Master Node Coordination for 5G Secondary Node Changes
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Solution Overview
Problem
In 5G New Radio (NR) and Long Term Evolution (LTE) dual connectivity environments, the lack of coordination between Master Nodes (MN) and Secondary Nodes (SN) leads to conflicting decisions during secondary node changes or releases, impacting user equipment throughput due to differing measurement information and configurations.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a handshake mechanism between MN and SN for inter-frequency interworking, where MN requests measurement reports and recommendations from SN, and sets a waiting timer to ensure coordinated decision-making, preventing inadvertent releases or changes based on incomplete information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If Master Node makes decisions based solely on its own measurements, then decision-making speed is improved, but measurement accuracy and coordination with Secondary Node deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines measurement information from both Master Node and Secondary Node to make coordinated decisions. The SN provides measurement reports to the MN, and both nodes share measurement data through information exchange mechanisms, ensuring that decisions are based on comprehensive and accurate measurement information from the entire dual connectivity system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the Secondary Node sends measurement reports back to the Master Node, and the Master Node uses this feedback information to make informed decisions about secondary node changes or releases. This feedback loop ensures that decision-making incorporates the most current measurement data from both nodes.
2Device complexity
If Master Node and Secondary Node operate independently without coordination, then system complexity is reduced, but conflicting decisions occur during secondary node changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces coordination mechanisms that act as intermediaries between the Master Node and Secondary Node. These mechanisms include standardized information exchange protocols and coordinated decision-making procedures that ensure both nodes operate in a synchronized manner, preventing conflicting decisions while maintaining manageable system complexity through established interfaces.
3Productivity
If Secondary Node changes are made without requesting measurements from Secondary Node, then procedure speed is improved, but decision accuracy deteriorates due to incomplete information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary actions where the Master Node requests measurement reports from the Secondary Node before initiating secondary node change or release procedures. This preliminary information gathering ensures that decisions are based on complete and accurate measurement data, improving decision accuracy while maintaining efficient procedure execution through streamlined information exchange.
Data Source
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AI summary
Various communication systems may benefit from improved measurements. For example, it may be helpful to improve coordination of new radio measurements between a master node and a slave node. A method may include sending a request from a master node to a secondary node to report measurement results or a recommendation for a target node for the secondary node. The master node may wait to receive the measurement results or the recommendation for the target node from the secondary node.The method may also include determining at the master node to release the secondary node or to change the secondary node to the target node.