Patent Description:
The wireless access nodes transfer user data to the wireless user devices over wireless downlinks. The wireless access nodes receive user data from the wireless user devices over wireless uplinks. In some wireless communication networks, multiple wireless access nodes simultaneously transfer user data to the same wireless user device over multiple wireless downlinks. Likewise, multiple wireless access nodes may simultaneously receive user data from the same wireless user device over multiple wireless uplinks. An Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network New Radio Dual Connectivity (EN-DC) access node can simultaneously serve the same wireless user device over a wireless 5GNR uplink and a wireless LTE uplink.

The wireless access nodes control the transmit power of the wireless user devices. The wireless user devices have amplifiers that boost their wireless signal transmissions to desired power levels. The wireless access nodes transfer power instructions to the wireless user devices that indicate the desired power levels. The difference between the current transmit power level and the maximum amplifier transmit power level is called the power headroom. A wireless user device uses multiple amplifiers to simultaneously transmit signals to multiple wireless access nodes. Each amplifier in a wireless user device has power headroom for its the wireless access node. Unfortunately, the wireless user devices do not efficiently and effectively transmit over multiple wireless uplinks based on the power headroom for the wireless access nodes. Moreover, the wireless access nodes do not efficiently and effectively support simultaneous wireless uplinks based on power headroom. Relevant background art is disclosed in <CIT> and in <NPL>".

The invention is defined by the subject-matter of the claims.

A primary wireless access node wirelessly receives primary power headroom for User Equipment (UE) on the primary wireless access node from the UE. A secondary wireless access node wirelessly receives secondary power headroom for the UE on the secondary wireless access node from the UE and transfers the secondary power headroom to the primary wireless access node. The primary wireless access node executes a Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) and the executing PDCP compares the power primary headroom to the secondary power headroom to determine a primary uplink grant amount and a secondary uplink grant amount for the UE and transfers the secondary uplink grant amount to the secondary wireless access node. The primary wireless access node grants primary uplink resources to the UE based on the primary uplink grant amount. The secondary wireless access node grants secondary uplink resources to the UE based on the secondary uplink grant amount. The primary wireless access node wirelessly receives primary user data from the UE using the primary uplink resources. The secondary wireless access node wirelessly receives secondary user data from the UE using the secondary uplink resources.

In the following description, the invention is described with particular reference to <FIG>, while the description of the remaining figures is provided for illustrative purposes for a better understanding of the invention.

<FIG> illustrates wireless communication network <NUM> to serve User Equipment (UE) <NUM> over multiple wireless uplinks <NUM>-<NUM>. Wireless communication network <NUM> delivers wireless data services like video-calling, interactive-gaming, media-streaming, augmented-reality, machine-control, and/or some other wireless networking product. Wireless communication network <NUM> comprises wireless UE <NUM>, primary access node <NUM>, secondary access node <NUM>, and network elements <NUM>.

Various examples of network operation and configuration are described herein. In some examples, primary wireless access node <NUM> wirelessly receives primary power headroom for UE <NUM> on primary wireless access node <NUM>. The primary power headroom comprises the difference between the current transmit power and the maximum transmit power for UE <NUM> when transmitting to primary wireless access node <NUM>. Secondary wireless access node <NUM> wirelessly receives secondary power headroom for UE <NUM> on secondary wireless access node <NUM>. Secondary wireless access node <NUM> transfers the secondary power headroom to primary wireless access node <NUM>.

Primary wireless access node <NUM> compares the primary power headroom to the secondary power headroom. Primary wireless access node <NUM> determines a primary uplink grant amount and a secondary uplink grant amount for UE <NUM> based on the power headroom comparison. Primary wireless access node <NUM> transfers the secondary uplink grant amount to secondary wireless access node <NUM>. Primary wireless access node <NUM> may use a data structure to translate the difference between the primary power headroom and the secondary power headroom into the primary uplink grant amount and the secondary uplink grant amount. The uplink grant amounts comprise uplink resources like transmit frequencies and time intervals.

Primary wireless access node <NUM> grants primary uplink resources like transmit frequencies and time intervals to UE <NUM> based on the primary uplink grant amount. Primary wireless access node <NUM> wirelessly receives user data from UE <NUM> using the primary uplink resources. Secondary wireless access node <NUM> grants secondary uplink resources like transmit frequencies and time intervals to UE <NUM> based on the secondary uplink grant amount. Secondary wireless access node <NUM> wirelessly receives user data from UE <NUM> using the secondary uplink resources. Thus, primary wireless access node <NUM> effectively and efficiently controls the uplink usage of wireless access nodes <NUM>-<NUM> based on power headroom to conserve UE power and to optimize wireless communication network <NUM>. Primary wireless access node <NUM> may process other data to determine the primary and secondary uplink grants. For example, primary wireless access node <NUM> may compare the uplink usage and/or frequency band characteristics for access nodes <NUM>-<NUM> to determine the primary and secondary uplink grants in addition to or instead of the power headroom comparison.

UE <NUM> wirelessly communicates with primary access node <NUM> over wireless link <NUM> and with secondary access node <NUM> over wireless link <NUM>. Wireless links <NUM>-<NUM> use wireless protocols like Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) <NUM> (WIFI), Long Term Evolution (LTE), Fifth Generation New Radio (5GNR), Millimeter-Wave (MMW), Low-Power Wide Area Network (LP-WAN), and/or some other protocol. Wireless links <NUM>-<NUM> use electromagnetic frequencies in the low-band, mid-band, high-band, or some other portion of the electromagnetic spectrum. Wireless access nodes <NUM>-<NUM> communicate with each over data links <NUM> and with network elements <NUM> over data links <NUM>. Network elements <NUM> communicate with external systems like the internet over data links <NUM>. Data links <NUM>-<NUM> use metal, glass, air, or some other media. Data links <NUM>-<NUM> use IEEE <NUM> (Ethernet), Time Division Multiplex (TDM), Data Over Cable System Interface Specification (DOCSIS), Internet Protocol (IP), 5GC, 5GNR, LTE, WIFI, virtual switching, inter-processor communication, bus interfaces, and/or some other data communication protocols.

Although UE <NUM> is depicted as a smartphone, UE <NUM> might instead comprise a computer, robot, vehicle, or some other data appliance with wireless communication circuitry. Wireless access nodes <NUM>-<NUM> are depicted as towers, but access nodes <NUM>-<NUM> may use other mounting structures or no mounting structure at all. Wireless access nodes <NUM>-<NUM> may comprise gNodeBs, eNodeBs, hot-spots, base-stations, and/or some other form of wireless network transceiver. Network elements <NUM> comprise Access and Mobility Management Functions (AMFs), User Plane Functions (UPFs), Mobility Management Entities (MMEs), Gateways (GWs), Internet-of- Things (IoT) application servers, content-delivery servers, and/or some other form of wireless network apparatus.

UE <NUM> and wireless access nodes <NUM>-<NUM> each comprise antennas, amplifiers, filters, modulation, analog/digital interfaces, microprocessors, software, memories, transceivers, bus circuitry, and the like. Network elements <NUM> each comprise microprocessors, memories, software, transceivers, bus circuitry, and the like. The microprocessors comprise Digital Signal Processors (DSP), Central Processing Units (CPU), Graphical Processing Units (GPU), Application-Specific Integrated Circuits (ASIC), and/or the like. The memories comprise Random Access Memory (RAM), flash circuitry, disk drives, and/or the like. The memories store software like operating systems, user applications, radio applications, and network applications. The microprocessors retrieve the software from the memories and execute the software to drive the operation of wireless communication network <NUM> as described herein.

<FIG> illustrates exemplary operation of wireless communication network <NUM> to serve UE <NUM> over wireless uplinks <NUM>-<NUM>. Primary wireless access node <NUM> wirelessly receives primary power headroom for UE <NUM> on primary wireless access node <NUM> (<NUM>). Secondary wireless access node <NUM> wirelessly receives secondary power headroom for UE <NUM> on secondary wireless access node <NUM> and transfers the secondary power headroom to primary wireless access node <NUM> (<NUM>). Primary wireless access node <NUM> compares the primary power headroom to the secondary power headroom (<NUM>). Primary wireless access node <NUM> determines a primary uplink grant amount and a secondary uplink grant amount for UE <NUM> based on the power headroom comparison (<NUM>). Primary wireless access node <NUM> transfers the secondary uplink grant amount to secondary wireless access node <NUM> (<NUM>). Primary wireless access node <NUM> grants primary uplink resources like transmit frequencies and time intervals to UE <NUM> based on the primary uplink grant amount (<NUM>). Primary wireless access node <NUM> wirelessly receives user data from UE <NUM> using the primary uplink resources (<NUM>). Secondary wireless access node <NUM> grants secondary uplink resources like transmit frequencies and time intervals to UE <NUM> based on the secondary uplink grant amount (<NUM>). Secondary wireless access node <NUM> wirelessly receives user data from UE <NUM> using the secondary uplink resources (<NUM>). The operation repeats (<NUM>).

<FIG> illustrates an exemplary operation of wireless communication network <NUM> to serve UE <NUM> over wireless uplinks <NUM>-<NUM>. In this example, uplink usage and frequency band are used in addition to power headroom to control the uplink split, although uplink usage and frequency band are not used in all examples. UE <NUM> and primary access node <NUM> wirelessly exchange user data over a frequency band that has characteristics like channel size, power level, and spectral efficiency. Primary access node <NUM> and network elements <NUM> exchange the user data, and network elements <NUM> and external systems exchange the user data. Primary access node <NUM> serves other UEs and has uplink usage that indicates the amount of UEs, uplink data, or the like that are currently handled by node <NUM>. UE <NUM> and secondary access node <NUM> wirelessly exchange user data over another frequency band that has other characteristics. Secondary access node <NUM> and network elements <NUM> exchange the user data, and network elements <NUM> and the external systems exchange the user data. Secondary access node <NUM> also serves other UEs and has uplink usage that indicates the amount of UEs, uplink data, or the like that are currently handled by node <NUM>.

