Patent Description:
Interoperability and integration of the Long Term Evolution (LTE) system of 3GPP and the Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) at the core network level have been defined in the 3GPP standardization documents. 3GPP LTE Release <NUM> has studied the interoperability and integration of LTE and WLAN at the RAN level (see 3GPP TR37.

At the 3GPP TSG RAN # <NUM> meeting, a research proposal was approved to enhance the integration and interoperability of LTE-WLAN at the RAN level in 3GPP LTE Release <NUM> (see 3GPP Proposal RP-<NUM>). Research on enhancing integration and interoperability of LTE-WLAN at the RAN level includes: enhancing integration of LTE-WLAN at the RAN level and enhancing the interoperability of LTE-WLAN at the RAN level. The integration of LTE-WLAN at the RAN level means that user equipment in the RRC connection state is configured to utilize the radio resources, provided by both LTE and WLAN, at the same time, all the while not affecting the existing standards on the MAC layer of WLAN. Enhancing integration of LTE-WLAN at the RAN level is based on dual-connection options, i.e., 2C and 3C, as defined by 3GPP LTE Release <NUM>.

The options 2C and 3C illustrated in <FIG> contain two logical nodes: main base station (MeNB) and WLN logical node. The MeNB refers to a base station that supports the integration and interoperability of LTE-WLN and is responsible for maintaining the RRM (Radio Resource Management) measurement configuration of user equipment and requesting the WLN to provide additional resources for the user equipment based on the received measurement report or traffic status or bearer type, etc. The WLN provides a data transmission service for the user equipment or rejects the request due to insufficient resources after receiving the request from the MeNB. The WLN refers to a logical node having functions of receiving user data from the MeNB and forwarding the data to the user equipment by using the radio resources provided by the WLAN.

The option 2C illustrated in <FIG> has the following characteristics: (<NUM>) the MeNB communicates with a service gateway through an S1-U interface; (<NUM>) a data radio bearer (DRB) is not split in the MeNB; (<NUM>) a Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) entity at the MeNB encapsulates the PDCP SDU from the service gateway into a format required by a receiving entity (known as an adaptation entity or WLN entity) of the WLN and sends it to the adaptation entity. The adaptation entity encapsulates the data received from the PDCP entity of the MeNB as required and then transmits it to the user equipment (UE) via the WLAN radio resources. Herein, the UE may be a user terminal, a user node, a mobile terminal, or a tablet computer. In the following description, the data radio bearer with characteristics of the option 2C is referred to as a WLN non-split data radio bearer (WLN non-split DRB).

The option 3C illustrated in <FIG> has the following characteristics: (<NUM>) the MeNB communicates with a service gateway through an S1-U interface; (<NUM>) a data radio bearer is split in the MeNB; (<NUM>) for a split data radio bearer, there is a corresponding radio link control (RLC) entity in the MeNB. The PDCP entity located at the MeNB encapsulates the PDCP SDU from the service gateway into a PDCP PDU and sends a portion of the encapsulated PDCP PDU to the UE through the RLC entity, the MAC entity, and the physical layer of the MeNB. The remaining PDCP PDU is further encapsulated as required and sent to the adaptation entity of the WLN and to the UE via radio resources provided by the WLAN. In the following description of the present disclosure, a data radio bearer having the characteristics of the option 3C is referred to as WLN split data radio bearer (WLN split DRB).

The master cell group (MCG) cited in the present disclosure refers to a group of serving cells of UE, and the group of serving cells contains a primary cell (PCell) and <NUM> or more secondary cells (SCell). Based on the architecture of options 2C and 3C, in a system of LTE-WLAN integration and interoperation, in a case where user data transmitted by a DRB is transmitted only by using the MCG (i.e., the user data transmitted by a DRB is transmitted to UE via the PDCP entity, the RLC Entity, MAC entity, and physical layer (PHY) of the MCG), then the DRB is called the master cell group DRB (MCG DRB). In a case where the user data transmitted by a DRB is transmitted simultaneously using the radio resources of the MCG and the radio resources of the WLAN (i.e., a part of the user data transmitted by a DRB is transmitted to UE via the PDCP entity, the RLC entity, the MAC entity, and the physical layer PHY of the MCG, and the other part of the user data is transmitted to the UE via the PDCP entity of the MCG and the WLAN), then the DRB is called WLN split DRB (WLN split DRB). In a case where the user data transmitted by a DRB is encapsulated by the PDCP entity of the a MCG and transmitted by using the radio resources provided by the WLAN, this DRB is called a WLN non-split data DRB (WLN non-split DRB). In other words, the user data of the WLN non-split DRB is not transmitted by the radio resources provided by the LTE, but rather is encapsulated by using the PDCP entity of the MCG, sent to the WLN, and then transmitted to the user equipment through the WLAN radio resources. In the present disclosure, the WLN split DRB and the WLN non-split DRB are collectively referred to as WLN DRB. That is, the WLN DRB mentioned in the present disclosure may indicate either a WLN split DRB or a WLN non-split DRB.

