Fast SCell Activation Using Temporary Reference Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems, particularly in 5G NR, face challenges in efficiently activating secondary cells (SCells) due to delays and inefficiencies in the SCell activation process, which can impact latency and overall network performance.
Innovation Solution
A method for fast SCell activation using temporary reference signals (RS) is introduced, allowing UEs to quickly identify and activate SCells by processing activation indications and receiving subsequent reference signals within defined time frames, thereby reducing activation time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If traditional SCell activation process is used, then network reliability is maintained, but activation time is excessive causing latency issues
Solution Approach 1:
The network configures temporary reference signals (TRS) for the SCell in advance before activation is needed. These pre-configured TRS resources are ready immediately when activation is commanded, eliminating the need for time-consuming TRS configuration during the activation process itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The activation process is segmented into distinct phases: (1) SCell addition with TRS configuration, (2) SCell activation command, and (3) SCell data transmission. This segmentation allows each phase to be optimized independently, with TRS already configured in phase 1 so that phase 2 can proceed immediately without additional configuration delays.
2Speed
If SCell activation is delayed to ensure proper reference signal configuration, then measurement precision is maintained, but activation speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Temporary reference signals are configured and prepared in advance during the SCell addition phase, so that when activation is commanded, the UE immediately has the necessary reference signals available for channel estimation and data reception, eliminating delays between activation and functional operation.
Solution Approach 2:
Temporary reference signals (TRS) act as an intermediary mechanism that bridges the gap between SCell activation and full operational capability. By having TRS pre-configured, the system ensures accurate channel estimation is immediately available upon activation without requiring additional configuration steps.
3Ease of operation
If complex reference signal configuration procedures are performed during activation, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The overall SCell setup process is divided into two separate procedures: SCell addition (where TRS is configured) and SCell activation (where data transmission begins). This segmentation removes complex TRS configuration steps from the activation procedure, making activation simple and direct while maintaining measurement accuracy through the pre-configured TRS.
Solution Approach 2:
The temporary reference signal serves as a pre-prepared intermediary that eliminates the need for complex real-time configuration during activation. The TRS is configured once during addition and then simply activated alongside the SCell, greatly simplifying the activation procedure while ensuring accurate channel measurements.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2D
Figure 3
AI summary
A UE may receive, from a serving cell, an activation indication for an SCell, receiving a first reference signal from the SCell, the first reference signal including at least one temporary reference signal, identify whether a second reference signal is received after processing the activation indication and before an expiration of an SCell activation time, and activate, upon identifying that the second reference signal is received, the SCell based on one or more reference signals including at least one of the first reference signal or the second reference signal. The UE may activate the SCell no later than in slot n + K, and K may be determined based on at least in part the SCell activation time.