MN/SN Measurement Gap Coordination for FR1/FR2 Dual Connectivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless communications systems, particularly in EN-DC scenarios where a master node (MN) lacks capability in certain frequency bands like millimeter wave (FR2), existing methods fail to efficiently coordinate and configure measurement gaps across frequency bands, leading to inefficiencies in scheduling and communication.
Innovation Solution
The MN and secondary node (SN) dynamically or fixedly determine roles for configuring measurement gap patterns, with the MN capable in FR1 and SN in FR2, allowing for coordinated gap pattern updates and configurations across frequency bands, including UE-specific settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the MN configures measurement gap patterns for all frequency bands, then the scheduling coordination is simplified, but the MN must have capability in all frequency bands including FR2 which it lacks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the measurement gap configuration responsibility by frequency band: the MN configures gaps for FR1 bands while the SN configures gaps for FR2 bands. This segmentation allows each node to operate within its capability boundaries, resolving the contradiction between simplified coordination and frequency band versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary coordination mechanism where the MN and SN exchange gap configuration information through standardized interfaces. This intermediary communication allows the MN to coordinate FR1 gaps while the SN handles FR2 gaps, enabling complex multi-band operation without requiring the MN to directly manage all frequency bands.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the MN and SN dynamically determine gap configuration roles, then the system adapts to different capability scenarios, but the coordination overhead and signaling complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic role assignment where the MN and SN can flexibly determine who configures which gap patterns based on real-time capability assessment. The system dynamically adapts the gap configuration responsibilities according to the actual capabilities of connected nodes, allowing flexible deployment across different frequency band scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter-based capability indication where nodes advertise their supported frequency bands and gap configuration capabilities through standardized parameters. This parameter exchange enables automatic determination of gap configuration roles without complex negotiation, balancing adaptability with signaling efficiency.
3Measurement precision
If measurement gaps are configured separately for each frequency band, then the gap configuration precision is improved, but the scheduling coordination between bands becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the measurement gap configuration task by frequency band, with the MN responsible for FR1 gaps and the SN responsible for FR2 gaps. This segmentation enables precise, band-specific gap configuration while distributing the coordination complexity across multiple specialized entities rather than requiring a single node to manage all bands.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the gap configuration capabilities of the MN and SN through standardized coordination interfaces, combining their respective FR1 and FR2 gap configurations into a unified dual-connectivity framework. This merging approach maintains band-specific precision while providing coordinated control through the combined capabilities of both nodes.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and devices for wireless communications are described. A user equipment (UE) may operate in dual connectivity with a master node (MN) that has a capability to operate in a particular frequency band range (e.g., a range above 6 gigahertz (GHz)) and a secondary node (SN). The MN or SN may transmit an indication to an SN or MN, respectively, that includes sets of frequency bands in which the UE may measure, including frequency bands within the particular frequency band range. The SN or MN that received the indication may update a gap pattern for at least one of the frequency bands within the particular frequency band range and transmit an updated gap configuration to the MN or SN that transmitted the indication. Additionally, the MN or SN may choose fixed gap pattern configuration roles or may both dynamically identify gap patterns.