In a LTE-WLAN integrated system, it is necessary to dynamically perform DRB reconfiguration between the MeNB and the WLN, based on the available radio resources of the MeNB and the WLN. For example, when the MeNB cannot provide sufficient radio resources for the UE, the WLN may be requested to provide radio resources for the UE, i.e., the MCG DRB is reconfigured as a WLN split DRB or WLN non-split DRB. When the MeNB and the WLN are simultaneously serving the UE (i.e., based on the architecture of the option 3C), in a case where the MeNB has more radio resources available to the UE for a period of time, but the WLN does not have sufficient radio resources available to the UE, the MeNB may reconfigure the DRB to the MeNB. In other words, reconfiguring the WLN split DRB as an MCG DRB, and in a case where the MeNB has no radio resources available to the UE for a period of time, but the WLN can provide more radio resources for the UE, the MeNB may reconfigure the DRB to the WLN, that is, the WLN split DRB is reconfigured as a WLN non-split DRB. When the WLN provides radio resources for UE alone to carry out data transmission after the data is encapsulated by the PDCP entity of the MeNB (i.e., an architecture based on the option 2C), in a case where the MeNB has more radio resources available to the UE for a period of time or the WLN does not have sufficient radio resources available to the UE, the MeNB may reconfigure the DRB to the MeNB. In other words, reconfiguring the WLN split DRB as an MCG DRB, and in a case where the MeNB can provide a portion of radio resources for the UE for a period of time, in this case, the WLN non-split DRB is reconfigured as a WLN split DRB.

The document "<NPL>, specifies the Radio Resource control protocol for the radio interface between UE and E-UTRAN as well as for the radio interface between RN and E-UTRA.

The document "<NPL>, discusses support for per packet offload (i.e. bearer split) and per bearer offload (i.e. WLAN-only bearer) for LTE and WLAN radio level integration.

The document "<NPL>, gives an overview of the LTE-WLAN aggregation solution.

The document "<NPL>, highlights some of the potential issues of LTE-WLAN integration and interworking at the radio level.

The document "<NPL>, is related to the technical report for the study item "<NPL>. This activity involves the Radio Access work area of the 3GPP studies and has impacts both on the Mobile Equipment and Access Network of the 3GPP systems. The present document gathers all technical outcome of the study item, and draws a conclusion on the way forward.

It is an object of the present invention to solve the problem of radio bearer reconfiguration between a MeNB and a WLN.

The problem is solved by the teachings of the independent claims.

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method executed by user equipment, including: receiving a radio resource control (RRC) connection reconfiguration message; determining whether the received RRCConnectionReconfiguration message contains indication information, the indication information indicating user equipment (UE) to reconfigure a first type of data radio bearer (DRB) into a second type of DRB that is different from the first type of DRB; and in a case where the received RRCConnectionReconfiguration message includes the indication information, reconfiguring the UE according to the RRCConnectionReconfiguration message, wherein the first type of DRB comprises a main cell group (MCG) DRB or a wireless local area network (WLAN) split DRB, and the second type of DRB includes an MCG DRB, a WLN split DRB or a WLN non-split DRB.

In one aspect, the first type of DRB is an MCG DRB, the second type of DRB is a WLN split DRB, and reconfiguring the UE according to the RRCConnectionReconfiguration message includes: reconfiguring an adaption entity according to configuration information contained in the RRCConnectionReconfiguration message and related to the adaption entity; reconfiguring a PDCP (Packet Data Convergence Protocol) entity in a case where the RRCConnectionReconfiguration message contains configuration information related to the PDCP entity; reconfiguring an MCG RLC (Radio Link Control) entity and an MCG DTCH (dedicated channel) logical channel in a case where the RRCConnectionReconfiguration message contains configuration information related to the RLC entity and the MCG DTCH logical channel.

