Dual Connectivity MAC Control for Multi-SIM Network Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 3GPP standards do not adequately support multi-SIM devices in the 'RRC_Connected' state, limiting their connectivity and efficiency, especially for UEs with multiple transmitters and receivers, and lack sufficient support for multi-cell operations like Carrier Aggregation (CA) and Dual Connectivity (DC).
Innovation Solution
Implementing a communication activity pattern-based approach for controlling the activation and deactivation of secondary cells (SCell) and secondary cell groups (SCG) using Medium Access Control (MAC) Elements (CE) to dynamically manage UE operations across multiple networks, reducing signaling overhead and enhancing multi-SIM device performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing 3GPP standards are used for multi-SIM operation, then basic paging collision avoidance is achieved, but support for UEs in RRC_Connected state with multiple transmitters and receivers is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic switching between RRC_Idle and RRC_Connected states for different SIM cards, allowing the UE to maintain connected state on one network while switching to idle state on another network, thereby enabling flexible multi-SIM operation with improved connectivity reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the UE into multiple independent communication entities, each associated with a different SIM card and capable of independent state management, allowing simultaneous operation on multiple networks with different RRC states
2Adaptability or versatility
If RRC signaling is used for gap pattern configuration, then network switching parameters can be determined, but signaling overhead increases and switching speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-configures gap patterns and switching parameters during initial network attachment or RRC connection establishment, so that when network switching is needed, the UE can immediately utilize the pre-configured parameters without waiting for additional RRC signaling exchanges
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where the UE autonomously determines switching parameters based on pre-configured gap patterns and network information, eliminating the need for real-time RRC signaling negotiation and reducing switching latency
3Adaptability or versatility
If gap patterns are configured for multi-SIM operation, then network switching can be supported, but UE cannot maintain RRC_Connected state on both networks simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adjusts the RRC state of different SIM cards based on service requirements, allowing the UE to maintain RRC_Connected state on networks requiring continuous service while switching to RRC_Idle state on other networks, thereby achieving flexible multi-network connectivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the RRC state management for each SIM card independently, allowing different RRC states to be maintained simultaneously for different networks, enabling the UE to operate in connected state on one network while in idle state on another
Data Source
AI summary
Dual connectivity operation of a cellular network, in which a User Equipment (UE) simultaneously operates with the cellular network using both a Master Cell Group (MCG) and a Secondary Cell Group (SCG) is configured. Activation and/or deactivation of the SCG is controlled by communicating a Medium Access Control (MAC) Control Element (CE).