Conditional Secondary Node Addition in Dual Connectivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current procedures for adding or changing secondary nodes in dual connectivity scenarios in telecommunication systems are prone to latency and failure due to the lack of condition-based operations, which do not consider the user equipment's (UE) measurement conditions.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a conditional secondary node (SN) addition procedure where the UE connects to a candidate SN only when specific conditions, such as signal quality, are met, allowing the UE and SN to notify the master node (MN) of the connection status and enabling dynamic configuration and release of SN resources based on measured conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If immediate SN addition procedure is used, then the procedure can be completed quickly, but the latency increases and failure probability increases due to lack of condition-based operations
Solution Approach 1:
The network pre-configures the UE with candidate SN information and addition conditions before the UE actually connects. This allows the UE to evaluate conditions (such as signal quality thresholds) locally and autonomously decide when to connect, eliminating the need for real-time network intervention and reducing both latency and failure probability.
Solution Approach 2:
The UE autonomously evaluates whether connection conditions are met based on pre-configured criteria and independently initiates connection to the candidate SN without requiring continuous network coordination. This self-service mechanism reduces network signaling overhead and improves reliability by making decisions based on real-time UE measurements.
2Reliability
If conditional SN addition procedure is implemented, then the reliability of connection is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional condition evaluation and notification mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The conditional SN addition procedure is divided into distinct phases: pre-configuration phase (network provides candidate SN and conditions), evaluation phase (UE independently checks conditions), and execution phase (UE connects if conditions met). This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces standardized notification messages as intermediaries between the UE and network. When conditions are met, the UE sends a predefined notification message to the network, which then coordinates the actual connection. These standardized intermediaries simplify the interaction complexity compared to continuous bidirectional communication.
3Loss of time
If the UE autonomously evaluates conditions and connects to candidate SN, then the latency is reduced, but the risk of unauthorized or premature connection increases
Solution Approach 1:
The network pre-configures the UE with specific addition conditions (such as signal quality thresholds, event triggers) and the UE continuously monitors these conditions. When conditions are met, the UE sends feedback notification to the network, which provides final authorization. This feedback loop ensures autonomous rapid decision-making while maintaining network-controlled authorization reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A first base station providing to the UE configuration data related to a second base station and at least one condition for connecting to the second base station in order to operate in dual connectivity with the first base station and the second base station (1802). The base station receiving from the UE a first indication that the UE has conditionally applied the configuration data (1804). Subsequently to receiving the first indication, the base station receives a second indication that the at least one condition is satisfied (1806).