In one aspect, the first type of DRB is an MCG DRB, the second type of DRB is a WLN split DRB, and reconfiguring the UE according to the RRCConnectionReconfiguration message inlcudes: establishing an adaption entity according to configuration information contained in the RRCConnectionReconfiguration message and related to the adaption entity; reconfiguring a PDCP entity in a case where the RRCConnectionReconfiguration message contains configuration information related to the PDCP entity; reconfiguring an MCG RLC entity and an MCG DTCH logical channel in a case where the RRCConnectionReconfiguration message contains configuration information related to the RLC entity and the MCG DTCH logical channel.

In one aspect, the first type of DRB is WLN split DRB, the second type of DRB is an MCG DRB, and reconfiguring the UE according to the RRCConnectionReconfiguration message includes: reconfiguring a PDCP entity in a case where the RRCConnectionReconfiguration message contains configuration information related to the PDCP entity; reconfiguring an MCG RLC entity and an MCG DTCH logical channel in a case where the RRCConnectionReconfiguration message contains configuration information related to the RLC entity and the MCG DTCH logical channel; and reconfiguring an adaption entity according to configuration information contained in the RRCConnectionReconfiguration message and related to the adaption entity.

In one aspect, the first type of DRB is WLN split DRB, the second type of DRB is an MCG DRB, and reconfiguring the UE according to the RRCConnectionReconfiguration messageincludes: reconfiguring a PDCP entity in a case where the RRCConnectionReconfiguration message contains configuration information related to the PDCP entity; reconfiguring an MCG RLC entity and an MCG DTCH logical channel in a case where the RRCConnectionReconfiguration message contains configuration information related to the RLC entity and the MCG DTCH logical channel; and releasing an adaption entity.

In one aspect, the first type of DRB is WLN split DRB, the second type of DRB is a WLN non-split DRB, and reconfiguring the UE according to the RRCConnectionReconfiguration message includes: releasing an MCG RLC entity and an MCG DTCH logical channel; and reconfiguring a PDCP entity in a case where the RRCConnectionReconfiguration message contains configuration information related to the PDCP entity; and reconfiguring an adaption entity according to configuration information contained in the RRCConnectionReconfiguration message and related to the adaption entity.

In one aspect, the method further comprises: re-establishing the PDCP entity.

In one aspect, whether to re-establish the PDCP is ascertained by transmitting an RRC signaling to the UE.

In one aspect, the indication information contains a drb-TypeChangWLN carried in drb-ToAddModList information element and a drb-TypeWLN information element carried in a drb-ToAddModListWLN. The drb-ToAddModList information element is a group of DRBs in need of addition or modification; the drb-TypeChangWLN information element is used for indicating whether to reconfigure a WLN split DRB or a WLN non-split DRB as anMCG DRB. The drb-ToAddModListWLN information element is a group of WLN DRBs in need of addition or modification. The drb-TypeWLN information element represents the Type of a corresponding DRB. Preferably, according to the value of the drb-TypeWLN information element and whether the DRB corresponding to the drb-TypeWLN information element is contained in the drb-ToAddModList information element and the drb-ToAddModListWLN information element, it is possible to determine whether to reconfigure an MCG DRB as a WLN split DRB or reconfigure a WLN split DRB as an MCG DRB or reconfigure a WLN split DRB as a WLN non-split DRB.

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided UE, including: a receiving unit, configured to receive a radio resource control (RRC) connection reconfiguration message; a determining unit, configured to determine whether the received RRCConnectionReconfiguration message contains indication information, the indication information indicating user equipment (UE) to reconfigure a first type of data radio bearer (DRB) into a second type of DRB that is different from the first type of DRB; and a reconfiguring unit, configured to reconfigure the UE according to the RRCConnectionReconfiguration message if the received RRCConnectionReconfiguration message contains the indication information, wherein the first type of DRB comprises a main cell group (MCG) DRB or a wireless local area network (WLAN) split DRB, and the second type of DRB includes an MCG DRB, a WLN split DRB or a WLN non-split DRB.

In one aspect, the first type of DRB is an MCG DRB, the second type of DRB is a WLN split DRB, and the reconfiguring unit is configured to reconfigure an adaption entity according to configuration information contained in the RRCConnectionReconfiguration message and related to the adaption entity, reconfigure a PDCP entity if the RRCConnectionReconfiguration message contains configuration information related to the PDCP entity, and reconfigure an MCG RLC entity and an MCG DTCH logical channel if the RRCConnectionReconfiguration message contains configuration information related to the RLC entity and the MCG DTCH logical channel.