Primary access node <NUM> determines its uplink usage and frequency band characteristics. Secondary access node <NUM> determines its uplink usage and frequency band characteristics and transfers this information to primary access node <NUM>. UE <NUM> determines its power headroom for primary access node <NUM> and its power headroom for secondary access node <NUM>. UE <NUM> transfers its power headroom for primary access node <NUM> to primary access node <NUM>. UE <NUM> transfers its power headroom for secondary access node <NUM> to secondary access node <NUM>. Secondary access node <NUM> transfers the power headroom for UE <NUM> and node <NUM> to primary access node <NUM>. Secondary access node <NUM> also transfers its uplink usage and frequency characteristics to primary access node <NUM>.

Primary access node <NUM> compares the power headroom for UE <NUM> and node <NUM> to the power headroom for UE <NUM> and node <NUM>. Primary access node <NUM> compares the uplink usage and frequency characteristics for node <NUM> to the uplink usage and frequency characteristics for node <NUM>. Based on the comparisons, primary access node <NUM> determines a primary uplink grant amount for UE <NUM> on node <NUM> and a secondary uplink grant amount for UE <NUM> on node <NUM> for a given time interval. Primary access node <NUM> transfers the secondary uplink grant amount for UE <NUM> and node <NUM> to secondary access node <NUM>. Primary access node <NUM> grants uplink resources to UE <NUM> based on its uplink grant amount. UE <NUM> and primary access node <NUM> wirelessly exchange user data using the granted uplink resources for node <NUM> and UE <NUM>. Secondary access node <NUM> grants uplink resources to UE <NUM> based the uplink grant amount from node <NUM>. UE <NUM> and secondary access node <NUM> wirelessly exchange user data using the granted uplink resources for node <NUM> and UE <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates Fifth Generation (<NUM>) wireless communication network <NUM> to serve UEs <NUM>-<NUM> over wireless <NUM> New Radio (5GNR) uplinks and wireless Long Term Evolution (LTE) uplinks. <NUM> wireless communication network <NUM> comprises an example of wireless communication network <NUM>, although network <NUM> may differ. <NUM> wireless communication network <NUM> comprises UEs <NUM>-<NUM>, 5GNR gNodeBs <NUM>-<NUM>, LTE eNodeBs <NUM>-<NUM>, and Network Function Virtualization Infrastructure (NFVI) <NUM>. 5GNR gNodeBs <NUM> and LTE eNodeB <NUM> comprise Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network New Radio Dual Connectivity (EN-DC) access node <NUM>. NFVI <NUM> comprises Fifth Generation Core (5GC) Access and Mobility Management Functions (AMF) <NUM>, 5GC Authentication and Security Functions (AUSF) <NUM>, 5GC Policy Control Functions (PCF) <NUM>, 5GC Session Management Functions (SMF) <NUM>, 5GC User Plane Functions (UPF) <NUM>, LTE Mobility Management Entities (MME) <NUM>, LTE Home Subscriber Systems (HSS) <NUM>, LTE Policy Charging and Rules Functions (PCRF) <NUM>, and LTE Service Architecture Evolution Gateways (SAE GWs) <NUM>.

In a first example, UE <NUM> wirelessly attaches to 5GNR gNodeB <NUM>. 5GNR gNodeB <NUM> transfers N2 signaling for UE <NUM> to 5GC AMF <NUM>. 5GC AMF <NUM> interacts with 5GC AUSF <NUM> and UE <NUM> to authenticate and authorize UE <NUM> for wireless data services. 5GC AMF <NUM> interacts with 5GC PCF <NUM> and 5GC SMF <NUM> select services, QoS, network addresses, dual-connectivity instructions, and the like to serve UE <NUM> over 5GNR gNodeB <NUM>. 5GC AMF <NUM> transfers the N2 signaling to 5GNR gNodeB <NUM> that indicates service IDs, QoS, network addresses, dual-connectivity instructions, and the like. 5GC SMF <NUM> signals the service IDs, QoS, network addresses to 5GC UPF <NUM>. 5GNR gNodeB <NUM> transfers the service IDs, QoS, network addresses, dual-connectivity instructions, and the like to UE <NUM>. UE <NUM> reports the signal strength of 5GNR gNodeB <NUM> to 5GNR gNodeB <NUM>, and in response to the dual-connectivity instructions and the signal strength, 5GNR gNodeB <NUM> directs UE <NUM> to attach to 5GNR gNodeB <NUM>. 5GNR gNodeB <NUM> transfers N2 signaling for UE <NUM> to 5GC AMF <NUM> indicating the attachment. 5GC AMF <NUM> signals 5GC SMF <NUM> of the attachment, and in response, SMF directs UPF <NUM> to serve UE <NUM> over 5GNR gNodeB <NUM>. UE <NUM> exchanges user data with external systems over 5GNR gNodeBs <NUM>-<NUM> and UPF <NUM>. 5GNR gNodeBs <NUM>-<NUM> use different frequency bands that have different characteristics like channel sizes, power levels, and spectral efficiencies.

5GNR gNodeB <NUM> serves other UEs and has an uplink usage that comprises the amount of these UEs (plus UE <NUM>), their uplink data, uplink interference, and/or the like for gNodeB <NUM>. 5GNR gNodeB <NUM> determines its frequency band characteristics and uplink usage. 5GNR gNodeB <NUM> serves other UEs and has its own an uplink usage. 5GNR gNodeB <NUM> also determines its own frequency band characteristics and uplink usage. UE <NUM> determines its power headroom for 5GNR gNodeB <NUM> and its power headroom for 5GNR gNodeB <NUM>. UE <NUM> transfers its power headroom for 5GNR NodeB <NUM> to gNodeB <NUM>. UE <NUM> transfers its power headroom for 5GNR NodeB <NUM> to gNodeB <NUM>. 5GNR gNodeB <NUM> transfers the power headroom for UE <NUM> and gNodeB <NUM> to 5GNR gNodeB <NUM>. 5GNR gNodeB <NUM> also transfers its uplink usage and frequency characteristics to 5GNR gNodeB <NUM>. 5GNR gNodeB <NUM> compares the power headroom for UE <NUM> and gNodeB <NUM> to the power headroom for UE <NUM> and gNodeB <NUM>. 5GNR gNodeB <NUM> compares the uplink usage and frequency characteristics for gNodeB <NUM> to the uplink usage and frequency characteristics for 5GNR gNodeB <NUM>.

Based on the comparisons, 5GNR gNodeB <NUM> determines a first amount of uplink data units for UE <NUM> over gNodeB <NUM> and a second amount of uplink data units for the UE <NUM> over gNodeB <NUM>. 5GNR gNodeB <NUM> applies the percentages to the total number of data units that are required to serve UE <NUM> per the selected services and QoS over the time interval to determine a number of uplink data units for gNodeB <NUM> to handle during the time interval and a number of uplink data units for gNodeB <NUM> to handle during the time interval. 5GNR gNodeB <NUM> transfers the number of uplink data units for UE <NUM> during the time interval to gNodeB <NUM>. 5GNR gNodeB <NUM> grants uplink resources to UE <NUM> based on its number of uplink data units. 5GNR gNodeB <NUM> grants uplink resources to UE <NUM> based on its number of uplink data units. UE <NUM> exchanges user data with external systems over 5GNR gNodeBs <NUM>-<NUM> and UPF <NUM>. Advantageously, UE <NUM> transfers uplink data per a split based on comparative power headroom, uplink usage, and frequency band.

In a second example, UE <NUM> wirelessly attaches to 5GNR gNodeB <NUM>. 5GNR gNodeB <NUM> transfers N2 signaling for UE <NUM> to 5GC AMF <NUM>. 5GC AMF <NUM> interacts with 5GC AUSF <NUM> and UE <NUM> to authenticate and authorize UE <NUM> for wireless data services. 5GC AMF <NUM> interacts with 5GC PCF <NUM> and 5GC SMF <NUM> select services, QoS, network addresses, dual-connectivity instructions, and the like to serve UE <NUM> over 5GNR gNodeB <NUM>. 5GC AMF <NUM> transfers the N2 signaling to 5GNR gNodeB <NUM> that indicates service IDs, QoS, network addresses, dual-connectivity instructions, and the like. 5GC SMF <NUM> signals the service IDs, QoS, network addresses to 5GC UPF <NUM>. 5GNR gNodeB <NUM> transfers the service IDs, QoS, network addresses, dual-connectivity instructions, and the like to UE <NUM>. UE <NUM> reports the signal strength of LTE eNodeB <NUM> to 5GNR gNodeB <NUM>, and in response to the dual-connectivity instructions and the signal strength, 5GNR gNodeB <NUM> directs UE <NUM> to attach to LTE eNodeB <NUM>. LTE eNodeB <NUM> indicates the LTE attachment of UE <NUM> to 5GNR gNodeB <NUM> which notifies AMF <NUM>. AMF <NUM> directs UPF <NUM> to serve UE <NUM> over LTE eNodeB <NUM>. UE <NUM> exchanges user data with external systems over 5GNR gNodeB <NUM>, LTE eNodeB <NUM>, and UPF <NUM>. 5GNR gNodeB <NUM> and LTE eNodeB <NUM> use different frequency bands that have different characteristics like channel size, power level, and spectral efficiency.

