Dual Connectivity 5G Cell Switching via LTE Anchor
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Solution Overview
Problem
5G NR devices face service degradation due to differences in radio frequency propagation characteristics between sub-6 GHz and mmWave spectrum bands, leading to connectivity issues and service disruptions from obstructions.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a dual connectivity system that allows user devices to seamlessly transition between LTE and 5G networks by designating an anchor cell for LTE and secondary cells for 5G, using layer 2 signaling for on-demand switching between 5G cells anchored by the same LTE anchor cell, minimizing signaling overhead and maintaining continuous connectivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If mmWave connectivity is used to provide high-speed 5G service, then data transmission speed and spectral efficiency are improved, but connectivity reliability deteriorates due to susceptibility to obstructions such as signage, vegetation, and vehicles
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the 5G connection into multiple components: an LTE anchor cell providing reliable control plane connectivity and multiple 5G NR secondary cells (SCGs) providing high-speed data plane connectivity. This segmentation allows the system to maintain reliability through the robust LTE connection while achieving high speed through mmWave SCGs, resolving the contradiction between speed and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes operational parameters by switching between different SCGs based on radio conditions. When the current mmWave SCG experiences obstruction or degradation, the system changes to an alternative SCG anchored to the same LTE anchor cell, maintaining both high-speed connectivity and reliability through parameter adaptation.
2Reliability
If traditional handover procedures are used to switch between 5G cells, then connectivity can be maintained, but signaling overhead and network traffic increase due to RRC reconfiguration requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-configuring multiple 5G NR secondary cells (SCGs) that are all anchored to the same LTE anchor cell before handover is needed. This allows the UE to switch between SCGs using efficient layer 2 signaling without requiring RRC reconfiguration, reducing signaling overhead while maintaining connectivity continuity.
Solution Approach 2:
The LTE anchor cell serves as an intermediary that anchors multiple 5G NR SCGs. When switching between SCGs, the UE maintains its RRC connection with the LTE anchor cell and uses layer 2 signaling mediated through the anchor cell to switch SCGs, avoiding the need for full RRC reconfiguration and reducing signaling overhead.
3Productivity
If beam switching technology is used to enhance service quality in mmWave networks, then spectral efficiency is improved, but vulnerability to obstructions remains due to the directional nature of mmWave signals
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamics by enabling real-time switching between multiple 5G NR secondary cells with different beam directions and coverage areas. When obstructions block the current beam, the system dynamically switches to an alternative SCG with a different beam configuration, maintaining both spectral efficiency and robustness against obstructions.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods provide for configuring, by a first wireless station using radio resource control (RRC), a plurality of Fifth Generation (5G) wireless stations associated with 5G secondary cell groups (SCGs), wherein the first wireless station is associated with a first anchor cell for the SCGs; determining, by the wireless station, that a dual connectivity (DC) user equipment (UE) device has a wireless connection to a first 5G wireless station via a first 5G cell, wherein a second 5G SCG is associated with a second one of the 5G wireless stations and the DC-UE device is located in an area associated with the first anchor cell and in an area associated with a second anchor cell; and switching, using a media access control (MAC) control element (CE) of the DC-UE device, the wireless connection from the first 5G cell to the second 5G cell.