In one aspect, the first type of DRB is an MCG DRB, the second type of DRB is a WLN split DRB, and the reconfiguring unit is configured to establish an adaption entity according to configuration information contained in the RRCConnectionReconfiguration message and related to the adaption entity, reconfigure a PDCP entity if the RRCConnectionReconfiguration message contains configuration information related to the PDCP entity, and reconfigure an MCG RLC entity and an MCG DTCH logical channel if the RRCConnectionReconfiguration message contains configuration information related to the RLC entity and the MCG DTCH logical channel.

In one aspect, the first type of DRB is a WLN split DRB, the second type of DRB is an MCG DRB, and the reconfiguring unit is configured to reconfigure a PDCP entity in a case where the RRCConnectionReconfiguration message contains configuration information related to the PDCP entity, reconfigure an MCG RLC entity and an MCG DTCH logical channel in a case where the RRCConnectionReconfiguration message contains configuration information related to the RLC entity and the MCG DTCH logical channel, and reconfigure an adaption entity according to configuration information contained in the RRCConnectionReconfiguration message and related to the adaption entity.

In one aspect, the first type of DRB is a WLN split DRB, the second type of DRB is an MCG DRB, and the reconfiguring unit is configured to reconfigure a PDCP entity in a case where the RRCConnectionReconfiguration message contains configuration information related to the PDCP entity, reconfigure an MCG RLC entity and an MCG DTCH logical channel in a case where the RRCConnectionReconfiguration message contains configuration information related to the RLC entity and the MCG DTCH logical channel, and release an adaption entity.

In one aspect, the first type of DRB is WLN split DRB, the second type of DRB is a WLN non-split DRB, and the reconfiguring unit is configured to release an MCG RLC entity and an MCG DTCH logical channel, and reconfigure a PDCP entity in a case where the RRCConnectionReconfiguration message contains configuration information related to the PDCP entity, or reconfigure an adaption entity according to configuration information contained in the RRCConnectionReconfiguration message and related to the adaption entity.

In one aspect, the UE further includes: a re-establishing unit, configured to re-establish the PDCP entity.

In one aspect, the indication information contains a drb-TypeChangWLN information element carried in drb-ToAddModList information element and a drb-TypeWLN information element carried in a drb-ToAddModListWLN information element. The drb-ToAddModList information element is a group of DRBs in need of addition or modification; the drb-TypeChangWLN information element is used for indicating whether to reconfigure a WLN split DRB or a WLN non-split DRB as an MCG DRB. The drb-ToAddModListWLN information element is a group of WLN DRBs in need of addition or modification. The drb-TypeWLN information element represents the Type of a corresponding DRB. Preferably, according to the value of the drb-TypeWLN information element and whether the DRB corresponding to the drb-TypeWLN information element is contained in the drb-ToAddModList information element and the drb-ToAddModListWLN information element, it is possible to determine whether to reconfigure an MCG DRB as a WLN split DRB or reconfigure a WLN split DRB as an MCG DRB or reconfigure a WLN split DRB as a WLN non-split DRB.

The features described above and other features of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:.

In the following description, an LTE Rel-<NUM> mobile communication system and its later evolved releases are used as exemplary application environments to set forth the examples in detail. Note, however, that the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments and may be applicable to more other wireless communication systems, such as a future <NUM> cellular communication system. In addition, although the implementation examples of the technical solution of the present invention is described with respect to the case where the MeNB cooperates with one WLN to provide a communication service for the UE, a person skilled in the art would be conceivable of that the technical solution of the present invention likewise is applicable to the cases where the MeNB cooperates with more than one WLN to provide a communication service for the UE.

In the LTE system, the UE carries out the processes of adding (establishing) and reconfiguring a DRB according to a received RRCConnectionReconfiguration message. The RRCConnectionReconfiguration message is mainly used for establishing/modifying/releasing radio bearers (RBs) and executing switching, establishing/modifying/releasing measurement and the like. The RBs comprise signaling radio bearers (SRBs) and data radio bearers (DRBs) The data radio bearers (DRBs) comprise MCG DRBs, split DRBs (bearers for dual connection option 3C described in 3GPP Release <NUM>), SCG DRBs (bearers for dual connection option 1A described in 3GPP Release <NUM>), and bears for the transmission of user data, such as WLN split DRBs and WLN non-split DRBs.

In the following, the meanings of parameters contained in the RRCConnectionReconfiguration message cited herein are each described. Furthermore, if a parameter mentioned herein is the same as that in 3GPP TS36. <NUM> in denomination, the meaning and inclusion relation between cells, represented by it, are the same as those in 3GPP TS36.

