CU-UP Data Threshold Coordination for Flexible SCG Activation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In the disaggregated 5G architecture, there is a lack of efficient coordination between the central unit user plane (CU-UP) and central unit control plane (CU-CP) for activating secondary cell group (SCG) resources, leading to unnecessary activation or deactivation of SCG resources, which wastes energy and resources.
Innovation Solution
Implementing enhanced coordination between CU-UP and CU-CP through a data volume threshold-based mechanism to determine when SCG resources are needed, allowing the CU-UP to notify the CU-CP to activate or deactivate SCG resources based on data activity thresholds, ensuring efficient resource utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If SCG resources are activated to handle data transmissions, then data transmission capability is improved, but energy consumption and resource waste increase when data volume is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic SCG activation and deactivation based on real-time data volume thresholds. The CU-UP monitors data volume for each DRB and dynamically triggers SCG activation only when data volume exceeds the threshold, rather than keeping SCG permanently active. This dynamic approach ensures SCG resources are available when needed for data transmission while avoiding energy waste during low-data periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational state parameter of SCG resources from a static active/inactive configuration to a dynamic state that transitions based on data volume parameters. By monitoring data volume thresholds and triggering state changes accordingly, the system optimizes the balance between transmission capability and energy consumption.
2Loss of energy
If SCG resources are kept deactivated to save energy, then energy efficiency is improved, but resource activation delay occurs when data transmission is needed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring data volume thresholds and monitoring mechanisms in the CU-UP before actual data transmission occurs. The system continuously monitors data volume and is ready to trigger SCG activation immediately when the threshold is exceeded, eliminating detection and decision delays. This preliminary preparation ensures rapid response while maintaining energy efficiency during low-data periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the CU-UP continuously monitors data volume for each DRB and provides feedback to the activation decision. When data volume exceeds the configured threshold, the feedback loop triggers immediate SCG activation, ensuring minimal delay between data arrival and resource availability while avoiding unnecessary activation during low-data conditions.
3Device complexity
If MCG resources are used for all data transmissions, then resource management is simplified, but SCG resources remain underutilized and energy waste occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the resource management responsibility between MCG and SCG based on data volume conditions. The CU-UP monitors data volume per DRB and selectively routes transmissions to appropriate cell groups. This segmentation allows MCG to handle low-volume traffic while SCG activates for high-volume traffic, optimizing both resource utilization and energy efficiency without requiring complex centralized control for every transmission decision.
Data Source
AI summary
A method including using master cell group resources for a downlink data transmission to a user equipment, wherein the user equipment is configured with at least one secondary cell group terminated split bearer and a secondary cell group is deactivated; determining, at a centralized central unit user plane, when secondary cell group resources of the deactivated secondary cell group are needed, wherein the determining is based, at least partially, on a data volume threshold for a data radio bearer as configured by a central unit control plane; and based upon the determining that the secondary cell group resources are needed, sending a notification to the central unit control plane to trigger activation of the secondary cell group resources.