5GNR gNodeB <NUM> serves other UEs and has an uplink usage that comprises the amount of these UEs (plus UE <NUM>), their uplink data, uplink interference, and/or the like for gNodeB <NUM>. 5GNR gNodeB <NUM> determines its frequency band characteristics and uplink usage. LTE eNodeB <NUM> serves other UEs and has its own an uplink usage. LTE eNodeB <NUM> also determines its own frequency band characteristics and uplink usage. UE <NUM> determines its power headroom for 5GNR gNodeB <NUM> and its power headroom for LTE eNodeB <NUM>. UE <NUM> transfers its power headroom for 5GNR NodeB <NUM> to gNodeB <NUM>. UE <NUM> transfers its power headroom for LTE eNodeB <NUM> to eNodeB <NUM>. LTE eNodeB <NUM> transfers the power headroom for UE <NUM> and eNodeB <NUM> to gNodeB <NUM>. LTE eNodeB <NUM> also transfers its uplink usage and frequency characteristics to 5GNR gNodeB <NUM>. 5GNR gNodeB <NUM> compares the power headroom for UE <NUM> and gNodeB <NUM> to the power headroom for UE <NUM> and eNodeB <NUM>. 5GNR gNodeB <NUM> compares the uplink usage and frequency characteristics for gNodeB <NUM> to the uplink usage and frequency characteristics for LTE eNodeB <NUM>.

Based on the comparisons, 5GNR gNodeB <NUM> determines a first amount of uplink data units for the UE <NUM> over gNodeB <NUM> and a second amount of uplink data units for UE <NUM> over eNodeB <NUM>. 5GNR gNodeB <NUM> applies the percentages to the total number of data units that are required to serve UE <NUM> per the selected services and QoS over a time interval to determine a number of uplink data units for gNodeB <NUM> to handle during the time interval and a number of uplink data units for eNodeB <NUM> to handle during the time interval. 5GNR gNodeB <NUM> transfers the number of uplink data units for UE <NUM> and eNodeB <NUM> during the time interval to eNodeB <NUM>. 5GNR gNodeB <NUM> grants uplink resources to UE <NUM> based on its number of uplink data units. LTE eNodeB <NUM> grants uplink resources to UE <NUM> based on its number of uplink data units. UE <NUM> exchanges user data with external systems over 5GNR gNodeB <NUM>, LTE eNodeB <NUM>, and UPF <NUM>. Advantageously, UE <NUM> transfers the uplink data per a split based comparative power headroom, uplink usage, and frequency band.

In a third example, UE <NUM> wirelessly attaches to LTE eNodeB <NUM> in EN-DC node <NUM> and indicates its 5GNR capability. LTE eNodeB <NUM> transfers S1-MME signaling for UE <NUM> to LTE MME <NUM> that indicates the 5GNR capability. LTE MME <NUM> interacts with LTE HSS <NUM> and UE <NUM> to authenticate and authorize UE <NUM> for wireless data services. LTE MME <NUM> interacts with SAE GW <NUM> which interacts with PCRF <NUM> to select services, Quality-of-Service (QoS), network addresses, 5GNR instructions, and the like to serve UE <NUM> over LTE eNodeB <NUM>. LTE MME <NUM> transfers S1-MME signaling to LTE eNodeB <NUM> that indicates service IDs, QoS, network addresses, 5GNR instructions, and the like. LTE MME <NUM> signals the service IDs, QoS, network addresses, and the like to SAE GW <NUM>. LTE eNodeB <NUM> transfers the service IDs, QoS, network addresses, 5GNR instructions, and the like to UE <NUM>.

In response to the 5GNR instructions, UE <NUM> measures and reports the signal strength of 5GNR gNodeB <NUM> to LTE eNodeB <NUM>. In response to the S1-MME signaling from MME <NUM> and the reported signal strength, LTE eNodeB <NUM> directs UE <NUM> to attach to 5GNR gNodeB <NUM>. UE <NUM> attaches to 5GNR gNodeB <NUM>, and gNodeB <NUM> transfers X2 signaling to LTE eNodeB <NUM> indicating the attachment of UE <NUM>. LTE eNodeB <NUM> transfers S1-MME signaling to MME <NUM> indicating the 5GNR attachment of UE <NUM>. MME <NUM> directs SAE GW <NUM> to serve UE <NUM> over 5GNR gNodeB <NUM>. UE <NUM> exchanges user data with external systems over 5GNR gNodeB <NUM>, LTE eNodeB <NUM>, and SAE GW <NUM>. 5GNR gNodeB <NUM> and LTE eNodeB <NUM> use different frequency bands that have different characteristics like channel size, power level, and spectral efficiency.

LTE eNodeB <NUM> serves other UEs and has an uplink usage that comprises the amount of these UEs (plus UE <NUM>), their uplink data, uplink interference, and/or the like for eNodeB <NUM>. LTE eNodeB <NUM> determines its frequency band characteristics and uplink usage. 5GNR gNodeB <NUM> serves other UEs (plus UE <NUM>) and has its own an uplink usage. 5GNR gNodeB <NUM> determines its own frequency band characteristics and uplink usage. UE <NUM> determines its power headroom for LTE eNodeB <NUM> and its power headroom for 5GNR gNodeB <NUM>. UE <NUM> transfers its power headroom for LTE eNodeB <NUM> to eNodeB <NUM>. UE <NUM> transfers its power headroom for 5GNR NodeB <NUM> to gNodeB <NUM>. 5GNR gNodeB <NUM> transfers the power headroom for UE <NUM> and gNodeB <NUM> to LTE eNodeB <NUM>. 5GNR gNodeB <NUM> also transfers its uplink usage and frequency characteristics to LTE eNodeB <NUM>. LTE eNodeB <NUM> compares the power headroom for UE <NUM> and gNodeB <NUM> to the power headroom for UE <NUM> and eNodeB <NUM>. LTE eNodeB <NUM> compares the uplink usage and frequency characteristics for LTE eNodeB <NUM> to the uplink usage and frequency characteristics for 5GNR gNodeB <NUM>.

Based on the comparisons, LTE eNodeB <NUM> determines a first amount of uplink data units for UE <NUM> over LTE eNodeB <NUM> and a second amount of uplink data units for the UE <NUM> over 5GNR gNodeB <NUM>. The data units comprise blocks of data. In some examples, LTE eNodeB <NUM> enters a data structure with the frequency bands to yield a first branch, and then enters the first branch with the uplink usage difference to yield a second branch. The second branch is entered with the power headroom difference to yield data unit percentages for LTE eNodeB <NUM> and 5GNR gNodeB <NUM> like <NUM>/<NUM>, <NUM>/<NUM>, <NUM>/<NUM>, and the like. LTE eNodeB <NUM> applies the percentages to the total number of data units that are required to serve UE <NUM> over a given time interval to yield the number of uplink data units for LTE eNodeB <NUM> during the time interval and the number of uplink data units for 5GNR gNodeB <NUM> during the time interval. LTE eNodeB <NUM> transfers the number of uplink data units for UE <NUM> and gNodeB <NUM> during the time interval to 5GNR gNodeB <NUM>. LTE eNodeB <NUM> grants uplink resources to UE <NUM> based on its allocated number of uplink data units during the time interval. 5GNR gNodeB <NUM> grants uplink resources to UE <NUM> based on its allocated number of uplink data units during the time interval. UE <NUM> still exchanges user data with external systems over LTE eNodeB <NUM> and 5GNR gNodeB <NUM> and SAE GW <NUM>. Advantageously, UE <NUM> transfers the uplink data per a split based comparative power headroom, uplink usage, and frequency band characteristics.

<FIG> illustrates Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network New Radio Dual Connectivity (EN-DC) access node <NUM> to serve UE <NUM> over wireless 5GNR uplinks and wireless LTE uplinks. EN-DC node <NUM> is an example of access nodes <NUM>-<NUM>, although nodes <NUM>- <NUM> may differ. EN-DC node <NUM> comprises 5GNR gNodeB <NUM> and LTE eNodeB <NUM>. 5GNR gNodeB <NUM> comprises 5GNR radio <NUM> and 5GNR BBU <NUM>. LTE eNodeB <NUM> comprises LTE radio <NUM> and LTE BBU <NUM>. Radios <NUM>-<NUM> comprise antennas, amplifiers, filters, modulation, analog-to-digital interfaces, DSP, memory, and transceivers that are coupled over bus circuitry. BBUs <NUM>-<NUM> comprises memory, CPU, and transceivers that are coupled over bus circuitry. The memories in BBUs <NUM>-<NUM> store operating systems and network applications like Physical Layer (PHY), Media Access Control (MAC), Radio Link Control (RLC), Packet Data Control Protocol (PDCP), and Radio Resource Control (RRC). The CPU in BBUs <NUM>-<NUM> execute the operating systems, PHYs, MACs, RLCs, PDCPs, and RRCs to exchange network signaling and user data with UE <NUM> and exchange network signaling and user data with LTE MME <NUM> and SAE GW <NUM>. UE <NUM> is wirelessly coupled to the antennas in 5GNR radio <NUM> over 5GNR links and to the antennas in LTE radio <NUM> over LTE links. A transceiver in 5GNR radio <NUM> is coupled to a transceiver in 5GNR BBU <NUM> over CPRI links. A transceiver in LTE radio <NUM> is coupled to a transceiver in LTE BBU <NUM> over CPRI links. A transceiver in 5GNR BBU <NUM> is coupled to a transceiver in LTE BBU <NUM> over X2 links. A transceiver in 5GNR BBU <NUM> is coupled to SAE GW <NUM> over backhaul links. A transceiver in LTE BBU <NUM> is coupled to MME <NUM> and to SAE GW <NUM> over backhaul links.