<FIG> illustrates a flow chart of a method for reconfiguring an MCG DRB as a WLN split DRB. The method illustrated in <FIG> includes the following steps:
Step <NUM>: UE receives the RRCConnectionReconfiguration message and determines whether the message carries an indication information used for indicating UE to reconfigure an MCG DRB as a WLN split DRB; in a case where the message carries the indication information, step 302a or step 302b is executed according to the correspondence between the WLN DRB and an adaptation entity; otherwise, the process is ended.

In a case where there is a many-to-one mapping relationship between the WLN DRB and the adaptation entity, the process goes to step 302a; in a case where there is a one-to-one mapping relationship between the WLN DRB and the adaptation entity, the process goes to step 302b. Step 302a: The UE reconfigures the adaptation entity according to the Adaptation-Config information element carried in drb-ToAddModListWLN.

Alternatively, an adaptation entity is to be established in a case wehre there is no adaptation entity in the WLN, i.e., the WLN split DRB reconfigured by the MCG DRB is the first WLN DRB of the adaptation entity.

Step 302b: The user establishes an adaptation entity based on the Adaptation-Config information element carried in drb-ToAddModListWLN.

Step <NUM>: In a case where the pdcp-Config information element is carried in the drb-ToAddModList, the PDCP entity is reconfigured according to the pdcp-Config information element.

Step <NUM>: In a case where the drb-ToAddModList carries the rlc-Config information element, the logicalChannelIdentity information element, and the logicalChannelConfig information element, the MCG RLC entity and the MCG DTCH logical channel are reconfigured according to the rlc-Config information element, the logicalChannelIdentity information element, and the logicalChannelConfig information element.

Note that the execution sequence of step 302a (or 302b), step <NUM>, and step <NUM> may be arbitrarily changed.

Alternatively, when the UE reconfigures the MCG DRB as the WLN split DRB, the UE re-establishes the PDCP entity and the RLC entity and transmits a PDCP status report. Alternatively, the UE may be configured according to an RRC signaling whether to re-establish the PDCP entity and the RLC entity and transmit the PDCP status report when the MCG DRB is reconfigured as WLN split DRB.

<FIG> illustrates a flow chart of a method for reconfiguring an MCG DRB as a WLN non-split DRB. The method illustrated in <FIG> includes the following steps:
Step <NUM>: UE receives the RRCConnectionReconfiguration message and determines whether the message carries an indication information used for indicating UE to reconfigure an MCG DRB as a WLN non-split DRB; in a case where the message carries the indication information, step 402a or step 402b is executed according to the correspondence between the WLN DRB and an adaptation entity; otherwise, the process is ended.

In a case where there is a many-to-one mapping relationship between the WLN DRB and the adaptation entity, the process goes to step 402a; in a case where there is a one-to-one mapping relationship between the WLN DRB and the adaptation entity, the process goes to step 402b.

Step 402a: The UE reconfigures the adaptation entity according to the Adaptation-Config information element carried in drb-ToAddModListWLN.

Alternatively, an adaptation entity is to be established if there is no adaptation entity in the WLN, i.e., the WLN non-split DRB reconfigured by the MCG DRB is the first WLN DRB of the adaptation entity.

Step 402b: The UE establishes an adaptation entity based on the Adaptation-Config information element carried in drb-ToAddModListWLN.

Step <NUM>: The MCG RLC entity and the MCG DTCH logical channel are released.

Note that the execution sequence of step 402a (or 402b), step <NUM>, and step <NUM> may be arbitrarily changed.

Alternatively, the UE re-establishes the PDCP entity and transmits a PDCP status report when the MCG DRB is reconfigured as the WLN non-split DRB. Alternatively, the UE may be configured according to an RRC signaling whether to re-establish the PDCP entity and transmit the PDCP status report when the MCG DRB is reconfigured as the WLN split DRB. <FIG> illustrates a flow chart of a method for reconfiguring a WLN split DRB as an MCG DRB. The method illustrated in <FIG> includes the following steps:
Step <NUM>: UE receives the RRCConnectionReconfiguration message and determines whether the message carries an indication information used for indicating UE to reconfigure a WLN split DRB as an MCG DRB; in a case where the message carries the indication information, step 502a or step 502b is executed according to the correspondence between the WLN DRB and an adaptation entity; otherwise, the process is ended.

In a case where there is a many-to-one mapping relationship between the WLN DRB and the adaptation entity, the process goes to step 502a; in a case where there is a one-to-one mapping relationship between the WLN DRB and the adaptation entity, the process goes to step 502b.

