base stations124,125, and126. The master base station (base station121or base station124) of each ACS connects, using an N3 interface705(or a 5G equivalent interface) to a User Plane Function710(UPF710) in the core network150for the communication of user-plane data to and from the UE110. The master base station of an ACS distributes the user-plane data to all the base stations in the ACS as part of the joint communication using the Xn interfaces112. The UPF710is further connected to a data network, such as the Internet160using the N6 interface706. UE110downlink data can be sent from all of the base stations120in the ACS1702or the ACS2704or any subset of the base stations120in the ACS1702or the ACS2704. UE110uplink data can be received by all of the base stations120in the ACS1702or the ACS2704or any subset of the base stations120in the ACS1702or the ACS2704.

When the UE110creates or modifies an ACS, the UE110communicates the ACS or the ACS modification to an ACS server720that stores the ACS(s) for each UE110operating in the RAN140. Although shown in the core network150, alternatively the ACS server720may be an application server located outside the core network150. The UE110communicates the ACS or ACS modification using the master base station (base station121of ACS1702or base station124of ACS2704), which is connected to the ACS Server720using an N-ACS interface707. Optionally or alternatively, the UE110communicates the ACS or ACS modification to the ACS Server720using the Access and Mobility Function730(AMF730), which is connected to the master base station (base station121of ACS1702or base station124of ACS2704) using an N2 interface708. The AMF730relays ACS-related communications to and from the ACS Server720using an ACS-AMF interface709. ACS data between the UE110and the ACS server720can be communicated using Radio Resource Control (RRC) communications, Non-Access Stratum (NAS) communications, or application-layer communications.

The ACS server720may be implemented as a single network node (e.g., a server). The functionality of the ACS server720may be distributed across multiple network nodes and/or devices and may be distributed in any fashion suitable to perform the functions described herein. The ACS server720includes processor(s) and computer-readable storage media704. The processor may be a single core processor, or a multiple core processor composed of a variety of materials, such as silicon, polysilicon, high-K dielectric, copper, and so on. CRM may include any suitable memory or storage device such as random-access memory (RAM), static RAM (SRAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM), non-volatile RAM (NVRAM), read-only memory (ROM), hard disk drives, or Flash memory useful to ACS and related data. The CRM includes applications and/or an operating system of the ACS server720, which are executable by the processor(s) to enable communication with the UE110, the master base station121of ACS1702, the master base station124of ACS2704, and the AMF730. The ACS server720includes one or more network interfaces for communication with the master base station121of ACS1702, the master base station124of ACS2704, the AMF730, and other devices in the core network150, the UE110, and/or devices in the RAN140.

Example Methods

Example methods800,900,1000, and1100are described with reference toFIGS.8,9,10, and11in accordance with one or more aspects of multiple ACS aggregation for mobility management.FIG.8illustrates example method(s)800of a master base station implementing multiple ACS aggregation for mobility management of a UE.

At805, the master base station coordinates control-plane and user-plane communications for a first joint communication between the UE and a first set of base stations forming a first ACS. In aspects, the first set of base stations includes the master base station and at least one other base station. As further described above, coordinating the control-plane and/or user-plane communications can include scheduling the air interface resources for the set of base stations included in the first ASC that are communicating with the UE. Alternately or additionally, scheduling the air interface resources can include distributing or partitioning the control-plane and/or user plane communications across the air interface resources (e.g., a first base station transmits a first portion of the communications over a first set of air interface resources, a second base station transmits a second portion of the communications over a second set of air interface resources). In implementations, scheduling the air interface resources can include combining at least a portion of the control-plane and/or user-plane communications received across the air interface resources by the set of base stations included in the first ASC that are communicating with the UE.

At810, the master base station receives, from another master base station of a second ACS formed by a second set of base stations including the other master base station and at least one additional base station, user-plane or control-plane data associated with a second joint communication between the UE and the second set of base stations. For example, the master base station121of ACS1702can receive user-plane or control-plane data from the master base station124of ACS2704. The control-plane data can, as described above, include lower-layer control information, upper-layer control information, HARQ feedback, grant information, system information, scheduling information, and so forth, corresponding to the ACS2704. The user-plane data can include uplink data received from the UE or downlink data transmitted to the UE.