In LTE radio <NUM>, the antennas receive wireless LTE signals from UE <NUM> that transport UL LTE signaling and UL LTE data. The antennas transfer corresponding electrical UL signals through duplexers to the amplifiers. The amplifiers boost the received UL signals for filters which attenuate unwanted energy. Demodulators down-convert the UL signals from their carrier frequency. The analog/digital interfaces convert the analog UL signals into digital UL signals for the DSP. The DSP recovers UL LTE symbols from the UL digital signals. The CPUs execute the network applications to process the UL LTE symbols and recover the UL LTE signaling and the UL LTE data. The LTE RRC processes the UL LTE signaling, UL X2 signaling from the PDCP in gNodeB <NUM>, and DL S1-MME signaling from MME <NUM> to generate new DL LTE signaling, new DL X2 signaling, and new UL S1-MME signaling. The LTE RRC transfers the new DL LTE signaling to UE <NUM> over LTE radio <NUM>. The LTE RRC transfers the new DL X2 signaling to the 5GNR PDCP in 5GNR gNodeB <NUM>. The LTE PDCP transfers corresponding UL S1-U data to SAE GW <NUM>.

In LTE BBU <NUM>, the LTE RRC receives the DL S1-MME signaling from MME <NUM> and the LTE PDCP receives DL S1-U data from SAE GW <NUM>. The LTE network applications process the new DL LTE signaling and the DL S1-U data to generate corresponding DL LTE symbols that carry the DL LTE signaling and DL LTE data. In LTE radio <NUM>, the DSP processes the DL LTE symbols to generate corresponding digital signals for the analog-to-digital interfaces. The analog-to-digital interfaces convert the digital DL signals into analog DL signals for modulation. Modulation up-converts the DL signals to their carrier frequency. The amplifiers boost the modulated DL signals for the filters which attenuate unwanted out-of-band energy. The filters transfer the filtered DL signals through duplexers to the antennas. The electrical DL signals drive the antennas to emit corresponding wireless LTE signals to UE <NUM> that transport the DL LTE signaling and DL LTE data.

In 5GNR radio <NUM>, the antennas receive wireless 5GNR signals from UE <NUM> that transport UL 5GNR signaling and UL 5GNR data. The antennas transfer corresponding electrical UL signals through duplexers to the amplifiers. The amplifiers boost the received UL signals for filters which attenuate unwanted energy. Demodulators down-convert the UL signals from their carrier frequency. The analog/digital interfaces convert the analog UL signals into digital UL signals for the DSP. The DSP recovers UL 5GNR symbols from the UL digital signals. The CPUs execute the network applications to process the UL 5GNR symbols and recover the UL 5GNR signaling and the UL 5GNR data. The 5GNR PDCP processes the UL 5GNR signaling and DL X2 signaling from the LTE RRC in LTE eNodeB <NUM> to generate new UL X2 signaling and new DL 5GNR signaling. The 5GNR PDCP transfers the new UL X2 signaling to the LTE RRC in LTE BBU <NUM>. The 5GNR PDCP transfers corresponding UL S1-U data to SAE GW <NUM>.

In 5GNR BBU <NUM>, the 5GNR PDCP receives the DL X2 signaling from the LTE RRC in LTE BBU <NUM>. The 5GNR PDCP receives DL S1-U data from SAE GW <NUM>. The 5GNR network applications process the new DL 5GNR signaling and the DL S1-U data to generate DL 5GNR symbols that carry the DL 5GNR signaling and corresponding DL 5GNR data. In 5GNR radio <NUM>, the DSP processes the DL 5GNR symbols to generate corresponding digital signals for the analog-to-digital interfaces. The analog-to-digital interfaces convert the digital DL signals into analog DL signals for modulation. Modulation up-converts the DL signals to their carrier frequency. The amplifiers boost the modulated DL signals for the filters which attenuate unwanted out-of-band energy. The filters transfer the filtered DL signals through duplexers to the antennas. The electrical DL signals drive the antennas to emit corresponding wireless 5GNR signals to UE <NUM> that transport the DL 5GNR signaling and DL 5GNR data.

RRC functions comprise authentication, security, handover control, status reporting, Quality-of-Service (QoS), network broadcasts and pages, and network selection. SDAP functions include packet marking and QoS enforcement. PDCP functions comprise security ciphering, header compression and decompression, sequence numbering and re-sequencing, de-duplication. RLC functions comprise Automatic Repeat Request (ARQ), sequence numbering and resequencing, segmentation and resegmentation. MAC functions comprise buffer status, power control, channel quality, Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ), user identification, random access, user scheduling, and QoS. PHY functions comprise packet formation/deformation, windowing/de-windowing, guard-insertion/guard-deletion, parsing/de-parsing, control insertion/removal, interleaving/de-interleaving, Forward Error Correction (FEC) encoding/decoding, rate matching/de-matching, scrambling/descrambling, modulation mapping/de-mapping, channel estimation/equalization, Fast Fourier Transforms (FFTs)/Inverse FFTs (IFFTs), channel coding/decoding, layer mapping/de-mapping, precoding, Discrete Fourier Transforms (DFTs)/Inverse DFTs (IDFTs), and Resource Element (RE) mapping/de-mapping.

In operation, UE <NUM> wirelessly attaches to LTE BBU <NUM> over LTE radio <NUM> and indicates its 5GNR capability. LTE BBU <NUM> transfers S1-MME signaling for UE <NUM> to LTE MME <NUM> indicating the 5GNR capability. LTE BBU <NUM> receives service IDs, QoS, network addresses, 5GNR instructions, and the like for UE <NUM>. LTE BBU <NUM> transfers the service IDs, QoS, network addresses, 5GNR instructions, and the like to UE <NUM> over LTE radio <NUM>. LTE BBU <NUM> receives a signal strength report for 5GNR gNodeB <NUM> from UE <NUM> over LTE radio <NUM>. In response to the 5GNR instructions and the reported signal strength, LTE BBU <NUM> signals UE <NUM> over radio <NUM> to attach to 5GNR gNodeB <NUM>. UE <NUM> attaches to 5GNR BBU <NUM> in 5GNR gNodeB <NUM> over 5GNR radio <NUM>. 5GNR BBU <NUM> transfers X2 signaling to LTE BBU <NUM> indicating the 5GNR attachment of UE <NUM>. LTE BBU <NUM> transfers S1-MME signaling to LTE MME <NUM> indicating the 5GNR attachment of UE <NUM>. LTE MME <NUM> directs SAE GW <NUM> to serve UE <NUM> over 5GNR BBU <NUM>. UE <NUM> exchanges user data with external systems over 5GNR gNodeB <NUM>, LTE eNodeB <NUM>, and SAE GW <NUM>. LTE eNodeB <NUM> and 5GNR gNodeB <NUM> use different frequency bands that have different characteristics like channel size, power level, and spectral efficiency.

LTE eNodeB <NUM> serves other UEs and has an uplink usage that comprises the amount of these UEs (plus UE <NUM>), their uplink data, uplink interference, and/or the like for LTE eNodeB <NUM>. LTE BBU <NUM> determines its frequency band characteristics and uplink usage. 5GNR gNodeB <NUM> serves other UEs and has its own an uplink usage. 5GNR BBU <NUM> determines its own frequency band characteristics and uplink usage. UE <NUM> determines its power headroom for LTE eNodeB <NUM> and its power headroom for 5GNR gNodeB <NUM>. UE <NUM> transfers its power headroom for LTE eNodeB <NUM> to LTE BBU <NUM>. UE <NUM> transfers its power headroom for 5GNR NodeB <NUM> to 5GNR BBU <NUM>. 5GNR BBU <NUM> transfers the power headroom for UE <NUM> and gNodeB <NUM> to LTE BBU <NUM>. 5GNR BBU <NUM> also transfers its uplink usage and frequency characteristics to LTE BBU <NUM>. LTE BBU <NUM> compares the power headroom for UE <NUM> and gNodeB <NUM> to the power headroom for UE <NUM> and eNodeB <NUM>. LTE BBU <NUM> compares the uplink usage and frequency characteristics for LTE eNodeB <NUM> to the uplink usage and frequency characteristics for 5GNR gNodeB <NUM>.

Based on the comparisons, LTE BBU <NUM> determines a first amount of uplink data units for UE <NUM> over LTE eNodeB <NUM> and a second amount of uplink data units for the UE <NUM> over 5GNR gNodeB <NUM>. In some examples, LTE eNodeB <NUM> enters a data structure with the frequency bands to yield a first branch, and then enters the first branch with the difference in uplink usage to yield a second branch. The second branch is entered with the power headroom difference to yield data unit percentages for LTE eNodeB <NUM> and 5GNR gNodeB <NUM> like <NUM>/<NUM>, <NUM>/<NUM>, and <NUM>/<NUM>. LTE BBU <NUM> applies the percentages to the total number of data units that are required to serve UE <NUM> for the selected services and QoS over a given time interval to determine a number of uplink data units for LTE eNodeB <NUM> during the time interval and a number of uplink data units for 5GNR gNodeB <NUM> during the time interval. LTE BBU <NUM> transfers the number of uplink data units during the time interval for UE <NUM> and 5GNR gNodeB <NUM> to 5GNR BBU <NUM>. LTE BBU <NUM> grants uplink resources to UE <NUM> based on its allocated number of uplink data units. 5GNR BBU <NUM> grants uplink resources to UE <NUM> based on its allocated number of uplink data units. UE <NUM> exchanges user data with external systems over 5GNR gNodeB <NUM>, LTE eNodeB <NUM>, and SAE GW <NUM>. Advantageously, UE <NUM> transfers the uplink data per a split based comparative power headroom, uplink usage, and frequency band characteristics.

