Dynamic SCell Control for Carrier Aggregation Traffic

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Solution Overview

Problem

In mobile communication systems, especially those supporting carrier aggregation (CA), the configuration of secondary cells (SCells) is often static, leading to resource wastage due to unnecessary occupation by UEs with low traffic, resulting in increased power consumption and inefficient resource management.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus for dynamically controlling SCells based on the traffic and operation mode of user equipment, allowing for dynamic addition and release of SCells only when traffic demand exceeds or falls below specific thresholds, thereby optimizing resource allocation and reducing power consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If SCell is configured to user equipment for carrier aggregation, then higher traffic rate is provided, but resources are wasted when traffic is below given level

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetraffic rateVSAvoidresource waste
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic SCell configuration by allowing the base station to activate or deactivate SCells based on real-time traffic conditions. When traffic demand exceeds a threshold, SCells are activated to provide higher data rates; when traffic falls below the threshold, SCells are deactivated to conserve resources. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between maintaining high productivity and avoiding resource waste.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If SCell is configured to user equipment, then higher traffic rate is provided, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetraffic rateVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically controls SCell activation based on traffic thresholds. When traffic demand is high, SCells are activated to maintain high data rates; when traffic demand is low, SCells are deactivated to reduce power consumption at both the base station and user equipment. This dynamic approach ensures that power is consumed only when necessary to maintain high productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If SCell is configured to user equipment, then carrier aggregation service is provided, but resource management efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecarrier aggregation serviceVSAvoidresource management efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic SCell configuration by allowing the base station to activate or deactivate SCells based on real-time traffic conditions. When traffic demand exceeds a threshold, SCells are activated to provide higher data rates; when traffic falls below the threshold, SCells are deactivated to conserve resources. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between maintaining high productivity and avoiding resource waste.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the operational parameters of SCells (activated/deactivated state) based on traffic conditions. By adjusting the configuration parameter of SCell activation status according to traffic thresholds, the system maintains adaptability for carrier aggregation while improving resource management efficiency through conditional activation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3264820B1Dynamic control method and device of scell in mobile communication system
Publication Date: 2021.10.27 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3264820B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3264820B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3264820B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Provided is a method of configuring a secondary cell (SCell) for a base station (eNB) in a mobile communication system. The method may include: identifying the carrier aggregation (CA) operation mode; identifying the amount of traffic for a user equipment (UE); determining whether to add an SCell in the UE on the basis of the CA operation mode and the traffic amount for the UE; and transmitting an SCell addition request message to the UE according to the determination result. There is also provided a base station applying the above method. In addition, there are provided a user equipment communicating with the base station and an SCell configuration method for the user equipment.