DRX Configuration Coordination for MR-DC ANR Measurements

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Solution Overview

Problem

In multi-radio dual connectivity (MR-DC) scenarios, there is a lack of coordination between the master node (MN) and secondary node (SN) for providing suitable Discontinuous Reception (DRX) configurations to user equipment (UE) for Automatic Neighbor Relation (ANR) measurements, leading to potential failures in obtaining neighbor cell global identifiers (NCGI) and beam information during ANR procedures.

Innovation Solution

The proposed solution involves coordinated DRX configuration between MN and SN through explicit indications and messages, ensuring that both nodes provide aligned or independent DRX configurations based on UE capabilities and target cell type, thereby facilitating successful ANR measurements by the UE.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If coordinated DRX configuration is implemented between MN and SN, then the success rate of ANR measurements is improved, but the device complexity and signaling overhead increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesuccess rate of ANR measurementsVSAvoidcoordination mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a coordination mechanism where the master node (MN) acts as an intermediary to manage DRX configurations for both itself and the secondary node (SN). The MN sends request messages to the SN to obtain DRX configurations and provides alignment indications to the UE, centralizing the coordination function at the MN to reduce overall system complexity while improving measurement reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements preliminary action by having the MN send a request message to the SN before the ANR measurement procedure begins. This allows the SN to prepare and provide its DRX configuration in advance, enabling the MN to align its own DRX configuration and provide timely alignment indications to the UE, ensuring measurements can proceed without delays or failures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If DRX configurations are aligned between MN and SN, then measurement failures are reduced, but the flexibility in configuring independent DRX parameters is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement success rateVSAvoidDRX configuration flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by allowing different parts of the system to have different DRX characteristics. The MN and SN can have independent DRX configurations with different parameters (drx-OnDuration, drx-Sleep, drx-InactivityTimer), and the alignment is achieved through coordination rather than forcing identical configurations. This maintains local optimization while achieving global alignment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamics by making the DRX configuration adaptable during operation. The MN receives DRX configuration from the SN, compares it with its own configuration, and dynamically adjusts its DRX parameters to achieve alignment. The system can transition between aligned and independent configurations based on operational needs and UE capabilities

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If DRX configurations are provided for ANR measurements, then neighbor cell identification success is improved, but the energy consumption and signaling overhead increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveneighbor cell identification successVSAvoidUE energy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies periodic action through DRX (Discontinuous Reception) configurations that enable the UE to periodically switch between active listening periods and sleep periods. During ANR measurements, the UE follows the aligned DRX configuration to know when to wake up and perform measurements, and when to sleep to conserve energy. This periodic on-off pattern reduces overall energy consumption compared to continuous monitoring while ensuring measurements occur at appropriate intervals

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements universality by using the same DRX configuration mechanism for multiple purposes: it serves both the MN's own scheduling needs and the SN's measurement requirements. The aligned DRX configuration provides a universal timing framework that coordinates both nodes' operations, reducing the need for separate configuration mechanisms and minimizing overall signaling overhead

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP4005273B1Discontinuous reception (DRX) configuration for automatic neighbor relation (ANR)
Publication Date: 2025.08.06 ZTE CORP
  • EP4005273B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4005273B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2C
  • EP4005273B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Methods, systems, and devices related to digital wireless communication, and more specifically, to techniques related to coordinating DRX for ANR. In one exemplary aspect, a method for wireless communication may include a first network node transmitting a request message to a second network node requesting a discontinuous reception configuration associated with the second network node. In another exemplary aspect, a method for wireless communication includes a first network node transmitting a request message to a second network node, the request message indicating a request to trigger a global cell identification report of a terminal and including information relating to a target cell used for measuring the global cell identification report.