<FIG> illustrates 5GNR gNodeB <NUM> and LTE eNodeB <NUM> to serve UE <NUM> over wireless 5GNR uplinks and wireless LTE uplinks. 5GNR gNodeB <NUM> and LTE eNodeB <NUM> comprise examples of wireless access nodes <NUM>-<NUM>, although access nodes <NUM>-<NUM> may differ. 5GNR gNodeB <NUM> comprises 5GNR radio <NUM> and 5GNR BBU <NUM>. LTE eNodeB <NUM> comprises LTE radio <NUM> and LTE BBU <NUM>. Radios <NUM>-<NUM> comprises antennas, amplifiers, filters, modulation, analog-to-digital interfaces, DSP, memory, and transceivers that are coupled over bus circuitry. BBUs <NUM>-<NUM> comprises memory, CPU, and transceivers that are coupled over bus circuitry. The memories in BBUs <NUM>-<NUM> store operating systems and network applications like PHY, MAC, RLC, PDCP, RRC, and Service Data Adaptation Protocol (SDAP). The CPU in BBUs <NUM>-<NUM> execute the operating systems, PHYs, MACs, RLCs, PDCPs, SDAPs, and RRCs to exchange signaling and user data with UE <NUM> and to exchange signaling and user data with NFVI <NUM>. UE <NUM> is wirelessly coupled to the antennas in 5GNR radio <NUM> over 5GNR links. UE <NUM> is wirelessly coupled to the antennas in LTE radio <NUM> over LTE links. A transceiver in 5GNR radio <NUM> is coupled to a transceiver in 5GNR BBU <NUM> over CPRI links. A transceiver in LTE radio <NUM> is coupled to a transceiver in LTE BBU <NUM> over CPRI links. A transceiver in 5GNR BBU <NUM> is coupled to AMF <NUM> and UPF <NUM> in NFVI <NUM>. A transceiver in LTE BBU <NUM> is coupled to UPF <NUM> in NFVI <NUM>.

In 5GNR radio <NUM>, the antennas receive wireless 5GNR signals from UE <NUM> that transport UL 5GNR signaling and UL 5GNR data. The antennas transfer corresponding electrical UL signals through duplexers to the amplifiers. The amplifiers boost the received UL signals for filters which attenuate unwanted energy. Demodulators down-convert the UL signals from their carrier frequency. The analog/digital interfaces convert the analog UL signals into digital UL signals for the DSP. The DSP recovers UL 5GNR symbols from the UL digital signals. The CPUs execute the network applications to process the UL 5GNR symbols and recover the UL 5GNR signaling and the UL 5GNR data. The 5GNR RRC processes the UL 5GNR signaling and DL 5GC N2 signaling from AMF <NUM> to generate new UL 5GC N2 signaling and new DL 5GNR signaling. The 5GNR RRC transfers the new UL 5GC N2 signaling to AMF <NUM>. The 5GNR SDAP transfers corresponding UL 5GC N3 data to UPF <NUM> over backhaul links.

In 5GNR BBU <NUM>, the 5GNR RRC receives the 5GC DL N2 signaling from AMF <NUM>. The 5GNR SDAP receives DL 5GNR N3 data from UPF <NUM>. The 5GNR network applications process the new DL 5GNR signaling and the DL 5GNR data to generate corresponding DL 5GNR symbols that carry the DL 5GNR signaling and DL 5GNR data. In 5GNR radio <NUM>, the DSP processes the DL 5GNR symbols to generate corresponding digital signals for the analog-to-digital interfaces. The analog-to-digital interfaces convert the digital DL signals into analog DL signals for modulation. Modulation up-converts the DL signals to their carrier frequency. The amplifiers boost the modulated DL signals for the filters which attenuate unwanted out-of-band energy. The filters transfer the filtered DL signals through duplexers to the antennas. The electrical DL signals drive the antennas to emit corresponding wireless 5GNR signals to UE <NUM> that transport the DL 5GNR signaling and DL 5GNR data.

In LTE radio <NUM>, the antennas receive wireless LTE signals from UE <NUM> that transport UL LTE signaling and UL LTE data. The antennas transfer corresponding electrical UL signals through duplexers to the amplifiers. The amplifiers boost the received UL signals for filters which attenuate unwanted energy. Demodulators down-convert the UL signals from their carrier frequency. The analog/digital interfaces convert the analog UL signals into digital UL signals for the DSP. The DSP recovers UL LTE symbols from the UL digital signals. The CPUs execute the network applications to process the UL LTE symbols and recover the UL LTE signaling and the UL LTE data. The LTE PDCP processes the UL LTE signaling and DL X2 signaling from 5GNR BBU <NUM> to generate new UL X2 signaling and new DL LTE signaling. The LTE PDCP transfers the new UL X2 signaling to 5GNR BBU <NUM>. The LTE PDCP transfers corresponding UL N3 user data to UPF <NUM>.

In LTE BBU <NUM>, the LTE PDCP receives the DL X2 signaling from 5GNR BBU <NUM>. The LTE PDCP receives DL S1-U user data from UPF <NUM>. The LTE network applications process the new DL LTE signaling and the DL S1-U data to generate corresponding DL LTE symbols that carry the DL LTE signaling and DL LTE data. In LTE radio <NUM>, the DSP processes the DL LTE symbols to generate corresponding digital signals for the analog-to-digital interfaces. The analog-to-digital interfaces convert the digital DL signals into analog DL signals for modulation. Modulation up-converts the DL signals to their carrier frequency. The amplifiers boost the modulated DL signals for the filters which attenuate unwanted out-of-band energy. The filters transfer the filtered DL signals through duplexers to the antennas. The electrical DL signals drive the antennas to emit corresponding wireless LTE signals to UE <NUM> that transport the DL LTE signaling and DL data.

RRC functions comprise authentication, security, handover control, status reporting, QoS, network broadcasts and pages, and network selection. SDAP functions include packet marking and QoS enforcement. PDCP functions comprise security ciphering, header compression and decompression, sequence numbering and re-sequencing, de-duplication. RLC functions comprise ARQ, sequence numbering and resequencing, segmentation and resegmentation. MAC functions comprise buffer status, power control, channel quality, HARQ, user identification, random access, user scheduling, and QoS. PHY functions comprise packet formation/deformation, windowing/de-windowing, guard-insertion/guard-deletion, parsing/de-parsing, control insertion/removal, interleaving/deinterleaving, FEC encoding/decoding, rate matching/de-matching, scrambling/descrambling, modulation mapping/de-mapping, channel estimation/equalization, FFTs/IFFTs, channel coding/decoding, layer mapping/de-mapping, precoding, DFTs/IDFTs, and RE mapping/de-mapping.

In operation, UE <NUM> wirelessly attaches to 5GNR BBU <NUM> over 5GNR radio <NUM>. 5GNR BBU <NUM> transfers N2 signaling for UE <NUM> to AMF <NUM> in NFVI <NUM>. 5GNR BBU <NUM> receives N2 signaling from AMF <NUM> that indicates service IDs, QoS, network addresses, and the like. 5GNR BBU <NUM> transfers the service IDs, QoS, network addresses, and the like to UE <NUM> over radio <NUM>. UE <NUM> reports the signal strength of LTE eNodeB <NUM> to 5GNR BBU <NUM>, and in response to the N2 signaling from AMF <NUM> and the signal strength, 5GNR BBU <NUM> directs UE <NUM> to attach to LTE eNodeB <NUM>. UE <NUM> wirelessly attaches to LTE BBU <NUM>. LTE BBU <NUM> transfers X2 signaling for UE <NUM> to 5GNR BBU <NUM> indicating the attachment, and 5GNR BBU <NUM> notifies AMF <NUM> in NFVI <NUM>.

5GNR BBU <NUM> receives service IDs, QoS, network addresses, and the like for UE <NUM> from AMF <NUM>. LTE BBU <NUM> receives the service IDs, QoS, network addresses, and the like for UE <NUM> from 5GNR BBU <NUM>. LTE BBU <NUM> transfers the service IDs, QoS, network addresses, and the like to UE <NUM> over LTE radio <NUM>. UE <NUM> exchanges user data with external systems over 5GNR gNodeB <NUM>, LTE eNodeB <NUM>, and UPF <NUM> in NFVI <NUM>. LTE eNodeB <NUM> and 5GNR gNodeB <NUM> use different frequency bands that have different characteristics like channel size, power level, and spectral efficiency.

5GNR gNodeB <NUM> serves other UEs and has an uplink usage that comprises the amount of these UEs (plus UE <NUM>), their uplink data, uplink interference, and/or the like for gNodeB <NUM>. 5GNR BBU <NUM> determines its frequency band characteristics and uplink usage. 5GNR BBU <NUM> serves other UEs and has its own an uplink usage. LTE eNodeB <NUM> serves other UEs and has an uplink usage that comprises the amount of these UEs (plus UE <NUM>), their uplink data, uplink interference, and/or the like for eNodeB <NUM>. LTE BBU <NUM> determines its frequency band characteristics and uplink usage. LTE BBU <NUM> transfers its frequency band characteristics and uplink usage to 5GNR BBU <NUM>.

UE <NUM> determines its power headroom for 5GNR gNodeB <NUM> and its power headroom for LTE eNodeB <NUM>. UE <NUM> transfers its power headroom for 5GNR NodeB <NUM> to 5GNR BBU <NUM>. UE <NUM> transfers its power headroom for LTE eNodeB <NUM> to LTE BBU <NUM> which transfers the power headroom for UE <NUM> and eNodeB <NUM> to 5GNR BBU <NUM>. 5GNR BBU <NUM> compares the power headroom for UE <NUM> and 5GNR gNodeB <NUM> to the power headroom for UE <NUM> and LTE eNodeB <NUM>. 5GNR BBU <NUM> compares the uplink usage and frequency characteristics for 5GNR gNodeB <NUM> to the uplink usage and frequency characteristics for LTE eNodeB <NUM>.