At815, the master base station aggregates the control-plane and user-plane communications in the first joint communication with the user-plane or control-plane data in the second joint communication for the UE. This provides techniques for aggregation of transmissions to different ACSs over different carrier frequencies or RATs. This also enables aggregation of wireless communications between an ACS defined to coordinate for an uplink-only direction for the UE and a different ACS defined to coordinate for a downlink-only direction.

Optionally at820, the master base station transmits lower-layer control information for the UE to the other master base station of the second ACS. The master base station121can transmit such information in any suitable way, examples of which are described above. In some aspects, the information includes at least one of scheduling information or HARQ information for at least one other base station in the first ACS or in the second ACS.

FIG.9illustrates example method(s)900for multiple active coordination set aggregation for mobility management. The method900may be performed by the UE110described with respect toFIGS.1-8.

At905, a UE jointly communicates with a first set of base stations included in a first ACS using a first carrier or a first RAT. This communication can be distributed to each base station in the first ACS over one or more wireless channels. At910, the UE jointly communicates with a second set of base stations included in a second ACS using a second carrier that is different than the first carrier or a second RAT that is different than the second RAT.

In aspects, the UE110communicates only uplink data to the ACS1702and receives only downlink data from the ACS2704. Alternatively or in addition, the UE110communicates with the ACS1702using a first carrier frequency and communicates with the ACS2704using second, different carrier frequency. In one example, the UE110communicates with the ACS1702using a first RAT and communicates with the ACS2704using a second, different RAT. Any suitable number of ACSs can be used to aggregate wireless communications between the UE110and the network.

FIG.10illustrates example method1000for multiple active-coordination-set aggregation for mobility management. The method1000may be performed by a base station, such as base station120ofFIG.1, using various aspects described with respect toFIGS.1-9.

At1005, the base station coordinates aggregation of control-plane and user-plane communications, generated by a first active-coordination-set (ACS), for a first joint communication between the first ACS and a user equipment (UE), where the first ACS includes the master base station and at least a second base station. For example, the base station (e.g., base station120) coordinates aggregation of control-plane and user-plane communications (e.g., control-plane information, user-plane data) generated by any one of ACSs602,604,606,702, or704to communicate with the UE (e.g., UE110). To illustrate, as further described above, coordinating the control-plane and/or user-plane communications can include scheduling the air interface resources for the set of base stations included in the first ASC that are communicating with the UE. Alternately or additionally, scheduling the air interface resources can include distributing or partitioning the control-plane and/or user plane communications across the air interface resources (e.g., a first base station transmits a first portion of the communications over a first set of air interface resources, a second base station transmits a second portion of the communications over a second set of air interface resources). In implementations, scheduling the air interface resources can include combining at least a portion of the control-plane and/or user-plane communications received across the air interface resources by the set of base stations included in the first ASC that are communicating with the UE. Thus, a master base station can coordinate aggregation of the air interface resources of the base stations included in the ACS for the control-plane and/or user-pane communications to combine and/or distribute the control-plane and/or user-plane communications to and/or from the UE.

In some implementations, the first master base station configures the first joint communication generated by the first ACS as carrier aggregation and/or dual connectivity. Alternately or additionally, first master base station configures the first joint communication as directional communications (e.g., uplink-only, downlink only). In at least one example, the first ACS includes a first subset of base stations and a second subset of base stations, where the master base station coordinates the first subset of base stations to handle downlink aggregation of downlink-only transmissions with the UE, and the second subset of base stations to handle uplink aggregation of uplink-only transmissions with the UE.

