Patent Description:
As an example of a mobile communication system to which the present disclosure is applicable, a 3rd Generation Partnership Project Long Term Evolution (hereinafter, referred to as LTE) communication system is described in brief.

<FIG> is a view schematically illustrating a network structure of an E-UMTS as an exemplary radio communication system. An Evolved Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (E-UMTS) is an advanced version of a conventional Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) and basic standardization thereof is currently underway in the 3GPP. E-UMTS may be generally referred to as a Long Term Evolution (LTE) system. For details of the technical specifications of the UMTS and E-UMTS, reference can be made to Release <NUM> and Release <NUM> of "3rd Generation Partnership Project; Technical Specification Group Radio Access Network".

Referring to <FIG>, the E-UMTS includes a User Equipment (UE), eNode Bs (eNBs), and an Access Gateway (AG) which is located at an end of the network (E-UTRAN) and connected to an external network. The eNBs may simultaneously transmit multiple data streams for a broadcast service, a multicast service, and/or a unicast service.

One or more cells may exist per eNB. The cell is set to operate in one of bandwidths such as <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> and provides a downlink (DL) or uplink (UL) transmission service to a plurality of UEs in the bandwidth. Different cells may be set to provide different bandwidths. The eNB controls data transmission or reception to and from a plurality of UEs. The eNB transmits DL scheduling information of DL data to a corresponding UE so as to inform the UE of a time/frequency domain in which the DL data is supposed to be transmitted, coding, a data size, and hybrid automatic repeat and request (HARQ)-related information. In addition, the eNB transmits UL scheduling information of UL data to a corresponding UE so as to inform the UE of a time/frequency domain which may be used by the UE, coding, a data size, and HARQ-related information. An interface for transmitting user traffic or control traffic may be used between eNBs. A core network (CN) may include the AG and a network node or the like for user registration of UEs. The AG manages the mobility of a UE on a tracking area (TA) basis. One TA includes a plurality of cells.

Meanwhile, various wireless communication technologies systems have been developed with rapid development of information communication technologies. WLAN technology from among wireless communication technologies allows wireless Internet access at home or in enterprises or at a specific service provision region using mobile terminals, such as a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), a laptop computer, a Portable Multimedia Player (PMP), etc. on the basis of Radio Frequency (RF) technology.

A standard for a wireless LAN technology is developing as IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) <NUM> standard. IEEE <NUM>. 11a and b use an unlicensed band on <NUM> or <NUM>. IEEE <NUM>. 11b provides transmission speed of <NUM> Mbps and IEEE <NUM>. 11a provides transmission speed of <NUM> Mbps. IEEE <NUM> provides transmission speed of <NUM> Mbps in a manner of applying an OFDM (orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing) scheme on <NUM>. IEEE <NUM>. 11n provides transmission speed of <NUM> Mbps to <NUM> spatial streams in a manner of applying a MIMO-OFDM (multiple input multiple output-OFDM) scheme. IEEE <NUM>. 11n supports a channel bandwidth as wide as <NUM>. In this case, it is able to provide transmission speed of <NUM> Mbps.

The aforementioned wireless LAN standard has been continuously enhanced and standardization of IEEE <NUM>. 11ax, which is appearing after IEEE <NUM>. 11ac standard supporting maximum <NUM> Gbps by using maximum <NUM> channel bandwidth and supporting <NUM> spatial streams, is under discussion.

Recently, a radio technology has been developed in two types in response to the rapid increase of traffic. Firstly, speed of the radio technology itself is getting faster. A mobile phone wireless internet technology has been developed from HSPA to LTE and LTE to LTE-A. Currently, the mobile phone wireless internet technology becomes fast as fast as maximum <NUM> Mbps and a Wi-Fi technology becomes fast as fast as maximum <NUM> Gbps in case of IEEE <NUM> ad. Secondly, speed can be increased using a scheme of aggregating a plurality of radio channels with each other. For example, there exists LTE-A which supports carrier aggregation corresponding to a technology of binding frequency bands using an identical radio technology into one. In this context, necessity for a technology of aggregating heterogeneous wireless internet is emerging. It is necessary to develop a scheme of transmitting data by biding radio technologies (e.g., LTE and wireless-LAN) including characteristics different from each other.

