Master Node Coordination for Dual Connectivity Measurement Gaps

Solution Overview

Problem

In multi-radio dual connectivity scenarios, the independent configuration of measurement gap patterns by master and secondary nodes in a user equipment (UE) can exceed the upper limit, leading to insufficient measurement execution capability and performance degradation.

Innovation Solution

A base station system that decides and communicates an upper limit number of measurement gap patterns for each node, ensuring that the total number configured in the UE does not exceed the permissible limit by coordinating between the master node (MN) and secondary node (SN) via network interfaces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If each node (MN and SN) independently configures measurement gap patterns in the UE, then each node can optimize measurement for its own measurement objects, but the total number of measurement gap patterns may exceed the upper limit that the UE can handle

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement optimization capabilityVSAvoidmeasurement execution capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The master node performs preliminary action by determining the upper limit number of measurement gap patterns before the secondary node configures its patterns. The master node sends this upper limit information to the secondary node in advance, enabling the secondary node to configure its patterns within the remaining capacity without exceeding the UE's total capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback by having the master node determine and communicate the upper limit number of measurement gap patterns to the secondary node. This feedback mechanism ensures that the secondary node can adjust its configuration to stay within the overall limit, preventing the UE from being overloaded.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Adaptability or versatility

If the upper limit number of measurement gap patterns is exceeded in the UE, then more measurement objects can be monitored, but the UE's measurement execution capability becomes insufficient and performance degrades

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement object coverageVSAvoidmeasurement execution capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The master node performs preliminary action by determining the upper limit number of measurement gap patterns before the secondary node configures its patterns. The master node sends this upper limit information to the secondary node in advance, enabling the secondary node to configure its patterns within the remaining capacity without exceeding the UE's total capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback by having the master node determine and communicate the upper limit number of measurement gap patterns to the secondary node. This feedback mechanism ensures that the secondary node can adjust its configuration to stay within the overall limit, preventing the UE from being overloaded.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple measurement gap patterns are configured in the UE for different frequency ranges, then comprehensive measurement coverage is achieved, but the complexity of coordination between MN and SN increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefrequency range coverageVSAvoidcoordination complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the measurement gap pattern configuration responsibility: the master node handles the determination of the upper limit and configuration for FR1, while the secondary node handles configuration for FR2 within the remaining capacity. This segmentation allows comprehensive frequency range coverage while reducing coordination complexity through clear division of responsibilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The master node acts as an intermediary by determining and communicating the upper limit number of measurement gap patterns to the secondary node. This intermediary role simplifies coordination by providing the secondary node with clear guidance on available capacity, reducing the need for complex iterative negotiations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS20240340682A1Base station and communication method

Publication Date: 2024.10.10 DENSO CORP

AI summary

A base station is configured to operate as an MN in a case of using dual connectivity in which the MN and an SN communicate with a UE. The base station includes: deciding an SN gap upper limit number that is an upper limit number of measurement gap patterns configured in the UE by the SN; and transmitting gap upper limit information for specifying the SN gap upper limit number to the SN via a network interface.