Based on the comparisons, 5GNR BBU <NUM> determines a first amount of uplink data units for the UE <NUM> over 5GNR gNodeB <NUM> and a second amount of uplink data units for the UE <NUM> over LTE eNodeB <NUM>. To determine the amounts, 5GNR BBU <NUM> applies percentages to the total number of data units for UE <NUM> over a time interval to determine a number of uplink data units for 5GNR gNodeB <NUM> to handle during the time interval and a number of uplink data units for LTE eNodeB <NUM> to handle during the time interval. 5GNR BBU <NUM> transfers the number of uplink data units for UE <NUM> during the time interval to LTE BBU <NUM>. 5GNR BBU <NUM> grants uplink resources to UE <NUM> based on its number of uplink data units. LTE BBU <NUM> grants uplink resources to UE <NUM> based on its number of uplink data units. UE <NUM> exchanges user data with external systems over 5GNR gNodeB <NUM>, LTE eNodeB <NUM>, and NFVI <NUM>. Advantageously, UE <NUM> transfers uplink data per a split based on comparative power headroom, uplink usage, and frequency band.

<FIG> illustrates 5GNR gNodeBs <NUM>-<NUM> to serve UE <NUM> over wireless 5GNR uplinks. 5GNR gNodeBs <NUM>-<NUM> comprise examples of wireless access nodes <NUM>-<NUM>, although access nodes <NUM>-<NUM> may differ. 5GNR gNodeB <NUM> comprises 5GNR radio <NUM> and 5GNR BBU <NUM>. 5GNR gNodeB <NUM> comprises 5GNR radio <NUM> and 5GNR BBU <NUM>. 5GNR radios <NUM>-<NUM> comprise antennas, amplifiers, filters, modulation, analog-to-digital interfaces, DSP, memory, and transceivers that are coupled over bus circuitry. 5GNR BBUs <NUM>-<NUM> comprise memory, CPU, and transceivers that are coupled over bus circuitry. The memories in 5GNR BBUs <NUM>-<NUM> store operating systems and network applications like PHY, MAC, RLC, PDCP, SDAP, and RRC. The CPU in 5GNR BBUs <NUM>-<NUM> executes the operating systems, PHYs, MACs, RLCs, PDCPs, SDAPs, and RRCs to exchange: 5GNR signaling and user data with UE <NUM>, N2 signaling with AMF <NUM> in NFVI <NUM>, and N3 data for UE <NUM> with UPF <NUM> in NFVI <NUM>. UE <NUM> is wirelessly coupled to the antennas in 5GNR radios <NUM>-<NUM> over 5GNR links. Transceivers in 5GNR radios <NUM>-<NUM> are coupled to transceivers in respective 5GNR BBUs <NUM>-<NUM> over CPRI links. Transceivers in 5GNR BBUs <NUM>-<NUM> are coupled to AMF <NUM> and UPF <NUM> in NFVI <NUM>.

In 5GNR radios <NUM>-<NUM>, the antennas receive wireless 5GNR signals from UE <NUM> that transport UL 5GNR signaling and UL 5GNR data. The antennas transfer corresponding electrical UL signals through duplexers to the amplifiers. The amplifiers boost the received UL signals for filters which attenuate unwanted energy. Demodulators down-convert the UL signals from their carrier frequency. The analog/digital interfaces convert the analog UL signals into digital UL signals for the DSP. The DSP recovers UL 5GNR symbols from the UL digital signals. The CPUs execute the network applications to process the UL 5GNR symbols and recover the UL 5GNR signaling and the UL 5GNR data. The 5GNR RRCs process the UL 5GNR signaling and DL N2 signaling from AMF <NUM> to generate new UL N2 signaling and new DL 5GNR signaling. The 5GNR RRCs transfer the new UL N2 signaling to AMF <NUM> in NFVI <NUM>. The 5GNR SDAPs transfer corresponding UL N3 data to UPF <NUM> over backhaul links.

In 5GNR BBUs <NUM>-<NUM>, the 5GNR RRCs receive the DL N2 signaling from AMF <NUM> in NFVI <NUM>. The 5GNR SDAPs receives DL N3 data from UPF <NUM>. The 5GNR network applications process the new DL 5GNR signaling and the DL 5GNR data to generate corresponding DL 5GNR symbols that carry the DL 5GNR signaling and DL 5GNR data. In 5GNR radios <NUM>-<NUM>, the DSP processes the DL 5GNR symbols to generate corresponding digital signals for the analog-to-digital interfaces. The analog-to-digital interfaces convert the digital DL signals into analog DL signals for modulation. Modulation up-converts the DL signals to their carrier frequency. The amplifiers boost the modulated DL signals for the filters which attenuate unwanted out-of-band energy. The filters transfer the filtered DL signals through duplexers to the antennas. The electrical DL signals drive the antennas to emit corresponding wireless 5GNR signals to UE <NUM> that transport the DL 5GNR signaling and DL 5GNR data.

In operation, UE <NUM> wirelessly attaches to 5GNR BBU <NUM> over radio <NUM>. 5GNR BBU <NUM> transfers N2 signaling for UE <NUM> to 5GC AMF <NUM>. 5GNR BBU <NUM> receives N2 signaling from AMF <NUM> that indicates service IDs, QoS, network addresses, and the like. 5GNR BBU <NUM> transfers the service IDs, QoS, network addresses, and the like to UE <NUM> over radio <NUM>. UE <NUM> reports the signal strength of 5GNR gNodeB <NUM> to 5GNR BBU <NUM> over radio <NUM>, and in response to the N2 signaling from AMF <NUM> and the signal strength, 5GNR BBU <NUM> directs UE <NUM> to attach to 5GNR gNodeB <NUM>. 5GNR BBUs <NUM>-<NUM> transfer N2 signaling for UE <NUM> to 5GC AMF <NUM> indicating the attachment. 5GC AMF <NUM> signals 5GC SMF <NUM> of the attachment, and in response, SMF <NUM> directs UPF <NUM> to serve UE <NUM> over 5GNR gNodeB <NUM>. UE <NUM> exchanges user data with external systems over 5GNR gNodeBs <NUM>-<NUM> and UPF <NUM>. 5GNR gNodeBs <NUM>-<NUM> use different frequency bands that have different characteristics like channel sizes, power levels, and spectral efficiencies.

5GNR gNodeB <NUM> serves other UEs and has an uplink usage that comprises the amount of these UEs (plus UE <NUM>), their uplink data, uplink interference, and/or the like for gNodeB <NUM>. 5GNR BBU <NUM> determines its frequency band characteristics and uplink usage. 5GNR gNodeB <NUM> serves other UEs and has its own an uplink usage. 5GNR BBU <NUM> determines its frequency band characteristics and uplink usage. UE <NUM> determines its power headroom for 5GNR gNodeB <NUM> and its power headroom for 5GNR gNodeB <NUM>. UE <NUM> transfers its power headroom for 5GNR NodeB <NUM> to BBU <NUM>. UE <NUM> transfers its power headroom for 5GNR NodeB <NUM> to BBU <NUM>. 5GNR BBU <NUM> transfers its power headroom for UE <NUM> to 5GNR BBU <NUM>. 5GNR BBU <NUM> also transfers its uplink usage and frequency characteristics to 5GNR BBU <NUM>. 5GNR BBU <NUM> compares the power headroom for UE <NUM> and gNodeB <NUM> to the power headroom for UE <NUM> and gNodeB <NUM>. 5GNR BBU <NUM> compares the uplink usage and frequency characteristics for gNodeB <NUM> to the uplink usage and frequency characteristics for 5GNR gNodeB <NUM>.

Based on the comparisons, 5GNR gNodeB <NUM> determines a first amount of uplink data units for UE <NUM> over gNodeB <NUM> and a second amount of uplink data units for the UE <NUM> over gNodeB <NUM>. 5GNR gNodeB <NUM> applies the percentages to the total number of data units that are required to serve UE <NUM> per the selected services and QoS over the time interval to determine the number of uplink data units for gNodeB <NUM> during the time interval and the number of uplink data units for gNodeB <NUM> during the time interval. 5GNR BBU <NUM> transfers the number of uplink data units for UE <NUM> during the time interval to BBU <NUM>. 5GNR BBU <NUM> grants uplink resources to UE <NUM> based on its number of uplink data units. 5GNR BBU <NUM> grants uplink resources to UE <NUM> based on its number of uplink data units. UE <NUM> exchanges user data with external systems over 5GNR gNodeBs <NUM>-<NUM> and UPF <NUM>. Advantageously, UE <NUM> transfers uplink data per a split based on comparative power headroom, uplink usage, and frequency band.

<FIG> illustrates UE <NUM> that is served over wireless 5GNR uplinks and wireless LTE uplinks. UE <NUM> comprises 5GNR radio <NUM>, LTE radio <NUM>, and user circuitry <NUM> that are coupled over bus circuitry. Radios <NUM>-<NUM> comprise antennas, amplifiers, filters, modulation, analog-to-digital interfaces, DSP, and memory that are coupled over bus circuitry. User circuitry <NUM> comprises user interfaces, CPU, and memory that are coupled over bus circuitry. UE <NUM> is an example of UE <NUM>, although UE <NUM> may differ.

The antennas in radios <NUM>-<NUM> are wirelessly coupled to NodeBs <NUM>-<NUM> in EN-DC node <NUM>. The user interfaces in user circuitry <NUM> comprise graphic displays, machine controllers, sensors, cameras, transceivers, and/or some other user components. The memory in user circuitry <NUM> stores an operating system, user applications (USER), and network applications (PHY, MAC, RLC, PDCP, and RRC). The CPU in user circuitry <NUM> executes the operating system and the user applications to generate and consume user data. The CPU in user circuitry <NUM> executes the operating system and the network applications to wirelessly exchange corresponding network signaling and user data with NodeBs <NUM>-<NUM> over radios <NUM>-<NUM>.

