LTE: Difference between bearer level and packet level split in dual connectivity ?

Question

I guess the EN-DC Dual connectivity concept comes LTE Advanced. But since I am not aware of radio side of LTE, I have a basic question regarding the uplink path.

Lets consider the MN terminated split bearer, I understand that the downlink PDCP data gets split into MeNB and SeNB. But whatabout the uplink from UE, will it come in both ways, from MeNB and SeNB and gets combined at PDCP in MeNB ? Not gone in detail in spec. Could some LTE or 5G RAN people help me with this information..

Answer 1

Hi,

Bearer level split is something that both ENB will have unique bearer to forward packet. packet flowing in both the bearer is not from the same IP flow (same service packets).
packet level split is something both ENB will have same bearer (bearer ID also same) and splits the single IP flow(single service packets) into two and forwarded in those two bearers.