Dual Connectivity RACH Configuration via SSB Association
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Solution Overview
Problem
Enabling dual connectivity (DC) in wireless communication systems, where a user equipment (UE) can simultaneously connect to a master node and a secondary node, is a challenging issue due to the complexity of configuring and managing the communication between these nodes.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a first base station (BS) connecting to a UE via a first cell, configuring a signaling radio bearer, and requesting the second BS to act as a secondary node, with specific RRC messages and RACH configurations to enable random access and communication between the UE and both BSs, ensuring seamless association with synchronization signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dual connectivity is implemented to enable simultaneous connection to master and secondary nodes, then communication performance and stability are improved, but the complexity of configuring and managing communication between nodes increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the dual connectivity configuration into distinct phases: initial connection establishment with the master node, secondary node addition through separate request/acknowledge messages, and independent random access procedures. This segmentation allows complex dual connectivity to be managed through modular, manageable steps rather than a monolithic complex process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary RRC messages (SN Addition Request, SN Addition Request Acknowledge) that mediate between the master node and secondary node configuration. These intermediary messages simplify the management complexity by providing structured interfaces for configuring dual connectivity parameters without requiring direct complex coordination between all components.
2Ease of operation
If random access procedure is configured with RACH resources and association configuration, then the UE can perform random access to the second cell, but the complexity of RRC message configuration increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the random access configuration and association configuration into a single integrated RRC message structure. The first RRC message combines RACH configuration (with at least one first RACH resource) and first association configuration (associating RACH resource with first SSB or first CSI-RS) into one unified configuration packet, reducing the number of separate configuration exchanges needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary configuration of RACH resources and association configurations before the actual random access procedure. By pre-configuring these parameters in the RRC message, the UE is prepared in advance for the random access operation, eliminating the need for complex real-time configuration during the access process itself.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the first BS transmits RRC messages to configure the second BS as secondary node, then dual connectivity is enabled, but the signaling overhead and message transmission complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential configuration information needed for dual connectivity into focused, targeted RRC messages. Rather than transmitting complete configuration sets, the system extracts only the necessary parameters (SN Addition Request with specific configuration parameters, SN Addition Request Acknowledge with RRC message) to enable dual connectivity, reducing unnecessary signaling overhead.
Data Source
AI summary
A first base station (BS) connects to a communication device via a first cell, and transmits a Secondary Node (SN) Addition Request message to a second BS, to configure the second BS as a SN for the communication device in a dual connectivity (DC); the second BS transmits a SN Addition Request Acknowledge message comprising a first radio resource control (RRC) message to the first BS, wherein the first RRC message configures a second cell and comprises a first random access channel (RACH) configuration, the first RACH configuration configures at least one first RACH resource, and the first RRC message configures a first association configuration associating the at least one first RACH resource with a first synchronization signal block or a first channel state information reference signal transmitted via the second cell; the second BS communicating with the communication device via the second cell according to the first RRC message.