Fast Multi-Connectivity Activation via Uplink Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
The transition from an inactive RRC state to an active multi-connectivity state in 5G wireless networks is challenging due to significant signaling overhead and delay, particularly for ultra-reliable low latency communications (URLLC) applications, as existing methods require extensive measurements and signaling procedures that are inefficient and power-intensive.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of uplink beacon signals in a centralized architecture allows for fast resumption of multi-connectivity by maintaining candidate links and cell-specific uplink timing advance values, enabling efficient activation of multiple communication links without the need for extensive UE measurements and signaling, thereby reducing activation latency and power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If extensive measurements and signaling procedures are used for RRC state transition, then connection reliability is improved, but activation latency and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The network pre-identifies and maintains a set of candidate links and cell-specific uplink timing advance values while the UE is in inactive RRC state. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for extensive measurements and signaling when activation is needed, thereby reducing activation latency while maintaining connection reliability through pre-validated candidate links.
2Reliability
If extensive measurements and signaling procedures are used for RRC state transition, then connection reliability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The network performs the measurement and candidate link identification work in advance while the UE is in inactive state, so that when activation is needed, the UE only needs to receive the connection message with pre-prepared candidate links. This shifts the measurement burden from the UE to the network and eliminates repeated measurements, significantly reducing UE power consumption.
3Measurement precision
If traditional RRC state transition methods are used, then measurement accuracy is ensured, but signaling overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The network pre-identifies candidate links and determines cell-specific uplink timing advance values before the UE needs activation. This preliminary action consolidates multiple signaling exchanges into a single connection message, reducing signaling overhead while maintaining measurement accuracy through the network's pre-performed measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The network maintains copies of measurement information and candidate link data in advance, allowing the UE to be activated with pre-prepared configuration data rather than performing new measurements. This copying approach reduces the need for repeated signaling while preserving measurement precision.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments herein provide a method for fast activation of multi-connectivity utilizing uplink signals. According to an example embodiment, a method includes: transmitting, by a user equipment, at least one uplink signal to a plurality of network nodes of a wireless network based at least on the user equipment being in a first radio resource control state such that the user equipment maintains connectivity with one of the network nodes; receiving at least one connection message including a command to connect to at least two of the network nodes for communication, wherein the command is based at least on measurements extracted from the at least one uplink signal; in response to the at least one connection message, changing from the first radio resource control state to a second radio resource control state; and transmitting data utilizing multiple communication links via the at least two network nodes.