<CIT>, prior art according to Article <NUM>(<NUM>) EPC, discloses a method of radio bearer transmission in dual connectivity for a network in a long term evolution (LTE) system. In the document the method is described to comprise generating at least a packet data convergence protocol protocol data unit (PDCP PDU) by a PDCP entity of the network corresponding to a radio bearer (RB), and assigning each PDCP PDU with an identity, wherein the identity indicates which PDCP entity the PDCP PDU belongs to.

<CIT>, prior art according to Article <NUM>(<NUM>) EPC, discloses apparatus and methods for LWA PDU routing. In the document it is described that LTE PDU packets are routed through a WLAN AP to a UE by encapsulation of the data packets, an adaption layer encapsulates the whole packet as an Ethernet frame by appending the Ethernet MAC header to the payload.

The document (Intel Corporation; China Telecom; Qualcomm Incorporated: "New WI Proposal: LTE-WLAN Radio Level Integration and Interworking Enhancement",RP-<NUM>, XP055500832) outlines LTE/WLAN aggregation.

<CIT> discloses techniques for managing downlink transmissions from a base station to multiple UEs over aggregated LTE and WLAN links. In the document the base station is described to jointly assign resources for transmitting downlink data during a scheduling instance.

<CIT> discloses a method for confirming identity of a user equipment (UE) registered in both a wireless local area network (WLAN) and WWAN. In the document the method is described to include establishing communications with a first UE, wherein the UE is identified by a first set of one or more identifiers in a wide area wireless network (WWAN) and by a second set of one or more identifiers in a wide local area network (WLAN), and determining, based on the first and second set of identifiers, a UE connected to the WWAN and WLAN is the first UE.

<CIT> discloses a method of bandwidth aggregation for radio accessing on multi-networks, a UE on a first network and a network device supporting the first network and a second network exchange or set one second network information of each other.

<CIT> discloses systems and methods for Multi-Radio Access Technology (RAT) Carrier Aggregation (MRCA) wireless wide area network (WWAN) assisted wireless local area network (WLAN) flow mapping and flow routing. In the document one system is described to comprise a dynamic flow mapping module that is configured to form a flow-mapping table to dynamically map service flows between the WWAN radio and the WLAN radio in the wireless device and a flow routing module that is configured to route data packets to one of the WWAN radio and the WLAN radio in the wireless device based on the flow-mapping table to transmit and receive the data packets via the wireless device.

<CIT> discloses a WLAN coordinated data transmission method, system, and relevant device. In the document the WLAN coordinated data transmission method is described to include detecting, by an offloading scheduling controller, whether the number of MAC SDUs buffered in a MAC SDU queue of a mobile communication module exceeds a preset threshold, and, if so, packing a part of the MAC SDUs into a MAC PDU, and sending the MAC PDU to a coordination mode management module through an interface of the mobile communication module, sending, by the coordination mode management module, the MAC PDU containing the packed part of the MAC SDUs through an LLC protocol layer to a WLAN module for transmission, packing, by the offloading scheduling controller, a remaining part of the MAC SDUs buffered in the MAC SDU queue into a MAC PDU, and transmitting the MAC PDU through the mobile communication module.

An object of the present disclosure devised to solve the problem lies in a method and device for operating a new entity for LTE-WLAN aggregation system. The technical problems solved by the present disclosure are not limited to the above technical problems and those skilled in the art may understand other technical problems from the following description.

The invention is defined by all features present in and required by independent claims <NUM> and <NUM> which define the scope of the invention and represent embodiments of the invention.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description of the present disclosure are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the disclosure.

A new entity is introduced between a PDCP entity and an Wireless-LAN entity in order to identify PDCP entity. A new entity is introduced between a RLC entity and an Wireless-LAN entity in order to identify RLC entity, which does not fall under the scope of the claimed invention.

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the effects achieved by the present disclosure are not limited to what has been particularly described hereinabove and other advantages of the present disclosure will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

<FIG>, <FIG> and their description do not fall under the scope of the claimed invention.

Universal mobile telecommunications system (UMTS) is a 3rd Generation (<NUM>) asynchronous mobile communication system operating in wideband code division multiple access (WCDMA) based on European systems, global system for mobile communications (GSM) and general packet radio services (GPRS). The long-term evolution (LTE) of UMTS is under discussion by the 3rd generation partnership project (3GPP) that standardized UMTS.

The 3GPP LTE is a technology for enabling high-speed packet communications. The <NUM> LTE requires reduced cost per bit, increased service availability, flexible use of a frequency band, a simple structure, an open interface, and adequate power consumption of a terminal as an upper-level requirement.

