Dual Connectivity SCG Deactivation for Low-Power 5G Reactivation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power saving techniques in Dual Connectivity (DC) systems, such as deactivating SCells, are limited in reducing power consumption and can increase re-activation delays, especially when using different Radio Access Technologies (RATs) for Master Cell Group (MCG) and Secondary Cell Group (SCG), and there is a need for efficient deactivation and reactivation mechanisms for SCG in MR-DC scenarios.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for controlling SCG activation/deactivation in DC systems by detecting triggers like downlink/uplink inactivity, UE assistance, and mobility, with coordinated actions between MN and SN, and UE assistance signaling via SRB1 or PCell, to manage SCG resources efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If SCells are deactivated for power saving, then power consumption is reduced, but re-activation delays increase
Solution Approach 1:
The network configures the UE with a dormant Bandwidth Part (BWP) before deactivation, containing pre-configured parameters for quick resumption. This preliminary preparation allows the UE to rapidly reactivate the SCell by simply switching to the dormant BWP without extensive reconfiguration, thus reducing re-activation delay while maintaining power saving benefits
2Use of energy by moving object
If a large Discontinuous Reception (DRX) cycle is configured to reduce power consumption, then power saving increases, but re-activation delays increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the BWP configuration into an active BWP for data transmission and a dormant BWP for power saving. The dormant BWP contains essential configuration parameters that allow the UE to quickly transition between active and inactive states without waiting for full DRX cycle expiration or extensive reconfiguration, thereby reducing re-activation delay while maintaining the power saving benefits of large DRX cycles
3Use of energy by moving object
If the SCG is released and added again to reduce power consumption, then power saving increases, but signaling complexity and network impact increase
Solution Approach 1:
The network performs preliminary configuration of the dormant BWP with all necessary parameters before SCell deactivation. This includes pre-configuring uplink/downlink configurations, reference signals, and other essential parameters. When reactivation is needed, the UE simply applies these pre-configured parameters by switching to the dormant BWP, avoiding the need for complex release and re-addition signaling procedures
4Reliability
If the PSCell remains activated while SCells are deactivated for power saving, then control functionality is maintained, but power saving is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic BWP switching capability where the UE can switch between active BWP and dormant BWP based on data activity. The dormant BWP maintains essential configuration parameters for quick resumption while consuming minimal power. This dynamic approach allows the system to adapt between maintaining full functionality and power saving modes, overcoming the limitation of static PSCell activation
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a pre-5th generation (5G) or 5G communication system to be provided for supporting higher data rates beyond 4th generation (4G) communication system such as long term evolution (LTE). Disclosed is a method of controlling the activation or deactivation of a Secondary Cell Group, SCG, in a telecommunication network employing Dual Connectivity, DC, comprising detecting at least one of the following triggers: downlink data inactivity detected by a terminating node; uplink data inactivity detected by the terminating node or detected and reported by a User Equipment, UE; UE assistance information reported to a Master Node, MN or Secondary Node, SN; and mobility to the MN or the SN not supporting the SCG deactivation feature.