At1010, the base station receives, from a second master base station of a second active-coordination-set (ACS), control-plane information or user-plane data associated with a second joint communication between the second ACS and the UE, where the second ACS includes the second master base station and at least a third base station. For example, the base station (e.g., base station120) receives control-plane information or user-plane data from the second master base station (of any one of ACS604, ACS604, ACS606, ACS702, ACS704that is different from the first ACS), such as at a Media Access Control (MAC) layer of the master base station. As another example, the control-plane information or the user-plane data includes at least one of a layer-1 assignment, grant information, or hybrid automatic repeat request feedback for the second ACS. In some implementations, the control-plane information or user-plane data includes layer-2 control information received at a Packet Data Convergence Protocol layer, such as feedback corresponding to the second ACS. At times, the control-plane information or user-plane data layer-3 control information for the UE (and from the second master base station). The layer-3 control information, for instance, can include management information corresponding to a configuration of the first ACS or the second ACS.

At1015, the base station aggregates the control-plane and user-plane communications generated by the first ACS with at least a portion of the control-plane information or the user-plane data from the second master base station to coordinate data throughput to the UE. For example, the base station (e.g., base station120) aggregates the control-plane and user-plane communications with at least a portion of the control-plane information or the user-plane data to coordinate uplink-only communications and/or downlink-only communications. To illustrate, a protocol layer at the base station can aggregate the control-plane and user-plane communications with the portion of the control-plane information or the user-plane data to identify feedback, flow control information, acknowledgements, and so forth, that are used to coordinate the uplink-only communications. As another example, the base station receives an uplink transmission from the second master base station, where the uplink transmission was received by second master base station from the UE. Alternately or additionally, the base station120receives uplink transmissions from the UE, and forwards at least a portion of the uplink transmissions to the second master base station.

In some implementations, the base station aggregates the control-plane and user-plane communications generated by the first ACS with at least a portion of the control-plane information or the user-plane data from the second master base station based on satisfying quality-of-service (QoS) requirement(s) for a QoS flow. For example, the master base station selects one of the first ACS and the ACS for satisfying the QoS requirements(s), and then coordinates with the second master base station to route communications associated with the QoS through the selected one of the first ACS and the second ACS and/or scheduling the air interface resources of the selected one for use by the QoS flow. The routed communications can include the control-plane information or the user-plane data from the second master base station, and/or include information that coordinates the QoS flow communications between the first ACS and the second ACS.

FIG.11illustrates example method1100for multiple active-coordination-set aggregation for mobility management. The method1100may be performed by user equipment, such as UE110ofFIG.1, using various aspects described with respect toFIGS.1-10.

At1105, the user equipment (UE) processes a first set of joint communications exchanged with a first set of two or more base stations included in a first active-coordination-set (ACS) using a first carrier of a first radio access technology (RAT). The UE (e.g., UE110), for example, processes any combination of carrier aggregation communications with the first ACS, dual connectivity communications with the first ACS, uplink-only communications with the first ACS, or downlink-only communications with the first ACS (e.g., ACS604, ACS604, ACS606, ACS702, ACS704). Thus, in various implementations, the UE communicates with the first ACS using more than the first carrier. In implementations, processing the first set of joint communications can include any combination of sending and/or receiving the communications, encoding and/or decoding data packets, various protocol layer(s) processing, and so forth.

At1110, the UE processes a second set of joint communications exchanged with a second set of two or more base stations included in a second ACS using a second carrier that is different than the first carrier, where the second set of joint communications are coordinated with the first set of joint communications. For example, the UE (e.g., UE110) processes any combination of carrier aggregation communications with the second ACS, dual connectivity communications with the second ACS, uplink-only communications with the second ACS, or downlink-only communications with the second ACS (e.g., any one of ACS604, ACS604, ACS606, ACS702, or ACS704that is different from the first ACS). In various implementations the second ACS uses a second RAT that is different from the first RAT. In implementations, processing the second set of joint communications can include any combination of sending and/or receiving the communications, encoding and/or decoding data packets, various protocol layer(s) processing, and so forth.