<FIG> is a block diagram illustrating network structure of an evolved universal mobile telecommunication system (E-UMTS). The E-UMTS may be also referred to as an LTE system. The communication network is widely deployed to provide a variety of communication services such as voice (VoIP) through IMS and packet data.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the E-UMTS network includes an evolved UMTS terrestrial radio access network (E-UTRAN), an Evolved Packet Core (EPC) and one or more user equipment. The E-UTRAN may include one or more evolved NodeB (eNodeB) <NUM>, and a plurality of user equipment (UE) <NUM> may be located in one cell. One or more E-UTRAN mobility management entity (MME)/system architecture evolution (SAE) gateways <NUM> may be positioned at the end of the network and connected to an external network.

As used herein, "downlink" refers to communication from eNodeB <NUM> to UE <NUM>, and "uplink" refers to communication from the UE to an eNodeB. UE <NUM> refers to communication equipment carried by a user and may be also referred to as a mobile station (MS), a user terminal (UT), a subscriber station (SS) or a wireless device.

<FIG> is a block diagram depicting architecture of a typical E-UTRAN and a typical EPC.

As illustrated in <FIG>, an eNodeB <NUM> provides end points of a user plane and a control plane to the UE <NUM>. MME/SAE gateway <NUM> provides an end point of a session and mobility management function for UE <NUM>. The eNodeB and MME/SAE gateway may be connected via an S1 interface.

The eNodeB <NUM> is generally a fixed station that communicates with a UE <NUM>, and may also be referred to as a base station (BS) or an access point. One eNodeB <NUM> may be deployed per cell. An interface for transmitting user traffic or control traffic may be used between eNodeBs <NUM>.

The MME provides various functions including NAS signaling to eNodeBs <NUM>, NAS signaling security, AS Security control, Inter CN node signaling for mobility between 3GPP access networks, Idle mode UE Reachability (including control and execution of paging retransmission), Tracking Area list management (for UE in idle and active mode), PDN GW and Serving GW selection, MME selection for handovers with MME change, SGSN selection for handovers to <NUM> or <NUM> 3GPP access networks, Roaming, Authentication, Bearer management functions including dedicated bearer establishment, Support for PWS (which includes ETWS and CMAS) message transmission. The SAE gateway host provides assorted functions including Per-user based packet filtering (by e.g. deep packet inspection), Lawful Interception, UE IP address allocation, Transport level packet marking in the downlink, UL and DL service level charging, gating and rate enforcement, DL rate enforcement based on APN-AMBR. For clarity MME/SAE gateway <NUM> will be referred to herein simply as a "gateway," but it is understood that this entity includes both an MME and an SAE gateway.

A plurality of nodes may be connected between eNodeB <NUM> and gateway <NUM> via the S1 interface. The eNodeBs <NUM> may be connected to each other via an X2 interface and neighboring eNodeBs may have a meshed network structure that has the X2 interface.

As illustrated, eNodeB <NUM> may perform functions of selection for gateway <NUM>, routing toward the gateway during a Radio Resource Control (RRC) activation, scheduling and transmitting of paging messages, scheduling and transmitting of Broadcast Channel (BCCH) information, dynamic allocation of resources to UEs <NUM> in both uplink and downlink, configuration and provisioning of eNodeB measurements, radio bearer control, radio admission control (RAC), and connection mobility control in LTE_ACTIVE state. In the EPC, and as noted above, gateway <NUM> may perform functions of paging origination, LTE-IDLE state management, ciphering of the user plane, System Architecture Evolution (SAE) bearer control, and ciphering and integrity protection of Non-Access Stratum (NAS) signaling.

The EPC includes a mobility management entity (MME), a serving-gateway (S-GW), and a packet data network-gateway (PDN-GW). The MME has information about connections and capabilities of UEs, mainly for use in managing the mobility of the UEs. The S-GW is a gateway having the E-UTRAN as an end point, and the PDN-GW is a gateway having a packet data network (PDN) as an end point.

<FIG> is a diagram showing a control plane and a user plane of a radio interface protocol between a UE and an E-UTRAN based on a 3GPP radio access network standard. The control plane refers to a path used for transmitting control messages used for managing a call between the UE and the E-UTRAN. The user plane refers to a path used for transmitting data generated in an application layer, e.g., voice data or Internet packet data.