In 5GNR radios <NUM>-<NUM>, the antennas receive wireless signals from NodeBs <NUM>-<NUM> that transport DL network signaling and DL user data. The antennas transfer corresponding electrical DL signals through duplexers to the amplifiers. The amplifiers boost the received DL signals for filters which attenuate unwanted energy. Demodulators down-convert the DL signals from their carrier frequency. The analog/digital interfaces convert the analog DL signals into digital DL signals for the DSP. The DSP recovers DL symbols from the DL digital signals. The CPUs execute the network applications to process the DL symbols and recover the DL network signaling and the DL user data. The RRCs process the DL network signaling and user signaling from the operating system to generate new UL network signaling and new DL user signaling. The network applications process the new UL network signaling and the UL user data to generate corresponding UL symbols that carry the UL network signaling and UL user data. In radios <NUM>-<NUM>, the DSPs process the UL symbols to generate corresponding digital signals for the analog-to-digital interfaces. The analog-to-digital interfaces convert the digital UL signals into analog UL signals for modulation. Modulation up-converts the UL signals to their carrier frequency. The amplifiers boost the modulated UL signals for the filters which attenuate unwanted out-of-band energy. The filters transfer the filtered UL signals through duplexers to the antennas. The electrical UL signals drive the antennas to emit corresponding wireless signals to NodeBs <NUM>-<NUM> that transport the UL network signaling and UL user data.

In operation, the LTE RRC in user circuitry <NUM> wirelessly attaches to LTE eNodeB <NUM> in EN-DC node <NUM> over LTE radio <NUM> and indicates its 5GNR capability. The LTE RRC in user circuitry <NUM> receives the service IDs, QoS, network addresses, 5GNR instructions, and the like. In response to the 5GNR instructions, the LTE RRC directs the 5GNR network applications measure and report the signal strength of 5GNR gNodeB <NUM>. The LTE RRC reports the signal strength of 5GNR gNodeB <NUM> to LTE eNodeB <NUM> over LTE radio <NUM>. LTE eNodeB <NUM> directs the LTE RRC in user circuitry <NUM> to attach UE <NUM> to 5GNR gNodeB <NUM>. In user circuitry <NUM>, the LTE RRC directs the 5GNR PDCP to attach UE <NUM> to 5GNR gNodeB <NUM>. UE <NUM> attaches to 5GNR gNodeB <NUM>. In user circuitry <NUM>, the LTE PDCP and the 5GNR PDCP exchange user data with the user applications. The 5GNR PDCP exchanges the user data with 5GNR gNodeB <NUM> over 5GNR radio <NUM>. The LTE PDCP exchanges the user data with LTE eNodeB <NUM> over LTE radio <NUM>.

The LTE MAC in user circuitry <NUM> determines LTE power headroom for LTE eNodeB <NUM> and reports the headroom to the LTE PDCP. The 5GNR MAC in user circuitry <NUM> determines 5GNR power headroom for 5GNR gNodeB <NUM> and reports the headroom to the LTE PDCP over the 5GNR PDCP and LTE RRC. The LTE PDCP in user circuitry <NUM> receives LTE uplink grants from LTE eNodeB <NUM> and transfers uplink LTE data and LTE signaling per the grants. The 5GNR PDCP in user circuitry <NUM> receives 5GNR uplink grants from 5GNR gNodeB <NUM> and transfers uplink 5GNR data and 5GNR signaling per the grants. Advantageously, UE <NUM> transfers the uplink data per a split based comparative power headroom, uplink usage, and frequency band characteristics.

Note that UE <NUM> may be adapted from UE <NUM> by removing LTE radio <NUM> and adding another 5GNR radio like radio <NUM> and by removing the LTE network applications and adding 5GNR network applications for the other 5GNR radio. In a similar manner, UE <NUM> may be adapted from UE <NUM> by adding 5GNR network applications for RRC and SDAP. UEs <NUM>-<NUM> are examples of UEs <NUM>-<NUM>, although UEs <NUM>-<NUM> may differ.

<FIG> illustrates Network Function Virtualization Infrastructure (NFVI) <NUM> to serve UEs <NUM>-<NUM> over wireless 5GNR uplinks and LTE uplinks. NFVI <NUM> comprises NFVI hardware <NUM>, NFVI hardware drivers <NUM>, NFVI operating systems <NUM>, NFVI virtual layer <NUM>, and NFVI Virtual Network Functions (VNFs) <NUM>. NFVI hardware <NUM> comprises Network Interface Cards (NIC), CPU, RAM, flash/disk drives, and data switches (SW). NFVI hardware drivers <NUM> comprise software that is resident in the NIC, CPU, RAM, DRIVE, and SW. NFVI operating systems <NUM> comprise kernels, modules, applications, containers, hypervisors, and the like. NFVI virtual layer <NUM> comprises virtual NICs (vNIC), virtual CPUs (vCPU), virtual RAM (vRAM), virtual Drives (vDRIVE), and virtual Switches (vSW). NFVI VNFs <NUM> comprise AMF <NUM>, AUSF <NUM>, PCF <NUM>, SMF <NUM>, UPF <NUM>, MME <NUM>, HSS <NUM>, PCRF <NUM>, and SAE GW <NUM>. Other LTE VNFs and 5GC VNFs are typically present but are omitted for clarity. The NIC are coupled to NodeBs <NUM>-<NUM> and to external systems. NFVI hardware <NUM> executes NFVI hardware drivers <NUM>, NFVI operating systems <NUM>, NFVI virtual layer <NUM>, and NFVI VNFs <NUM> to serve UEs <NUM>-<NUM> over NodeBs <NUM>-<NUM>.

In a first operation, AMF <NUM> receives N2 signaling from 5GNR gNodeB <NUM> for UE <NUM>. AMF <NUM> interacts with AUSF <NUM> and UE <NUM> to authenticate and authorize UE <NUM> for wireless data services. AMF <NUM> interacts with PCF <NUM> and SMF <NUM> to select services, QoS, network addresses, dual-connectivity instructions, and the like to serve UE <NUM> over 5GNR gNodeB <NUM>. AMF <NUM> transfers the N2 signaling to 5GNR gNodeB <NUM> that indicates service IDs, QoS, network addresses, dual-connectivity instruction, and the like. SMF <NUM> signals the service IDs, QoS, network addresses to UPF <NUM>. AMF <NUM> receives signaling for UE <NUM> indicating the 5GNR attachment to gNodeB <NUM>. AMF <NUM> signals 5GC SMF <NUM> of the 5GNR attachment, and in response, SMF <NUM> directs UPF <NUM> to serve UE <NUM> over 5GNR gNodeB <NUM>. UE <NUM> exchanges user data with external systems over 5GNR gNodeBs <NUM>-<NUM> and UPF <NUM>.

In a second operation, AMF <NUM> receives N2 signaling from 5GNR gNodeB <NUM> for UE <NUM>. AMF <NUM> interacts with AUSF <NUM> and UE <NUM> to authenticate and authorize UE <NUM> for wireless data services. AMF <NUM> interacts with PCF <NUM> and SMF <NUM> to select services, QoS, network addresses, dual-connectivity instructions, and the like to serve UE <NUM> over 5GNR gNodeB <NUM>. AMF <NUM> transfers the N2 signaling to 5GNR gNodeB <NUM> that indicates service IDs, QoS, network addresses, dual-connectivity instructions, and the like. SMF <NUM> signals the service IDs, QoS, network addresses to UPF <NUM>. AMF <NUM> receives signaling from 5GNR gNodeB <NUM> for UE <NUM> indicating the LTE attachment to eNodeB <NUM>. AMF <NUM> signals SMF <NUM> which drives UPF <NUM> to serve UE <NUM> over LTE eNodeB <NUM>. UE <NUM> exchanges user data with external systems over 5GNR gNodeB <NUM>, LTE eNodeB <NUM>, and UPF <NUM>.

In a third operation, MME <NUM> receives S1-MME signaling for UE <NUM> indicating its 5GNR capability. MME <NUM> interacts with HSS <NUM> and UE <NUM> to authenticate and authorize UE <NUM> for wireless data services. MME <NUM> interacts with SAE GW <NUM> which interacts with PCRF <NUM> to select services, QoS, network addresses, 5GNR instructions, and the like to serve UE <NUM> over LTE eNodeB <NUM>. MME <NUM> transfers S1-MME signaling to LTE eNodeB <NUM> that indicates service IDs, QoS, network addresses, 5GNR instructions, and the like. LTE MME <NUM> signals the service IDs, QoS, and network addresses to SAE GW <NUM>. MME <NUM> receives S1-MME signaling indicating the 5GNR attachment of UE <NUM>. MME <NUM> directs SAE GW <NUM> to serve UE <NUM> over 5GNR gNodeB <NUM>. UE <NUM> exchanges user data with external systems over 5GNR gNodeB <NUM>, LTE eNodeB <NUM>, and SAE GW <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates an exemplary operation of <NUM> wireless communication network <NUM> to serve UE <NUM> over wireless 5GNR uplinks and wireless LTE uplinks. The user applications in UE <NUM> generate and consume user data. The operating system in UE <NUM> drives the LTE RRC to exchange the user data for the user applications. The RRC in UE <NUM> attaches to the RRC in LTE eNodeB <NUM> over their LTE PDCPs, RLCs, MACs, and PHYs. The LTE RRC in UE <NUM> indicates its 5GNR capability to the LTE RRC in LTE eNodeB <NUM>. The LTE RRC in LTE eNodeB <NUM> transfers S1-MME signaling for UE <NUM> to MME <NUM> in NFVI <NUM> which indicates the 5GNR capability. MME <NUM> interacts with HSS <NUM> and UE <NUM> to authenticate and authorize UE <NUM> for wireless data services. MME <NUM> interacts with SAE GW <NUM> which interacts with PCRF <NUM> to select services, QoS, network addresses, 5GNR instructions, and the like to serve UE <NUM> over LTE eNodeB <NUM>. LTE MME <NUM> transfers S1-MME signaling to the RRC in LTE eNodeB <NUM> that indicates service IDs, QoS, network addresses, 5GNR instructions, and the like. LTE MME <NUM> signals the service IDs, QoS, and network addresses to SAE GW <NUM>. The RRC in LTE eNodeB <NUM> transfers the service IDs, QoS, network addresses, 5GNR instructions, and the like to the LTE RRC in UE <NUM> over their PDCPs, RLCs, MACs, and PHYs.