In some scenarios, the second set of joint communications are coordinated with the first set of joint communications based on coordinated directional communications, such as the first set of joint communications being uplink-only transmissions and the second set of joint communications being downlink-only communications. Alternately or additionally, the second set of joint communications are coordinated with the first set of joint communications based on other forms of coordinated communications, such as carrier aggregation and/or dual connectivity.

At times, the UE processes a third set of joint communications exchanged with a third set of two or more base stations included in a third ACS using a third carrier that is different than the first carrier and the second carrier. In implementations, the UE processes the third set of joint communications as coordinated communications with the second set of joint communications and/or the first set of joint. For instance, the third set of joint communications can include joint uplink transmissions and downlink transmissions that are coordinated with the first and second joint communications.

The order in which the method blocks are described are not intended to be construed as a limitation, and any number of the described method blocks can be skipped or combined in any order to implement a method or an alternate method. Generally, any of the components, modules, methods, and operations described herein can be implemented using software, firmware, hardware (e.g., fixed logic circuitry), manual processing, or any combination thereof. Some operations of the example methods may be described in the general context of executable instructions stored on computer-readable storage memory that is local and/or remote to a computer processing system, and implementations can include software applications, programs, functions, and the like. Alternatively or in addition, any of the functionality described herein can be performed, at least in part, by one or more hardware logic components, such as, and without limitation, Field-programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), Application-specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), Application-specific Standard Products (ASSPs), System-on-a-chip systems (SoCs), Complex Programmable Logic Devices (CPLDs), and the like.

Although aspects of multiple active-coordination-set (ACS) aggregation for mobility management have been described in language specific to features and/or methods, the subject of the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or methods described. Rather, the specific features and methods are disclosed as example implementations of multiple ACS aggregation for mobility management, and other equivalent features and methods are intended to be within the scope of the appended claims. Further, various different aspects are described, and it is to be appreciated that each described aspect can be implemented independently or in connection with one or more other described aspects.