A physical (PHY) layer of a first layer provides an information transfer service to a higher layer using a physical channel. The PHY layer is connected to a medium access control (MAC) layer located on the higher layer via a transport channel. Data is transported between the MAC layer and the PHY layer via the transport channel. Data is transported between a physical layer of a transmitting side and a physical layer of a receiving side via physical channels. The physical channels use time and frequency as radio resources. In detail, the physical channel is modulated using an orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) scheme in downlink and is modulated using a single carrier frequency division multiple access (SC-FDMA) scheme in uplink.

The MAC layer of a second layer provides a service to a radio link control (RLC) layer of a higher layer via a logical channel. The RLC layer of the second layer supports reliable data transmission. A function of the RLC layer may be implemented by a functional block of the MAC layer. A packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) layer of the second layer performs a header compression function to reduce unnecessary control information for efficient transmission of an Internet protocol (IP) packet such as an IP version <NUM> (IPv4) packet or an IP version <NUM> (IPv6) packet in a radio interface having a relatively small bandwidth.

A radio resource control (RRC) layer located at the bottom of a third layer is defined only in the control plane. The RRC layer controls logical channels, transport channels, and physical channels in relation to configuration, re-configuration, and release of radio bearers (RBs). An RB refers to a service that the second layer provides for data transmission between the UE and the E-UTRAN. To this end, the RRC layer of the UE and the RRC layer of the E-UTRAN exchange RRC messages with each other.

One cell of the eNB is set to operate in one of bandwidths such as <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> and provides a downlink or uplink transmission service to a plurality of UEs in the bandwidth. Different cells may be set to provide different bandwidths.

Downlink transport channels for transmission of data from the E-UTRAN to the UE include a broadcast channel (BCH) for transmission of system information, a paging channel (PCH) for transmission of paging messages, and a downlink shared channel (SCH) for transmission of user traffic or control messages. Traffic or control messages of a downlink multicast or broadcast service may be transmitted through the downlink SCH and may also be transmitted through a separate downlink multicast channel (MCH).

Uplink transport channels for transmission of data from the UE to the E-UTRAN include a random access channel (RACH) for transmission of initial control messages and an uplink SCH for transmission of user traffic or control messages. Logical channels that are defined above the transport channels and mapped to the transport channels include a broadcast control channel (BCCH), a paging control channel (PCCH), a common control channel (CCCH), a multicast control channel (MCCH), and a multicast traffic channel (MTCH).

<FIG> is a view showing an example of a physical channel structure used in an E-UMTS system. A physical channel includes several subframes on a time axis and several subcarriers on a frequency axis. Here, one subframe includes a plurality of symbols on the time axis. One subframe includes a plurality of resource blocks and one resource block includes a plurality of symbols and a plurality of subcarriers. In addition, each subframe may use certain subcarriers of certain symbols (e.g., a first symbol) of a subframe for a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH), that is, an L1/L2 control channel. In <FIG>, an L1/L2 control information transmission area (PDCCH) and a data area (PDSCH) are shown. In one example not directly falling within the scope of claimed invention, a radio frame of <NUM> is used and one radio frame includes <NUM> subframes. In addition, one subframe includes two consecutive slots. The length of one slot may be <NUM>. In addition, one subframe includes a plurality of OFDM symbols and a portion (e.g., a first symbol) of the plurality of OFDM symbols may be used for transmitting the L1/L2 control information. A transmission time interval (TTI) which is a unit time for transmitting data is <NUM>.

A base station and a UE mostly transmit/receive data via a PDSCH, which is a physical channel, using a DL-SCH which is a transmission channel, except a certain control signal or certain service data. Information indicating to which UE (one or a plurality of UEs) PDSCH data is transmitted and how the UE receive and decode PDSCH data is transmitted in a state of being included in the PDCCH.

For example, in one example not directly falling within the scope of claimed invention, a certain PDCCH is CRC-masked with a radio network temporary identity (RNTI) "A" and information about data is transmitted using a radio resource "B" (e.g., a frequency location) and transmission format information "C" (e.g., a transmission block size, modulation, coding information or the like) via a certain subframe. Then, one or more UEs located in a cell monitor the PDCCH using its RNTI information. And, a specific UE with RNTI "A" reads the PDCCH and then receive the PDSCH indicated by B and C in the PDCCH information.

