gNB-CU gNB-DU System Information Update via Terminal List

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Solution Overview

Problem

In 5G radio communication systems, the gNB-CU may not be aware of UEs staying in active DL BWPs that are not configured with a Common Search Space, making it difficult to transmit updated system information effectively.

Innovation Solution

A distributed unit of a base station sends a terminal list to the central unit, indicating UEs not configured with a Common Search Space in an active downlink BWP, allowing the gNB-CU to determine which UEs require dedicated signaling for system information updates and enabling awareness of UEs in active DL BWPs without a Common Search Space.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the gNB-CU does not track UE BWP configurations, then device complexity is reduced, but the gNB-CU cannot identify UEs needing system information updates

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovegNB-CU complexityVSAvoidSystem information update awareness

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The gNB-DU acts as an intermediary that tracks UE BWP configurations and identifies UEs needing system information updates. The DU receives BWP configuration information from the CU, monitors UE active BWPs, and sends terminal lists to the CU when updates are needed. This mediator approach allows the CU to avoid direct tracking complexity while still receiving necessary information about UEs requiring system information updates.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If the gNB-DU tracks all UE BWP configurations, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveUE BWP tracking accuracyVSAvoidgNB-DU complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the BWP tracking and monitoring function from the gNB-CU and places it in the gNB-DU. The DU takes out the specific task of tracking UE active BWPs and configuration changes, while the CU retains overall control and receives only the necessary terminal list information when system information updates are needed. This extraction allows precise tracking to be performed by the DU without requiring the entire CU system to be complex.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Reliability

If dedicated signaling is used for all UEs, then reliability of system information delivery is improved, but use of energy increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveSystem information delivery reliabilityVSAvoidNetwork energy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using dedicated signaling for all UEs, the patent applies partial action by using dedicated signaling only for UEs that actually need it - specifically those in active BWPs without CSS. The gNB-DU identifies this subset of UEs and sends terminal lists to the CU only for these specific cases. This partial approach ensures reliable delivery to those who need it while avoiding unnecessary energy consumption from broadcasting to all UEs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS20240155727A1Distributed unit, central unit, and method therefor

Publication Date: 2024.05.09 NEC CORP

AI summary

A gNB central unit (gNB-CU) includes a transmitter and a receiver. The transmitter is configured to transmit a message to a gNB distributed unit (gNB-DU). The receiver is configured to receive from the gNB-DU, in response to the message, a list indicating User Equipments (UEs) which needs to be notified by dedicated signaling of system information.