Conditional Configuration for Power Saving in Dual Connectivity UEs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current dual connectivity procedures in wireless communication systems, such as those involving Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) and Radio Resource Control (RRC) sublayers, often result in increased latency and power consumption, leading to potential handover failures and inability to make emergency calls when battery levels are low.
Innovation Solution
A method where a User Equipment (UE) receives a conditional configuration from the radio access network (RAN) to determine whether to apply a dual connectivity (DC) procedure based on specific UE conditions, such as battery level, data rate requirements, or application needs, allowing the UE to inhibit DC operations and switch to single connectivity (SC) when necessary.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dual connectivity procedures are implemented to improve communication reliability and data rate, then network performance is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic connectivity management where the UE can switch between dual connectivity and single connectivity modes based on real-time conditions such as battery level. The system dynamically evaluates whether to apply conditional DC configurations or inhibit them, allowing the connectivity mode to adapt to changing power availability and communication requirements.
2Productivity
If dual connectivity procedures are implemented to improve data rate, then throughput is improved, but latency increases leading to handover failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs conditional configurations where the UE receives pre-configured DC parameters and conditions from the network in advance. When specific conditions are met (such as battery level thresholds or data rate requirements), the UE can immediately apply the pre-configured DC settings without undergoing lengthy handover procedures, thus reducing latency while maintaining high data rates.
3Loss of energy
If conditional configuration is applied to reduce power consumption, then energy efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent manages complexity by focusing on key parameter changes rather than comprehensive configuration management. The primary parameter monitored is battery level, with threshold-based decision logic that determines whether to apply or inhibit conditional DC configurations. This simplified parameter-based approach reduces the complexity burden while maintaining energy efficiency benefits.
Data Source
AI summary
A method in a user device (UE) capable of operating in dual-mode connectivity (DC) with a master node (MN) and a secondary node (SN) of a radio access network (RAN) includes receiving, from the RAN, a configuration related to a DC procedure and a network-specified condition to be satisfied before the UE applies the configuration (3402); determining whether a single connectivity (SC) condition of the UE is satisfied (3404); and, when SC condition is satisfied, inhibiting the UE from applying the configuration (3406).