<FIG> illustrates an exemplary configuration of an IEEE <NUM> system to which the present disclosure is applicable.

The IEEE <NUM> architecture may include a plurality of components. A WLAN that supports Station (STA) mobility transparent to upper layers may be provided through interaction between the components. A Basic Service Set (BSS) is a basic building block of an IEEE <NUM> LAN. <FIG> illustrates two BSSs, BSS1 and BSS2, each with two STAs that are members of the BSS (STA1 and STA2 are included in BSS1 and STA3 and STA4 are included in BSS2). Each of the BSSs covers an area in which the STAs of the BSS maintain communication, as indicated by an oval. This area may be referred to as a Basic Service Area (BSA). As an STA moves out of its BSA, it can no longer communicate directly with other members of the BSA.

An Independent Basic Service Set (IBSS) is the most basic type of BSS in the IEEE <NUM> LAN. For example, a minimum IBSS includes only two STAs. A BSS, BSS1 or BSS2 which is the most basic type without other components in <FIG> may be taken as a major example of the IBSS. This configuration may be realized when STAs communicate directly. Because this type of LAN is often formed without pre-planning for only as long as the LAN is needed, it is often referred to as an ad hoc network.

The membership of an STA in a BSS may be dynamically changed when the STA is powered on or off or the STA moves into or out of the coverage area of the BSS. To be a member of the BSS, an STA may join the BSS by synchronization. To access all services of a BSS infrastructure, the STA should be associated with the BSS. This association may be dynamically performed and may involve use of a Distributed System Service (DSS).

<FIG> illustrates another exemplary configuration of the IEEE <NUM> system to which the present invention is applicable. In <FIG>, components such as a Distribution System (DS), a Distribution System Medium (DSM), and an Access Point (AP) are added to the architecture illustrated in <FIG>.

Physical (PHY) performance may limit direct STA-to-STA distances. While this distance limitation is sufficient in some cases, communication between STAs apart from each other by a long distance may be required. To support extended coverage, a DS may be deployed.

A DS is built from multiple BSSs that are interconnected. Specifically, a BSS may exist as a component of an extended network with a plurality of BSSs, rather than it exists independently as illustrated in <FIG>.

The DS is a logical concept and may be specified by the characteristics of a DSM. In this regard, the IEEE <NUM> standard logically distinguishes a Wireless Medium (WM) from a DSM. Each logical medium is used for a different purpose by a different component. The IEEE <NUM> standard does not define that these media should be the same or different. The flexibility of the IEEE <NUM> LAN architecture (DS structure or other network structures) may be explained in the sense that a plurality of media are logically different. That is, the IEEE <NUM> LAN architecture may be built in various manners and may be specified independently of the physical characteristics of each implementation example.

The DS may support mobile devices by providing services needed to handle address to destination mapping and seamless integration of multiple BSSs.

An AP is an entity that enables its associated STAs to access a DS through a WM and that has STA functionality. Data may move between the BSS and the DS through the AP. For example, STA2 and STA3 illustrated in <FIG> have STA functionality and provide a function of enabling associated STAs (STA1 and STA4) to access the DS. Since all APs are basically STAs, they are addressable entities. An address used by an AP for communication on the WM is not necessarily identical to an address used by the AP for communication on the DSM.

Data that one of STAs associated with the AP transmits to an STA address of the AP may always be received at an uncontrolled port and processed by an IEEE <NUM>. 1X port access entity. If a controlled port is authenticated, transmission data (or frames) may be transmitted to the DS.

<FIG> illustrates another exemplary configuration of the IEEE <NUM> system to which the present disclosure is applicable. In addition to the architecture illustrated in <FIG>, <FIG> conceptually illustrates an Extended Service Set (ESS) to provide extended coverage.

A DS and BSSs allow IEEE <NUM> to create a wireless network of arbitrary size and complexity. IEEE <NUM> refers to this type of network as an ESS network. An ESS may be a set of BSSs connected to a single DS. However, the ESS does not the DS. The ESS network appears as an IBSS network to a Logical Link Control (LLC) layer. STAs within an ESS may communicate with each other and mobile STAs may move from one BSS to another (within the same ESS) transparently to the LLC layer.