In the following, several examples are described:Example 1: A method for implementing multiple active-coordination-set aggregation by a first master base station for mobility management of a user equipment, the method comprising the first master base station: coordinating aggregation of control-plane and user-plane communications, generated by a first active-coordination-set, for a first joint communication between the first active-coordination-set and the user equipment, the first active-coordination-set including the first master base station and at least a second base station; receiving, from a second master base station of a second active-coordination-set, control-plane information or user-plane data associated with a second joint communication between the second active-coordination-set and the user equipment, the second active-coordination-set including the second master base station and at least a third base station; and aggregating the control-plane and user-plane communications generated by the first active-coordination-set with at least a portion of the control-plane information or the user-plane data from the second master base station to coordinate data throughput to the user equipment.Example 2: The method as recited in example 1, wherein receiving the control-plane information or user-plane data comprises: receiving the control-plane information or user-plane data at a Media Access Control layer of the first master base station.Example 3: The method as recited in example 1 or example 2, wherein receiving the control-plane information or user-plane data comprises: receiving at least one of a layer-1 assignment, grant information, or hybrid automatic repeat request feedback for the second active-coordination-set.Example 4: The method as recited in any one of the preceding examples, wherein receiving the control-plane information or user-plane data comprises: receiving, at a Packet Data Convergence Protocol layer of the first master base station, layer-2 control information.Example 5: The method as recited in example 4, wherein the control-plane information or user-plane data includes layer-2 feedback corresponding to the second active-coordination-set.Example 6: The method as recited in any one of the preceding examples, wherein receiving the control-plane information or user-plane data comprises: receiving control-plane information that includes layer-3 control information for the user equipment.Example 7: The method as recited in example 6, wherein the layer-3 control information includes management information to manage a configuration of the first active-coordination-set or the second active-coordination-set.Example 8: The method as recited in any one of examples 1 to 7, further comprising: receiving uplink transmissions from the user equipment; and forwarding at least a portion of the uplink transmissions to the second master base station.Example 9: The method as recited in any one of examples 1 to 8, further comprising: selecting one of the first active-coordination-set and the second active-coordination-set for satisfying one or more quality-of-service requirements for a quality-of-service-flow; and coordinating with the second master base station to route communications associated with the quality-of-service-flow through the selected one of the first active-coordination-set and the second active-coordination-set.Example 10: A method for multiple active-coordination-set aggregation, the method comprising a user equipment: processing a first set of joint communications exchanged with a first set of two or more base stations included in a first active-coordination-set using a first carrier frequency of a first radio access technology; and processing a second set of joint communications exchanged with a second set of two or more base stations included in a second active-coordination-set using a second carrier frequency that is different than the first carrier frequency, the second set of joint communications comprising communications that are coordinated with the first set of joint communications.Example 11: The method as recited in example 10, wherein the second active-coordination-set uses a second radio access technology that is different than the first radio access technology.Example 12. The method as recited in example 10 or example 11, further comprising: processing a third set of joint communications exchanged with a third set of two or more base stations included in a third active-coordination-set using a third carrier frequency that is different than the first carrier frequency and the second carrier frequency.Example 13: The method as recited in example 12, wherein processing the first set of joint communications comprises: processing uplink-only transmissions.Example 14: A base station apparatus comprising: at least one wireless transceiver; a processor; and computer-readable storage media comprising instructions, responsive to execution by the processor, for directing the base station apparatus to perform any one of the methods recited in examples 1 to 9 and examples 16 to 22 using the at least one wireless transceiver.Example 15: A user equipment apparatus comprising: at least one wireless transceiver; a processor; and computer-readable storage media comprising instructions, responsive to execution by the processor, for directing the user equipment apparatus to perform any one of the methods recited in examples 10 to 13 and examples 23 to 26 using the at least one wireless transceiver.Example 16: The method as recited in example 1, further comprising transmitting lower-layer protocol control information for the user equipment to the second master base station of the second active-coordination-set.Example 17: The method as recited in example 1, wherein receiving the control-plane information or user-plane data comprises: receiving control-plane information that includes lower-layer protocol control information including at least one of scheduling information or hybrid automatic repeat request information for transfer to the second base station.Example 18: The method as recited in example 1, wherein: the first active-coordination-set is configured for uplink-only transmissions for the user equipment.Example 19: The method as recited in example 18, wherein the second active-coordination-set is configured for downlink-only transmissions for the user equipment.Example 20: The method as recited in any one of examples 1 to 9, wherein the first active-coordination-set includes a first subset of base stations and a second subset of base stations, and aggregating the control-plane and user-plane communications generated by the first active-coordination set with at least a portion of the control-plane information or the user-plane data from the second master base station further comprises: coordinating the first subset of base stations to handle downlink aggregation of downlink-only transmissions with the user equipment; and coordinating the second subset of base stations to handle uplink aggregation of uplink-only transmissions with the user equipment.Example 21: The method as recited in any one of examples 1 to 9 and examples 16 to 20, wherein: the first active-coordination-set is user-equipment-specific to the user equipment and carrier-specific to a first carrier frequency; and the second active-coordination-set is user-equipment-specific to the user equipment and carrier-specific to a second carrier frequency.Example 22: The method as recited in any one of examples 1 to 9 and examples 16 to 21, wherein: the first active-coordination-set is user-equipment-specific to the user equipment and configured for a first radio access technology; and the second active-coordination-set is user-equipment-specific to the user equipment and configured for a second radio access technology that is different than the first radio access technology.Example 23: The method as recited in example 13, wherein processing the second set of joint communications comprises: processing downlink only transmissions.Example 24: The method as recited in example 13 or example 23, wherein processing the third set of joint communications comprises: processing uplink transmissions and downlink transmissions.Example 25: The method as recited in example 10, wherein the communications that are coordinated comprise carrier aggregation communications.Example 26: The method as recited in example 10, wherein the communications that are coordinated comprise dual connectivity communications.Example 27: A computer-readable medium comprising instructions that, when executed by one or more processors, cause a device incorporating the one or more processors to perform any of the methods of examples 1 to 13 and example 16 to 26.