Step 502a: In a case where the Adaptation-Config information element is carried in the drb-ToAddModListWLN, the adaption entity is reconfigured according to the Adaptation-Config information element.

Alternatively, if there is no other WLN DRB in the adaptation entity after the WLN split DRB is reconfigured as the MCG DRB, the adaptation entity is released.

Step 502b: The adaptation entity is released, that is, the relevant information of the WLN split DRB which is reconfigured as the MCG DRB in the WLN is released.

Step <NUM>: in a case where the pdcp-Config information element is carried in the drb-ToAddModList, the PDCP entity is reconfigured according to the pdcp-Config information element.

Note that the execution sequence of step 502a (or 502b), step <NUM>, and step <NUM> may be arbitrarily changed.

Alternatively, the UE re-establishes the PDCP entity and transmits a PDCP status report when the WLN split DRB is reconfigured as the MCG DRB. Alternatively, the UE may be configured according to an RRC signaling whether to re-establish the PDCP entity and transmit the PDCP status report when the MCG DRB is reconfigured as the WLN split DRB. <FIG> illustrates a flow chart of a method for reconfiguring a WLN split DRB as a WLN non-split DRB. The method shown in <FIG> includes the following steps:.

Note that the execution sequence of step <NUM>, step <NUM>, and step <NUM> may be arbitrarily changed.

Alternatively, the UE re-establishes the PDCP entity and transmits a PDCP status report when the WLN split DRB is reconfigured as the WLN non-split DRB. Alternatively, the UE may be configured according to an RRC signaling whether to re-establish the PDCP entity and transmit the PDCP status report when the MCG DRB is reconfigured as the WLN split DRB.

<FIG> illustrates a flow chart of a method for reconfiguring a WLN non-split DRB as an MCG DRB. The method shown in <FIG> includes the following steps:
Step <NUM>: UE receives the RRCConnectionReconfiguration message and determines whether the message carries an indication information used for indicating UE to reconfigure a WLN non-split DRB as an MCG DRB; in a case where the message carries the indication information, step 702a or step 702b is executed according to the correspondence between the WLN DRB and an adaptation entity; otherwise, the process is ended.

In a case where there is a many-to-one mapping relationship between the WLN DRB and the adaptation entity, the process goes to step 702a; in a case where there is a one-to-one mapping relationship between the WLN DRB and the adaptation entity, the process goes to step 702b.

Step 702a: In a case where the Adaptation-Config information element is carried in the drb-ToAddModListWLN, the adaption entity is reconfigured according to the Adaptation-Config information element. Alternatively, in a case where there is no other WLN DRB in the adaptation entity after the WLN non-split DRB is reconfigured as the MCG DRB, the adaptation entity is released.

Step 702b: The adaptation entity is released, that is, the relevant information of the WLN non-split DRB which is reconfigured as the MCG DRB in the WLN is released.

Step <NUM>: The MCG RLC entity and the MCG DTCH logical channel are established according to the rlc-Config information element, the logicalChannelIdentity information element, and the logicalChannelConfig information element, carried in the drb-ToAddModList.

Note that the execution sequence of step 702a (or 702b), step <NUM>, and step <NUM> may be arbitrarily changed.

Alternatively, the UE re-establishes the PDCP entity and transmits a PDCP status report when the WLN non-split DRB is reconfigured as the MCG DRB. Alternatively, the UE may be configured according to an RRC signaling whether to re-establish the PDCP entity and transmit the PDCP status report when the MCG DRB is reconfigured as the WLN split DRB.

<FIG> shows a flow chart of a method for reconfiguring a WLN non-split DRB as a WLN split DRB. The method illustrated in <FIG> includes the following steps:.

Note that the execution sequence of step 802a (or 802b), step <NUM>, and step <NUM> may be arbitrarily changed.

Alternatively, the UE re-establishes the PDCP entity and transmits a PDCP status report when the WLN non-split DRB is reconfigured as the WLN split DRB. Alternatively, the UE may be configured according to an RRC signaling whether to re-establish the PDCP entity and transmit the PDCP status report when the MCG DRB is reconfigured as the WLN split DRB.

