US 10863573

US Patent 10863573, titled "Method and apparatus for sequential forwarding considering multi-flow in dual connectivity system," has been issued to Pantech Corp.

Patent Summary:

• Title: Method and apparatus for sequential forwarding considering multi-flow in dual connectivity system
• Assignee: Pantech Corp (Current Assignee)
• Inventors: Myung Cheul Jung, Kang Suk HUH, Jae Hyun Ahn, Ki Bum Kwon
• Filing Date: March 26, 2018
• Issue Date: December 8, 2020
• Abstract: The patent provides a method for user equipment (UE) to receive multi-flow data for one evolved packet system (EPS) bearer through a macro base station (macro eNB) and a small base station (small eNB) in a dual connectivity wireless communication system. The method involves a Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) entity of the UE receiving PDCP packet data units (PDUs) from a PDCP entity of the macro base station via both the macro and small base stations. It then obtains PDCP service data units (SDUs) corresponding to these PDCP PDUs and receives information related to an in-sequence timer for these PDCP SDUs from the macro base station via a Radio Resource Control (RRC) message. The PDCP SDUs are identified by a predefined PDCP sequence number (SN).

Plain-Language Overview of Independent Claims:

• Independent Claim 1: This claim describes a method for user equipment (UE) to receive data in a dual connectivity system where data for a single EPS bearer is split across a macro base station and a small base station (multi-flow). The method comprises three key steps:

  1. Receiving PDCP PDUs from both the macro and small base stations.
  2. Obtaining PDCP SDUs from these received PDCP PDUs.
  3. Receiving, from the macro base station, information for an "in-sequence timer" for these PDCP SDUs via an RRC message. These PDCP SDUs are identified by a PDCP sequence number (SN).
     The core innovation lies in the UE receiving timer information via RRC to manage the in-sequence delivery of PDCP SDUs when data comes from two different base stations, ensuring proper order despite potential path delays.

• Independent Claim 7: This claim describes a corresponding method performed by a macro base station for transmitting multi-flow data for one EPS bearer to UE in a dual connectivity system. The method includes:

  1. Generating PDCP PDUs in a PDCP entity based on received packets, using a PDCP SN for each PDCP SDU.
  2. Distributing these PDCP PDUs to both its own Radio Link Control (RLC) entity and the RLC entity of a small base station according to a predetermined rule, and then transmitting them to the UE.
  3. Transmitting an RRC message to the UE that includes information related to an in-sequence timer for the PDCP SDUs.
     This claim outlines the macro base station's role in creating, distributing, and coordinating the multi-flow data transmission, specifically highlighting its responsibility for providing the in-sequence timer information to the UE.

• Independent Claim 11: This claim describes the user equipment (UE) itself, configured to perform the method described in claim 1. The UE includes:

  1. A receiving unit configured to receive PDCP PDUs from both the macro and small base stations, and to receive the RRC message containing the in-sequence timer information from the macro base station.
  2. A processor configured to obtain PDCP SDUs from the received PDCP PDUs.
     The PDCP SDUs are indicated by a predefined PDCP SN. This claim defines the hardware components within the UE that enable the receipt of multi-flow data and the processing of the in-sequence timer information for ordered delivery.

Litigation Search:

A search of CAFC 2026 dockets did not return any specific litigation results directly referencing US patent 10863573. General updates on Federal Circuit activities for April 2026 were found, but no direct mentions of this particular patent in any case filings or decisions.