5G NR Secondary Cell Group Transition Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems face inefficiencies in transitioning secondary cells (SCells) between dormancy and active behaviors, particularly in 5G NR systems, due to longer activation times and increased power consumption, which can be attributed to the lack of efficient group-based signaling mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that enable the transition of one or multiple activated SCells between dormancy and active behaviors by grouping SCells and using downlink control information (DCI) or radio resource control (RRC) messages to indicate the transition, reducing signaling overhead and power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If individual SCell transition signaling is used, then transition control precision is improved, but signaling overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments SCells into multiple groups (first group and second group) and applies different transition behaviors to each group through separate indication fields in DCI. This allows precise control of transition timing for each group while using compact group-based signaling instead of individual SCell signaling, thus maintaining control precision while reducing overall signaling overhead.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by using different transition approaches for different SCell groups: the first group uses immediate transition upon DCI reception, while the second group uses delayed transition based on additional timing indicators. This selective application of transition strategies optimizes the balance between control precision and signaling efficiency for different scenarios.
2Productivity
If SCells are activated frequently to meet traffic demand, then system productivity is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action through configured timing patterns for SCell transitions. The network can configure different transition behaviors (immediate vs. delayed) and use indication fields in periodic DCI messages to control SCell activation/deactivation patterns. This allows the system to activate SCells only when needed based on traffic conditions while maintaining the ability for rapid transitions, thus improving productivity while managing power consumption through controlled periodic activation rather than continuous operation.
3Speed
If SCell activation time is reduced for faster response, then transition speed is improved, but transition reliability may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring transition parameters and timing indicators before actual SCell transitions are needed. The network configures multiple SCell groups with different transition behaviors in advance, and prepares indication fields in DCI formats beforehand. When traffic conditions change, the pre-configured mechanisms enable immediate transition execution without complex real-time decisions, thus achieving fast transitions while maintaining reliability through predetermined reliable configurations.
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the disclosure provide a method and an apparatus for transitioning one or a plurality of activated secondary cells (SCells) between a dormancy behavior and an active behavior. For example, the apparatus can include receiving circuitry and processing circuitry. The receiving circuitry can be configured to receive a configuration indicating a number of SCell groups each including at least one of the SCells, and an indication of at least one of the SCell groups to be transitioned between the dormancy behavior and the active behavior. The processing circuitry can be configured to transition the at least one SCell of the at least one SCell group between the dormancy behavior and the active behavior.