Master Node Dual-Connectivity Configuration Using Uplink Power Headroom
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Solution Overview
Problem
In dual-connectivity scenarios, secondary nodes (SNs) serving UEs may have limited resources, leading to delays in scheduling communications and impacting user experience due to high uplink resource utilization and error rates associated with low power headroom levels among UEs.
Innovation Solution
The method involves using power headroom as a basis to control the configuration of dual-connectivity by the master node (MN) to decide whether to set up or select an SN for a UE, considering the uplink power headroom level of candidate SNs to optimize resource allocation and reduce retransmissions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If dual-connectivity service is configured with multiple secondary nodes, then data rate and service quality are improved, but uplink resource utilization increases and error rates increase due to limited SN resources
Solution Approach 1:
The master node changes the selection parameter from arbitrary or signal-strength-based to power headroom level-based. By selecting SNs with higher power headroom levels, the system maintains dual-connectivity benefits while reducing uplink error rates and retransmissions, as UEs have more power margin to overcome uplink challenges.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback information (power headroom reports from UEs) to dynamically select appropriate SNs. The MN monitors the power headroom levels of candidate SNs and adjusts its selection decision based on this feedback, creating a closed-loop system that adapts to current uplink conditions.
2Productivity
If dual-connectivity service is configured with multiple secondary nodes, then available data rate is improved, but scheduling delays increase due to limited SN resources
Solution Approach 1:
The master node performs preliminary assessment of candidate SNs' power headroom levels before configuring dual-connectivity. By pre-evaluating and selecting SNs with adequate power headroom, the system avoids subsequent scheduling delays and retransmissions, ensuring smooth operation from the outset.
3Reliability
If SNs with higher power headroom levels are selected, then uplink error rates are reduced, but the pool of available SNs is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The SN selection is made dynamic rather than static. The MN continuously monitors power headroom levels of multiple candidate SNs and can switch between them based on current conditions. This dynamic approach maintains reliability by always selecting from SNs with adequate power headroom while preserving adaptability through the ability to change selections as conditions evolve.
Data Source
AI summary
When a first node is considering setup of dual-connectivity service for a UE, the first node will take into consideration an uplink power headroom level of one or more candidate second nodes (representing uplink power headroom of one or more UEs served by such a node), in order to decide whether to set up the dual-connectivity service for the UE and/or to decide which of multiple second nodes to use for the UE's dual-connectivity service. For instance, if a candidate second node has a threshold high uplink power headroom level, then, based on that fact, the first node may decide to not use that second node for dual-connectivity service of the UE. Or the first node may decide to use a given candidate second node based on the given candidate second node having a higher uplink power headroom level than one or more other candidate second nodes.