Dual Connectivity SCG Selection for 4G-5G Coverage Handoffs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 5G networks face challenges with limited indoor coverage and frequent loss of connectivity due to high-frequency signals, especially when user equipment moves out of mid-band coverage, leading to disruptions in both 4G and 5G connections.
Innovation Solution
Implementing Enhanced Dual Connectivity (ENDC) that dynamically selects a secondary cell group (SCG) based on user equipment attributes such as mobility, bandwidth requirements, power, and location, allowing seamless transitions between 4G and 5G networks to maintain connectivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If 5G millimeter wave is used for high-speed data transmission, then downlink speed is improved to 1-2 Gbit/s, but indoor coverage and signal reach deteriorate due to difficulty traversing walls and windows
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the 5G network into multiple frequency bands (millimeter wave, mid-band, low-band) with different characteristics. Millimeter wave provides high-speed data transmission while mid-band and low-band provide broader coverage and better penetration, allowing the system to divide functionality across multiple segments to resolve the contradiction between speed and coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the frequency parameter of 5G operation dynamically. The system can switch between millimeter wave (24-72 GHz) for high-speed outdoor transmission and mid-band (2.4-4.2 GHz) or low-band (600-900 MHz) for better indoor coverage, adjusting the operating parameters based on coverage requirements and user location.
2Area of stationary object
If 5G mid-band is deployed for wider coverage, then coverage area is improved, but downlink speed reduces to 100-400 Mbit/s compared to millimeter wave
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network functionality by frequency band, assigning mid-band (2.4-4.2 GHz) to provide wider coverage area while millimeter wave (24-72 GHz) provides high-speed transmission in areas with good signal access. This segmentation allows each band to optimize for its strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements multi-functionality by allowing the same 5G infrastructure to operate across multiple frequency bands (millimeter wave, mid-band, low-band). The network can dynamically select which band to use based on whether coverage area or transmission speed is the priority, making the system universally adaptable to different requirements.
3Speed
If user equipment moves out of mid-band coverage, then mobility is improved, but connectivity reliability deteriorates causing loss of both 4G and 5G connections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by selecting different frequency bands based on local coverage conditions. When mid-band coverage is available, the system uses it for connected transmission. When the user moves out of mid-band coverage, the system locally adapts by switching to low-band (600-900 MHz) which provides broader coverage and maintains connectivity during mobility transitions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses low-band 5G as an intermediary when mid-band coverage is lost. The low-band signal acts as a mediator that maintains continuous connectivity while the user equipment moves, bridging the gap when higher-frequency mid-band signals are no longer available, preventing complete connection loss.
Data Source
AI summary
In 5G Non-Standalone (NSA), to balance the load on 5G users and 4G users effectively, the disclosed technology selects the proper secondary cell group (SCG), when the master cell group (MCG) is provided by 4G infrastructure. E-UTRAN New Radio-Dual Connectivity (ENDC) allows users to connect to a 4G MCG and a 5G SCG (SCG). The technology selects the SCG based on each user's application's attributes such as UL/DL data volume, speed or bandwidth.