5G SCell Activation Control Using Dormant Mode to Reduce Latency
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Solution Overview
Problem
In next-generation mobile communication systems, carrier aggregation (CA) or dual connectivity (DC) can cause processing delays when activated or deactivated, leading to increased battery consumption or delayed data transmission due to PDCCH monitoring and cell activation/deactivation challenges.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the use of a MAC CE for activating or deactivating secondary cells (SCells) without requiring a Temporary RS (TRS), allowing for fast activation of SCells in a deactivated state, and configuring a dormant mode at bandwidth part, cell, or cell group levels to reduce latency and conserve battery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If carrier aggregation or dual connectivity is configured for a UE that is then activated, then data transmission capability is improved, but processing delay occurs due to PDCCH monitoring and cell activation procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by configuring tracking reference signals (TRS) and channel state information reference signals (CSI-RS) in advance before cell activation. The UE performs channel measurements and maintains channel state information in a pre-prepared state, so when activation is commanded via MAC CE, the UE can immediately activate the SCell without performing time-consuming channel measurements, thus reducing activation processing delay while maintaining data transmission capability
2Speed
If multiple cells are maintained activated to enable quick data transmission, then data transmission speed is improved, but battery consumption increases due to continuous PDCCH monitoring
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by introducing a dormant state for SCells that is distinct from both activated and deactivated states. In this dormant state, the UE does not perform PDCCH monitoring thereby conserving battery power, but maintains channel measurements and stored channel state information. When activation is needed, the UE can quickly transition from dormant to activated state using the pre-maintained channel state information, thus achieving both battery conservation and quick data transmission capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by allowing different operational states (activated, dormant, deactivated) for different cells or bandwidth parts based on local traffic conditions and channel states. The network can configure certain SCells or BWPs in dormant state when traffic demand is low, while keeping others in activated state, thus optimizing the balance between battery consumption and data transmission speed on a cell-by-cell or BWP-by-BWP basis
3Use of energy by moving object
If carrier aggregation or dual connectivity is deactivated to conserve battery, then battery consumption is reduced, but data transmission is delayed when reactivation is needed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by maintaining channel measurements and channel state information in a prepared state even when SCells are deactivated or in dormant state. The UE continues to monitor reference signals and update channel state information without fully activating the cells. When reactivation is commanded via MAC CE, the UE can immediately resume data transmission using the pre-maintained channel state information, thus avoiding the time delay that would otherwise occur during reactivation channel measurements while having kept the cells in a low-power state
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a 5G or 6G communication system for supporting a higher data transmission rate.According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, proposed is a method for reducing processing latency which may occur when CA or DC configured for a terminal is activated or deactivated.