IEEE <NUM> assumes nothing about the relative physical locations of the BSSs in <FIG>. All of the followings are possible. The BSSs may partially overlap. This is commonly used to arrange contiguous coverage. The BSSs may be physically disjointed. Logically, there is no limit to the distance between BSSs. The BSSs may be physically co-located. This may be done to provide redundancy. One (or more) IBSS or ESS networks may be physically present in the same space as one (or more) ESS networks. This may arise when an ad hoc network is operating at a location that also has an ESS network, when physically overlapping IEEE <NUM> networks have been set up by different organizations, or when two or more different access and security policies are needed at the same location.

<FIG> illustrates an exemplary configuration of a WLAN system. In <FIG>, an exemplary infrastructure BSS including a DS is illustrated.

In the example of <FIG>, an ESS includes BSS1 and BSS2. In the WLAN system, an STA is a device complying with Medium Access Control/Physical (MAC/PHY) regulations of IEEE <NUM>. STAs are categorized into AP STAs and non-AP STAs. The non-AP STAs are devices handled directly by users, such as laptop computers and mobile phones. In <FIG>, STA1, STA3, and STA4 are non-AP STAs, whereas STA2 and STA5 are AP STAs.

In the following description, a non-AP STA may be referred to as a terminal, a Wireless Transmit/Receive Unit (WTRU), a User Equipment (UE), a Mobile Station (MS), a Mobile Terminal (MT), or a Mobile Subscriber Station (MSS). An AP corresponds to a Base Station (BS), a Node B, an evolved Node B (eNB), a Base Transceiver System (BTS), or a femto BS in other wireless communication fields. <FIG> is a block diagram of a communication apparatus according to an example not directly falling within the scope of claimed invention of the present disclosure.

The apparatus shown in <FIG> can be a user equipment (UE) and/or eNB adapted to perform the above mechanism, but it can be any apparatus for performing the same operation.

As shown in <FIG>, the apparatus may comprises a DSP/microprocessor (<NUM>) and RF module (transmiceiver; <NUM>). The DSP/microprocessor (<NUM>) is electrically connected with the transciver (<NUM>) and controls it. The apparatus may further include power management module (<NUM>), battery (<NUM>), display (<NUM>), keypad (<NUM>), SIM card (<NUM>), memory device (<NUM>), speaker (<NUM>) and input device (<NUM>), based on its implementation and designer's choice.

Specifically, <FIG> may represent a UE comprising a receiver (<NUM>) configured to receive a request message from a network, and a transmitter (<NUM>) configured to transmit the transmission or reception timing information to the network. These receiver and the transmitter can constitute the transceiver (<NUM>). The UE further comprises a processor (<NUM>) connected to the transceiver (<NUM>: receiver and transmitter).

Also, <FIG> may represent a network apparatus comprising a transmitter (<NUM>) configured to transmit a request message to a UE and a receiver (<NUM>) configured to receive the transmission or reception timing information from the UE. These transmitter and receiver may constitute the transceiver (<NUM>). The network further comprises a processor (<NUM>) connected to the transmitter and the receiver. This processor (<NUM>) may be configured to calculate latency based on the transmission or reception timing information.

<FIG> is a diagram for a LTE-WLAN aggregation (LWA) Radio Protocol Architecture according to embodiments of the present invention. The following configuration in that the new (L2-ID) entity is introduced between a RLC and WLAN(-MAC) entities to identify the RLC entity does not fall under the scope of the claimed invention.

E-UTRAN supports LTE-WLAN aggregation (LWA) operation whereby a UE in RRC CONNECTED is configured by the eNB to utilize radio resources of LTE and WLAN. Two scenarios are supported depending on the backhaul connection between LTE and WLAN: i) non-collocated LWA scenario for a non-ideal backhaul and, ii) collocated LWA scenario for an ideal/internal backhaul.

In LWA, the radio protocol architecture that a particular bearer uses depends on the LWA backhaul scenario and how the bearer is set up. Split LWA bearer is depicted on <FIG>.

For the LTE-WLAN radio level integration, similar architecture as dual connectivity (DC) can be used. The only change is to replace SeNB by WLAN except that RLC layer is not available in WLAN protocol. However, as most of the RLC functions (e.g. segmentation and reassembly, retransmission, etc.) are performed in WLAN MAC layer, direct mapping between PDCP and WLAN MAC can be considered.