In response to the 5GNR instructions, the 5GNR PHY in UE <NUM> measures and reports the signal strength of 5GNR gNodeB <NUM> to the LTE RRC which reports the signal strength to the RRC in LTE eNodeB <NUM>. In response to the S1-MME signaling from MME <NUM>, and the reported signal strength, the RRC in LTE eNodeB <NUM> directs the RRC in UE <NUM> to attach UE <NUM> to 5GNR gNodeB <NUM>. The LTE RRC in UE <NUM> directs the 5GNR PDCP to attach to 5GNR gNodeB <NUM>. The 5GNR PDCP in UE <NUM> attaches to the 5GNR PDCP in 5GNR gNodeB <NUM> over their 5GNR RLCs, MACs, and PHYs. The PDCP in gNodeB <NUM> transfers X2 signaling to the RRC in LTE eNodeB <NUM> indicating the attachment of UE <NUM>. The RRC in LTE eNodeB <NUM> transfers S1-MME signaling to MME <NUM> indicating the 5GNR attachment of UE <NUM>. MME <NUM> directs SAE GW <NUM> to serve UE <NUM> over 5GNR gNodeB <NUM>. The LTE PDCP in UE <NUM> exchanges user data with external systems over LTE eNodeB <NUM> and SAE GW <NUM>. The 5GNR PDCP in UE <NUM> exchanges user data with external systems over 5GNR gNodeB <NUM> and SAE GW <NUM>. LTE eNodeB <NUM> and 5GNR gNodeB <NUM> use different frequency bands that have different characteristics like channel size, power level, and spectral efficiency.

LTE eNodeB <NUM> serves other UEs and has an uplink usage that comprises the amount of these UEs (plus UE <NUM>), their uplink data, uplink interference, and/or the like for eNodeB <NUM>. The RRC in LTE eNodeB <NUM> determines its frequency bands characteristics and uplink usage. 5GNR gNodeB <NUM> serves other UEs and has its own an uplink usage. The PDCP in 5GNR gNodeB <NUM> determines its frequency band characteristics and uplink usage. The LTE MAC in UE <NUM> determines its power headroom for LTE eNodeB <NUM> and reports the LTE power headroom to the LTE PDCP. The PDCP MAC in UE <NUM> determines its power headroom for 5GNR gNodeB <NUM> and reports the 5GNR power headroom to the 5GNR PDCP which forwards the headroom data to the LTE PDCP over the LTE RRC. The 5GNR PDCP in gNodeB <NUM> also transfers its uplink usage and frequency characteristics to the PDCP in LTE eNodeB <NUM>.

The PDCP in LTE eNodeB <NUM> compares the power headroom for UE <NUM> and gNodeB <NUM> to the power headroom for UE <NUM> and eNodeB <NUM>. The PDCP in LTE eNodeB <NUM> compares the uplink usage and frequency characteristics for LTE eNodeB <NUM> to the uplink usage and frequency characteristics for 5GNR gNodeB <NUM>. Based on the comparisons, the PDCP in LTE eNodeB <NUM> determines a first amount of uplink data units for UE <NUM> over LTE eNodeB <NUM> and a second amount of uplink data units for the UE <NUM> over 5GNR gNodeB <NUM>. The PDCP in LTE eNodeB <NUM> transfers the number of uplink data units during the time interval for UE <NUM> and gNodeB <NUM> to the PDCP in gNodeB <NUM>. In LTE eNodeB <NUM>, the LTE PDCP grants uplink data units for UE <NUM> to the LTE RLC based on its allocated LTE uplink grant amount. In 5GNR gNodeB <NUM>, the 5GNR PDCP grants uplink data units for UE <NUM> to the 5GNR RLC based on its allocated LTE uplink amount. UE <NUM> exchanges user data with external systems over 5GNR gNodeB <NUM>, LTE eNodeB <NUM>, and SAE GW <NUM>. Advantageously, UE <NUM> transfers the uplink data per a split based comparative power headroom, uplink usage, and frequency band characteristics.

<FIG> illustrates Packet Data Convergence Protocols (PDCPs) to serve UE <NUM> over wireless 5GNR uplinks and wireless LTE uplinks. UE <NUM> is coupled to the 5GNR RLC over the 5GNR radios, PHYs, and MACs. UE <NUM> is coupled to the LTE RLC over the LTE radios, PHYs, and MACs. The 5GNR RLC is coupled to the 5GNR PDCP, and the LTE RLC is coupled to the LTE PDCP. The 5GNR PDCP and the LTE PDCPs are coupled to SAE GW <NUM>. RLC functions comprise Answer Repeat Request (ARQ), sequence numbering/resequencing, segmentation/resegmentation, and UL requests for UE <NUM>. PDCP functions comprise security ciphering, header compression/decompression, sequence numbering/re-sequencing, de-duplication, UE Power Headroom (PHR) processing, UL usage processing, frequency band processing, and UL grant control.

In operation, the 5GNR PDCP transfers its power headroom data, uplink usage, and frequency band characteristics to the LTE PDCP. The LTE PDCP determines the number of UL 5GNR data units and the a number of UL LTE data units during a time interval for UE <NUM> based on the power headroom data, UL usage, and frequency bands. The LTE PDCP signals the number of 5GNR data units during the time interval to the 5GNR PDCP. UE <NUM> makes UL requests to the LTE RLC over the LTE MAC and PHY. The LTE RLC make corresponding UL requests to the LTE PDCP. The LTE PDCP grants the UL LTE requests based on the number of LTE data units allocated for the time interval. UE <NUM> makes UL requests to the 5GNR RLC over the 5GNR MAC and PHY. The 5GNR RLC makes corresponding UL requests to the 5GNR PDCP. The 5GNR PDCP grants the UL 5GNR requests based on the number of 5GNR data units allocated for the time interval.

<FIG> illustrates uplink splits for UE <NUM> over the wireless uplinks based on power headroom, uplink usage, and frequency band channel size. On graph A, the vertical axis represents LTE/5GNR power headroom difference. The horizontal axis represents LTE/5GNR split. As the LTE power headroom increases relative to the 5GNR power headroom, the LTE split increases relative to the 5GNR split. As the 5GNR power headroom increases relative to LTE power headroom, the 5GNR split increases relative to the LTE split. On graph B, the vertical axis represents LTE/5GNR uplink usage difference. The horizontal axis represents LTE/5GNR split. As the LTE uplink usage increases relative to the 5GNR uplink usage, the LTE split decreases relative to the 5GNR split. As the 5GNR uplink usage increases relative to the LTE uplink usage, the 5GNR split decreases relative to the LTE split. On graph C, the vertical axis represents LTE/5GNR channel size difference. The horizontal axis represents the LTE/5GNR split. As the LTE channel size increases relative to the 5GNR channel size, the LTE split increases relative to the 5GNR split. As the 5GNR channel size increases relative to the LTE channel size, the 5GNR split increases relative to the LTE split.

The wireless data network circuitry described above comprises computer hardware and software that form special-purpose network circuitry to serve wireless UEs over multiple wireless uplinks. The computer hardware comprises processing circuitry like CPUs, DSPs, GPUs, transceivers, bus circuitry, and memory. To form these computer hardware structures, semiconductors like silicon or germanium are positively and negatively doped to form transistors. The doping comprises ions like boron or phosphorus that are embedded within the semiconductor material. The transistors and other electronic structures like capacitors and resistors are arranged and metallically connected within the semiconductor to form devices like logic circuity and storage registers. The logic circuitry and storage registers are arranged to form larger structures like control units, logic units, and Random-Access Memory (RAM). In turn, the control units, logic units, and RAM are metallically connected to form CPUs, DSPs, GPUs, transceivers, bus circuitry, and memory.

In the computer hardware, the control units drive data between the RAM and the logic units, and the logic units operate on the data. The control units also drive interactions with external memory like flash drives, disk drives, and the like. The computer hardware executes machine-level software to control and move data by driving machine-level inputs like voltages and currents to the control units, logic units, and RAM. The machine-level software is typically compiled from higher-level software programs. The higher-level software programs comprise operating systems, utilities, user applications, and the like. Both the higher-level software programs and their compiled machine-level software are stored in memory and retrieved for compilation and execution. On power-up, the computer hardware automatically executes physically-embedded machine-level software that drives the compilation and execution of the other computer software components which then assert control. Due to this automated execution, the presence of the higher-level software in memory physically changes the structure of the computer hardware machines into special-purpose network circuitry to serve wireless UEs over multiple wireless uplinks.

Claim 1:
A method of operating a wireless communication network (<NUM>, <NUM>) to serve User Equipment, UE, (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) over wireless uplinks (<NUM>, <NUM>), the method comprising:
a primary wireless access node (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) wirelessly receiving primary power headroom for the UE on the primary wireless access node from the UE;
a secondary wireless access node (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) wirelessly receiving secondary power headroom for the UE on the secondary wireless access node from the UE and transferring the secondary power headroom to the primary wireless access node;
the primary wireless access node executing a Packet Data Convergence Protocol, PDCP, and the executing PDCP comparing the primary power headroom to the secondary power headroom, determining a primary uplink grant amount and a secondary uplink grant amount for the UE based on the power headroom comparison, and transferring the secondary uplink grant amount to the secondary wireless access node;
the primary wireless access node granting primary uplink resources to the UE based on the primary uplink grant amount and wirelessly receiving primary user data from the UE using the primary uplink resources; and
the secondary wireless access node granting secondary uplink resources to the UE based on the secondary uplink grant amount and wirelessly receiving secondary user data from the UE using the secondary uplink resources.