Dual Connectivity Power Headroom Reporting via MAC Segmentation

The patent segments the dual connectivity system into multiple MAC entities (first MAC entity for MCG, second MAC entity for SCG), each independently managing power headroom reporting. This segmentation allows selective triggering of PHR in specific MAC entities based on local events (path loss change, timer expiration) rather than requiring all MAC entities to report simultaneously, thus maintaining comprehensive power management while reducing overall signaling overhead.

The patent implements partial action by triggering PHR only in the specific MAC entity where the triggering event occurs, rather than requiring all MAC entities to report. For example, when path loss changes in the first MAC entity, only the first MAC entity triggers PHR. This partial reporting approach maintains necessary power management coverage while significantly reducing network resource consumption compared to requiring all MAC entities to report on any event.

The patent divides the UE's MAC layer into separate MAC entities (first MAC entity for MCG connected to first eNB, second MAC entity for SCG connected to second eNB). Each MAC entity independently handles power headroom reporting for its connected eNB, providing flexibility in power management across different connectivity scenarios while maintaining clear separation of responsibilities that actually reduces operational complexity.

Each MAC entity is designed to handle multiple functions independently: power headroom calculation, reporting trigger detection (path loss change, timer expiration), and PHR transmission. This multi-functionality within each MAC entity provides adaptability across different dual connectivity scenarios while the standardized interface and behavior reduce overall device complexity through reusability.

The patent segments power headroom reporting into independent MAC entity-level operations. Each MAC entity monitors its own triggering events (path loss change, prohibitPHR-Timer expiration, periodicPHR-Timer expiration) and triggers PHR independently. This segmentation ensures that power management remains timely for each connectivity group (MCG and SCG) without requiring coordinated reporting that would increase signaling overhead.

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where each MAC entity continuously monitors path loss changes and timer status, and triggers PHR when specific conditions are met. This event-driven feedback approach ensures timely power management responses to changing radio conditions while minimizing unnecessary reporting, as PHR is triggered only when actual changes occur rather than on fixed schedules.

The patent segments power headroom reporting into separate MAC entities, where each MAC entity generates and transmits PHR MAC CEs independently to its connected eNB. The first MAC entity generates PHR for MCG connected to first eNB, while the second MAC entity generates PHR for SCG connected to second eNB. This segmentation provides accurate power headroom information for each connectivity group while distributing processing load to reduce peak device energy consumption.

The patent implements periodic PHR triggering through the periodicPHR-Timer mechanism in each MAC entity. Instead of continuous monitoring and reporting, the timer provides periodic opportunities for PHR transmission, which maintains adequate power headroom information accuracy while significantly reducing device processing complexity and energy consumption compared to continuous reporting.