<FIG> and <FIG> respectively show flow charts of two methods in which the RRCConnectionReconfiguration message carries an indication information for indicating the UE to reconfigure a type of DRB into another type of DRB. The DRBs at least include WLN split DRB, WLN non-split DRB, and MCG DRB. In the method illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the UE determines whether to reconfigure a certain type of DRB as another type of DRB, according to the drb-TypeChangeWLN information element carried in the drb-ToAddModList information element and the drb-TypeWLN information element carried in the drb-ToAddModListWLN information element. The drb-TypeChangWLN information element is used to indicate whether to reconfigure a WLN DRB (comprising WLN split DRB, WLN non-split DRB) as an MCG DRB. The drb-TypeWLN information element represents the type of the corresponding DRB; according to the value of the drb-TypeWLN information element and whether the DRB corresponding to the drb-TypeWLN information element is contained in the drb-ToAddModList information element and the drb-ToAddModListWLN information element, the UE determines whether to reconfigure an MCG DRB as a WLN DRB, or reconfigure a WLN non-split DRB as a WLN split DRB, or reconfigure a WLN split DRB as a WLN non-split DRB. In the example, the value of the drb-TypeChangWLN information element is expressed as: toMCG (indicating that WLN DRB is reconfigured as MCG DRB); the value of the drb-TypeWLN information element is expressed as: WLNsplit (indicating that the corresponding DRB is WLN split DRB) or WLNnon-split (indicating that the corresponding DRB is WLN non-split DRB). Note that the valuing of the drb-TypeChangWLN information element and the drb-TypeWLN information element include, but are not limited to, the above-described valuing mode.

The method illustrated in <FIG> includes the following steps (executed by UE):.

Note that the process of reconfiguring the WLN split DRB as an MCG DRB in step <NUM> and step <NUM> may be carried out according to the procedure illustrated in <FIG>. The process of reconfiguring the WLN split DRB as a WLN non-split DRB in step <NUM> and step <NUM> may be carried out according to the procedure illustrated in <FIG>. The process of reconfiguring the WLN non-split DRB as an MCG DRB in step <NUM> and step <NUM> may be carried out according to the procedure illustrated in <FIG>. The process of reconfiguring the WLN non-split DRB as a WLN split DRB in step <NUM> and step <NUM> may be carried out according to the procedure illustrated in <FIG>. The process of reconfiguring the MCG DRB as a WLN split DRB in step <NUM> and step <NUM> may be carried out according to the procedure illustrated in <FIG>. The process of reconfiguring the MCG DRB as a WLN non-split DRB in step <NUM> and step <NUM> may be carried out according to the procedure illustrated in <FIG>.

According to an example, the user equipment establishing the WLN slit DRB includes the following process: in a case where there is a many-to-one mapping relationship between a WLN DRB and an adaptation entity, the adaptation entity is reconfigured according to the Adaptation-Config information element carried in the drb-ToAddModListWLN. Alternatively, an adaptation entity is established in a case where there is no adaptation entity in the WLN, i.e. the WLN split DRB that needs to be established is the first WLN DRB of the adaptation entity. In a case where there is a one-to-one mapping relationship between a WLN DRB and an adaptation entity, the adaptation entity is established according to the Adaptation-Config information element carried in drb-ToAddModListWLN. A PDCP entity is established according to the pdcp-Config information element carried in the drb-ToAddModList, and the PDCP entity is configured by using MCG security configurationinformation. An MCG RLC entity and an MCG DTCH logical channel are established according to the rlc-Config information element, the logicalChannelIdentity information element, and the logicalChannelConfig information element, carried in the drb-ToAddModList.

According to an example, the user equipment establishing the WLN non-split DRB includes the following process: in a case where there is a many-to-one mapping relationship between a WLN DRB and an adaptation entity, the adaptation entity is reconfigured according to the Adaptation-Config information element carried in the drb-ToAddModListWLN. Alternatively, an adaptation entity is established in a case where there is no adaptation entity in the WLN, i.e. the WLN split DRB that needs to be established is the first WLN DRB of the adaptation entity. In a case where there is a one-to-one mapping relationship between a WLN DRB and an adaptation entity, the adaptation entity is established according to the Adaptation-Config information element carried in drb-ToAddModListWLN. A PDCP entity is established according to the pdcp-Config information element carried in the drb-ToAddModList, and the PDCP entity is configured by using MCG security configuration information. Alternatively, a PDCP entity is established according to the pdcp-Config information element carried in the drb-ToAddModListWLN, and the PDCP entity is configured by using MCG security configuration information.