However, simple replacement does not work because WLAN protocol is different from LTE protocol, in that: i) WLAN MAC entity does not guarantee error-free transmission. After maximum number of retransmission, the WLAN MAC entity gives up the transmission, which leads to packet loss, and ii) WLAN MAC entity does not support identification of PDCP/RLC entities. In LTE, the identification is provided by LCID in MAC header. Moreover, the WLAN MAC entity cannot look into the MAC SDU as it is ciphered bit-string.

To support radio level LTE-WLAN integration, the followings are contemplated. Not according to the invention as claimed, to support error-free transmission, an AM RLC entity is used between PDCP entity and WLAN MAC entity. This AM RLC is called as "WLAN-RLC" entity. According to the invention as claimed, to identify PDCP entity , an L2 identification entity is used. Not according to the invention as claimed, to identify RLC entity, an L2 identification entity is used between RLC and WLAN MAC. This L2 identification entity is called as "LWAAP (LTE-WLAN Aggregation Adaptation Protocol)" entity.

Functions of the LWAAP sublayer are performed by LWAAP entities. For an LWAAP entity configured at the eNB, there is a peer LWAAP entity configured at the UE and vice versa. For all LWA bearers, there is one LWAAP entity in the eNB and one LWAAP entity in the UE.

The LWA bearer comprises a PDCP entity, an RLC entity, an MAC entity, an LWAAP entity and an wireless LAN MAC entity. The LWAAP entity is located between PDCP entity and wireless-LAN MAC entity. The LWAAP entity is associated with one or more upper entities,
wherein each of the one or more upper entities belongs to a respective radio bearer.

An LWAAP entity receives/delivers LWAAP SDUs from/to upper layer (PDCP) and sends/receives LWAAP PDUs to/from its peer LWAAP entity via WLAN.

And the LWAAP entity attaches the identifier of PDCP entity to PDCP PDU (=LWAAP SDU), and detaches the identifier of PDCP entity from a MAC SDU (=LWAAP PDU).

For example, at the eNB, when an LWAAP entity receives an LWAAP SDU from a PDCP entity, the LWAAP entity generates a LWAAP PDU including the LWAAP SDU and an identifier identifying a radio bearer to which the PDCP entity belongs, and delivers the corresponding LWAAP PDU to a wireless LAN entity.

At the UE, when an LWAAP entity receives an LWAAP PDU including the identifier identifying a radio bearer to which a PDCP entity belongs from the wireless LAN entity, the LWAAP entity reassembles the corresponding LWAAP SDU and delivers it to the PDCP entity.

When the LWAAP entity reassembles the corresponding LWAAP SDU, the LWAAP entity identifying the PDCP entity to which the LWAAP PDU should be delivered based on the identifier in the LWAAP PDU, and generates a LWAAP SDU by without including a LWAAP header from the LWAAP PDU.

Preferably, the LWAAP entity uniquely identifies a PDCP entity. The length of the identifier is <NUM> byte.

Preferably, the identifier is included in the LWAAP header.

Preferably, the LWAAP PDU is a LWAAP data PDU.

<FIG> is another diagram for a LWA Radio Protocol Architecture according to examples not directly falling within the scope of claimed invention of the present disclosure.

In this case, a WLAN-RLC entity is configured per radio bearer. The LWA bearer comprises a PDCP entity, an RLC entity, an MAC entity, a wireless LAN-RLC entity, an LWAAP entity and an wireless LAN entity. The LWAAP entity is located between wireless LAN-RLC entity and wireless-LAN entity. Multiple WLAN-RLC entities are mapped to the LWAAP entity.

The WLAN-RLC entity performs segmentation/concatenation of RLC SDUs (i.e. PDCP PDUs) to generate fixed size of RLC PDUs. The fixed size is configured when the WLAN RLC entity is established.

The WLAN-RLC entity supports AM RLC functions, i.e. retransmission, status reporting, polling, segmentation/concatenation and reassembly, resegmentation, etc..

The WLAN-RLC entity is used if error-free transmission needs to be guaranteed in WLAN side. If error is allowed, WLAN-RLC entity is not used, and PDCP entity and LWAAP entity is directly linked.

And the LWAAP entity attaches the identifier of WLAN-RLC entity to RLC PDU (=LWAAP SDU), and detaches the identifier of WLAN-RLC entity from a MAC SDU (=LWAAP PDU).

If an WLAN-RLC entity is used, at the eNB, when an LWAAP entity receives an LWAAP SDU from an WLAN-RLC entity, the LWAAP entity generates a LWAAP PDU including the LWAAP SDU and an identifier identifying a radio bearer to which the WLAN-RLC entity belongs, and delivers the corresponding LWAAP PDU to a wireless LAN entity.

