Guard Interval Management for 5G Dual Connectivity Uplink
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Solution Overview
Problem
In 5G NR networks with Dual Connectivity, the Single Uplink Operation mode results in inefficiencies due to asynchronous timing between master and secondary nodes, leading to subframe alignment issues and reduced spectral efficiency, as current standards lack mechanisms to manage synchronization deviations between non-co-located nodes.
Innovation Solution
Introducing guard intervals at the start or end of data symbol sequences on uplink channels, determined by estimating propagation delays and synchronization deviations, to ensure disjoint transmissions and minimize spectral efficiency loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If guard intervals are introduced to manage synchronization deviations in Dual Connectivity SUO mode, then transmission reliability is improved, but spectral efficiency deteriorates due to time resource occupation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adjusts the duration and positioning of guard intervals based on estimated synchronization deviations between master and secondary nodes. By changing the temporal parameters of guard intervals adaptively rather than using fixed configurations, the system maintains reliable disjoint transmissions while minimizing the time resources consumed, thus balancing reliability improvement with spectral efficiency preservation
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements dynamic guard interval configuration where the start position, duration, and necessity of guard intervals are determined in real-time based on propagation delay estimates and synchronization status. This dynamic approach allows the system to activate guard intervals only when synchronization deviations exceed thresholds, rather than continuously occupying time resources, thereby maintaining reliability while reducing overall spectral efficiency loss
2Reliability
If semi-static TDM patterns are exchanged between master and secondary nodes via PDCP layer, then coordination between nodes is achieved, but synchronization responsiveness deteriorates due to slow update rate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary estimation of propagation delays and synchronization deviations before actual data transmissions occur. By pre-calculating and sharing these timing parameters between master and secondary nodes, the system establishes a foundation for synchronized operation that enables faster reactive adjustments without requiring frequent re-negotiation of semi-static TDM patterns, thus improving synchronization speed while maintaining coordination reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where terminals report measured synchronization deviations and propagation delays back to the network nodes. This feedback loop enables the master and secondary nodes to adjust their timing advance values and guard interval configurations in response to actual synchronization conditions, achieving faster synchronization response without compromising the reliability of the semi-static TDM coordination framework
3Reliability
If timing advance values are adjusted to compensate for propagation delays, then transmission synchronization is improved, but complexity of synchronization management deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables terminals to autonomously measure propagation delays to both master and secondary nodes and calculate their own timing advance values based on received synchronization signals. By performing self-service timing measurements and calculations at the terminal side rather than requiring centralized network control for each adjustment, the system achieves accurate synchronization while reducing the management complexity burden on network nodes
Data Source
AI summary
A method for managing a transmission of sequences of symbols of predetermined duration by means of a terminal having dual connectivity with a first device for accessing a network and with a second device for accessing a network is described, the terminal being configured to transmit, when dual-connected, sequences of symbols over a first uplink to the first access device and over a second uplink to the second access device during disjoint time intervals. The method includes obtaining an estimate of a difference between delays in propagation between the terminal and the first and second access devices, and configuring the terminal to introduce at least one guard interval in each transmission of at least one sequence of symbols over the first uplink, during which no data symbol is transmitted by the terminal over the first uplink, the at least one guard interval being introduced by the terminal at the start of a first sequence of symbols and/or at the end of a last sequence of symbols transmitted in the transmission over the first uplink, and occupying a number of symbols determined according to the estimate of the difference between the propagation delays.