Dual-Connectivity Node Selection via Uplink Path Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
High uplink path loss between a UE and its serving access node in wireless communication systems, particularly in dual-connectivity scenarios, leads to increased transport-block errors and reduced throughput, as the access node may struggle to receive and decode scheduled uplink transmissions, especially when serving multiple UEs with high path loss.
Innovation Solution
The master node (MN) in a dual-connectivity setup considers the level of uplink path loss when selecting a secondary node (SN) for UE service, opting for SNs with lower path loss to establish dual-connectivity, thereby minimizing uplink path loss and improving transmission reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If dual-connectivity service is configured without considering uplink path loss, then device complexity and service coverage are improved, but uplink transport-block errors increase and throughput decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the selection parameter from generic signal strength to specific uplink path loss measurement. The master node measures uplink path loss to each candidate secondary node and uses this parameter to select the optimal SN, thereby reducing uplink transport-block errors while maintaining dual-connectivity benefits
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the master node continuously measures uplink path loss to candidate secondary nodes and adjusts SN selection based on these measurements. This feedback loop ensures that dual-connectivity configuration adapts to changing channel conditions, maintaining reliability while enabling versatile service configuration
2Productivity
If UE is served by multiple access nodes in dual-connectivity, then throughput and peak data rates are improved, but uplink path loss effects are amplified and transmission reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by selecting a specific secondary node with favorable uplink path loss characteristics for each UE. Instead of uniformly serving all UEs through any available SN, the system tailors the SN selection to each UE's specific uplink channel conditions, thereby maintaining high throughput while ensuring transmission reliability for each individual connection
3Area of stationary object
If access node serves multiple UEs with high path loss, then network coverage is improved, but uplink reception and decoding capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the uplink path loss measurement as an intermediary parameter that mediates between network coverage requirements and uplink reception quality. By using this intermediate metric to guide SN selection, the system can extend coverage to areas with higher path loss while maintaining reliable uplink reception through intelligent node selection
Data Source
AI summary
When a first access node is considering setup of dual-connectivity service for a UE, the first access node could take into consideration the uplink path loss respectively of each of one or more candidate second access nodes, in order to decide whether to set up the dual-connectivity service for the UE and/or to decide which of the multiple second access nodes to use for the UE's dual-connectivity service. For instance, the first access node may decide to use a given candidate second access node for the dual-connectivity service of the UE, with the decision being based on the given candidate second access node having a lower measure of uplink path loss than one or more other candidate second access nodes.