At the UE, when an LWAAP entity receives an LWAAP PDU including the identifier identifying a radio bearer to which an WLAN-RLC entity belongs from the wireless LAN layer, the LWAAP entity reassembles the corresponding LWAAP SDU and delivers it to the WLAN-RLC entity.

When the LWAAP entity reassembles the corresponding LWAAP SDU, the LWAAP entity identifying the WLAN-RLC entity to which the LWAAP PDU should be delivered based on the identifier in the LWAAP PDU, and generates a LWAAP SDU by without including a LWAAP header from the LWAAP PDU.

A function of the LWAAP entity can be included in the WLAN-RLC entity. In this case, separate LWAAP entity is not needed. The modified WLAN-RLC entity performs RLC functions as well as LWAAP's attach/detach functions.

Preferably, the LWAAP entity uniquely identifies an WLAN-RLC entity. The length of the identifier is <NUM> byte.

<FIG> is an example diagram for LWAAP PDU according to examples not directly falling within the scope of claimed invention of the present disclosure. The identifier is included in the LWAAP header.

The examples not directly falling within the scope of claimed invention of the present disclosure described hereinbelow are combinations of elements and features of the present disclosure. These elements or features may be considered selective unless otherwise mentioned.

Each of these elements or features may be practiced without being combined with other elements or features. Further, an example not directly falling within the scope of claimed invention of the present disclosure may be constructed by combining parts of the elements and/or features. Operation orders described in examples not directly falling within the scope of claimed invention of the present disclosure may be rearranged. Some constructions of any one example not directly falling within the scope of claimed invention may be included in another example not directly falling within the scope of claimed invention and may be replaced with corresponding constructions of another example not directly falling within the scope of claimed invention.

In the examples not directly falling within the scope of claimed invention of the present disclosure, a specific operation described as performed by the BS may be performed by an upper node of the BS. Namely, it is apparent that, in a network comprised of a plurality of network nodes including a BS, various operations performed for communication with an MS may be performed by the BS, or network nodes other than the BS. Not according to the invention as claimed, the term 'eNB' may be replaced with the term 'fixed station', 'Node B', 'Base Station (BS)', 'access point', etc..

The above-described examples not directly falling within the scope of claimed invention may be implemented by various means, for example, by hardware, firmware, software, or a combination thereof.

In a hardware configuration, the method according to the examples not directly falling within the scope of claimed invention of the present disclosure may be implemented by one or more Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), Digital Signal Processors (DSPs), Digital Signal Processing Devices (DSPDs), Programmable Logic Devices (PLDs), Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), processors, controllers, microcontrollers, or microprocessors.

In a firmware or software configuration, the method according to the examples not directly falling within the scope of claimed invention of the present disclosure may be implemented in the form of modules, procedures, functions, etc. performing the above-described functions or operations. Software code may be stored in a memory unit and executed by a processor. The memory unit may be located at the interior or exterior of the processor and may transmit and receive data to and from the processor via various known means.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present disclosure may be carried out in other specific ways than those set forth herein without departing from essential characteristics of the present disclosure. The above examples not directly falling within the scope of claimed invention are therefore to be construed in all aspects as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims, not by the above description, and all changes coming within the meaning of the appended claims are intended to be embraced therein.

Claim 1:
A method for a communication apparatus comprising:
an LTE eNodeB,
a Wireless Local Area Network, briefly WLAN, entity comprising a WLAN Medium Access Control, briefly WLAN-MAC, entity, and
a plurality of Packet Data Convergence Protocol, briefly PDCP, entities;
the communication apparatus not comprising a User Equipment, briefly UE, and operating in a wireless communication system,
the method comprising:
receiving, by a L2 identification, briefly L2-ID, entity of the communication apparatus from the WLAN-MAC entity of the communication apparatus, a L2-ID Protocol Data Unit, briefly PDU, that includes a L2-ID header,
wherein the WLAN-MAC entity is an immediately lower entity of the L2-ID entity;
identifying, by the L2-ID entity, a PDCP entity associated with the L2-ID PDU based on the L2-ID header;
detaching an identifier of the PDCP entity from the data included in the L2-ID PDU; and
delivering the data included in the L2-ID PDU to the identified PDCP entity.