MAC CE PCell Change for 5G Coverage Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems face challenges in optimizing the size of control messages, such as RRCSetupRequest and RRCResumeRequest, which are limited and impact coverage due to their fixed size, hindering efficient communication in 6G communication systems.
Innovation Solution
The method involves reducing the size of control messages by using a MAC PDU with a MAC CE indicating target cell configurations, allowing for a PCell change to a target cell, thereby minimizing the overhead and enhancing coverage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the size of control messages (RRCSetupRequest, RRCResumeRequest) is reduced, then coverage is improved, but the capability to convey comprehensive cell configuration information is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the cell configuration information into two parts: (1) essential information embedded in the MAC CE for immediate action, and (2) detailed configuration information stored in pre-configured RRC states. This segmentation allows the control message to be minimized for coverage improvement while preserving complete information capability through the state mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs preliminary action by pre-configuring multiple RRC states at the network side before the UE needs to transition between cells. These pre-configured states contain the detailed cell configuration information, so when the UE receives a compact MAC CE instruction, it can quickly retrieve the necessary details from the pre-loaded states without needing to transmit extensive configuration data in the control message.
2Adaptability or versatility
If RRC messages are used for cell switching, then comprehensive configuration can be transmitted, but message size increases and coverage is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces MAC CE as an intermediary mechanism between the network and UE for cell switching control. The MAC CE serves as a compact intermediary that triggers the cell switching process by referencing pre-configured RRC states, eliminating the need to transmit full RRC configuration messages during the switching transition and thereby improving coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying by having the network side prepare multiple RRC states that are copied into the UE's storage in advance. When cell switching is needed, instead of transmitting new configuration data, the UE simply activates the appropriate pre-copied state, significantly reducing the message size required for cell switching operations.
3Device complexity
If control message size is minimized, then overhead is reduced and coverage is enhanced, but the complexity of message processing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the UE reports its current RRC state and the MAC CE includes acknowledgment information. This feedback loop allows the network to verify that the compact MAC CE instruction was properly received and processed, simplifying the processing complexity by providing clear state confirmation without requiring extensive message exchanges.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a 5G communication system or a 6G communication system for supporting higher data rates beyond a 4G communication system such as long term evolution (LTE). A method performed by a user equipment (UE) in a wireless communication system includes receiving a medium access control (MAC) protocol data unit (PDU) including a MAC control element (CE) indicating at least one target cell configuration and performing a primary cell (PCell) change to a target cell based on the at least one target cell configuration.