According to an example, the user equipment reconfiguring the WLN split DRB inlcudes the following process: in a case where the Adaption-Config information element is carried in the drb-ToAddModListWLN, the adaptation entity is reconfigured according to the Adaptation-Config information element. In a case where the pdcp-Config information element is carried in the drb-ToAddModList, the PDCP entity is reconfigured according to the pdcp-Config information element. Alternatively, if the pdcp-Config information element is carried in the drb-ToAddModListWLN, the PDCP entity is reconfigured according to the pdcp-Config information element. In a case where the drb-ToAddModList carries the rlc-Config information element, the logicalChannelIdentity information element, and the logical ChannelConfig information element, the MCG RLC entity and the MCG DTCH logical channel are reconfigured according to the rlc-Config information element, the logicalChannelIdentity information element, and the logical ChannelConfig information element. Alternatively, the UE re-establishes the PDCP entity and transmits a PDCP status report when the UE reconfigures a WLN split DRB. Alternatively, the UE may be configured according to an RRC signaling whether to re-establish the PDCP entity and transmit a PDCP status report when a WLN split DRB is reconfigured.

According to an example, the user equipment reconfiguring the WLN split DRB includes the following process: in a case where the Adaption-Config information element is carried in the drb-ToAddModListWLN, the adaptation entity is reconfigured according to the Adaptation-Config information element. In a case where the pdcp-Config information element is carried in the drb-ToAddModList, the PDCP entity is reconfigured according to the pdcp-Config information element. Alternatively, in a case wherethe pdcp-Config information element is carried in the drb-ToAddModListWLN, the PDCP entity is reconfigured according to the pdcp-Config information element.

Alternatively, the UE re-establishes the PDCP entity and transmits a PDCP status report when the UE reconfigures a WLN non-split DRB. Alternatively, the UE may be configured according to an RRC signaling whether to re-establish the PDCP entity and transmit a PDCP status report when a WLN non-split DRB is reconfigured.

<FIG> is a block diagram of user equipment according to an embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated in <FIG>, the UE <NUM> includes a receiving unit <NUM>, a determining unit <NUM>, and a reconfiguring unit <NUM>. The UE <NUM> may further include a re-establishing unit <NUM>.

The receiving unit <NUM> is configured to receive an RRCConnectionReconfiguration message.

The determining unit <NUM> is configured to determine whether the received RRCConnectionReconfiguration message contains indication information, the indication information indicating the UE to reconfigure the first type of DRB as the second type of DRB that is different from the first type.

The reconfiguring unit <NUM> is configured to reconfigure the UE according to the RRCConnectionReconfiguration message if the received RRCConnectionReconfiguration message contains indication information.

The re-establishing unit <NUM> can be configured to re-establish a PDCP entity.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first type of DRB includes an MCG DRB. The second type of DRB includes a WLN non-split DRB.

The first type of DRB may include a WLN split DRB or a WLN non-split DRB. The second type of DRB may include an MCG DRB or a WLN split DRB.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the UE <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> may be configured to perform the various methods described above with respect to <FIG> to10. For the sake of brevity, the description is not repeated herein.

It is to be understood that the above-described embodiments of the present invention may be implemented by software or by hardware or by a combination of both software and hardware. For example, the various components within the user equipment in the above embodiments may be implemented by a variety of devices including, but not limited to, analog circuit devices, digital circuit devices, digital signal processing (DSP) circuits, programmable processors, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), programmable logic devices (CPLDs), and the like.

In this application, the term "base station" refers to a mobile communication data and control switching center having a large transmission power and a wide coverage area and including functions such as resource allocation scheduling, data reception and transmission, and the like. The term "user equipment" refers to a user mobile terminal, such as a terminal device that can perform wireless communication with a base station or a micro base station, including a mobile phone, a notebook, or the like.

Claim 1:
A method performed by a base station which is an eNB, the method comprising the step of:
transmitting, to a user equipment (<NUM>), UE, an RRCConnectionReconfiguration message which contains indication information, the indication information indicating the UE to reconfigure a first type of data radio bearer, DRB, as a second type of DRB; wherein
the base station supports an integration and interoperability of a Long Term Evolution, LTE, system and a Wireless Local Area Network, WLAN,
the first type of DRB is a master cell group, MCG, bearer which transmits user data to the UE via a Packet Data Convergence Protocol, PDCP, entity, a Radio Link Control, RLC, Entity, a MAC entity, and a physical layer, PHY, of the base station, and characterized in that
the second type of DRB is a non-split bearer in which a PDCP entity of the base station encapsulates a user data, the user data is transmitted to a logical node, and the logical node transmits the user data through WLAN radio resources provided by the logical node.