Master Node PSCell Change Management for Dual Connectivity Power Saving
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Solution Overview
Problem
In dual connectivity of mobile communication systems, the power consumption of communication apparatuses increases when performing reconnection processing due to the deactivation of a secondary cell group, as they cannot execute a random access procedure on the target secondary node.
Innovation Solution
A master node transmits information to change the primary secondary cell and activate/deactivate the secondary cell group after a random access procedure is executed, allowing the communication apparatus to manage power consumption by avoiding unnecessary reconnection processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the secondary cell group is deactivated to reduce power consumption, then power consumption is reduced, but the communication apparatus cannot execute random access procedure on the target secondary node during PS cell change
Solution Approach 1:
The master node transmits information indicating to change the PSCell before the SCG deactivation is fully effective, ensuring that the random access procedure can be executed on the target secondary node while the SCG is still in a state that allows it. This preliminary action resolves the contradiction by establishing the necessary connection before the power-saving state takes effect.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically manages the timing of PSCell change information transmission relative to SCG deactivation states. The master node adapts its signaling behavior based on whether the SCG is activated or deactivated, allowing flexible execution of random access procedures while maintaining power saving benefits when appropriate.
2Reliability
If the communication apparatus performs reconnection processing due to inability to execute random access, then connection is restored, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The master node provides advance notification of PSCell changes before SCG deactivation prevents random access execution. This allows the communication apparatus to prepare and execute the random access procedure proactively, avoiding the need for reactive reconnection processing and the associated power consumption increase.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the master node transmits PSCell change information when SCG is deactivated, then cell change is enabled, but the communication apparatus cannot perform random access on target secondary node
Solution Approach 1:
The master node transmits PSCell change information at a timing that allows the communication apparatus to execute random access before the SCG deactivation state prevents it. This preliminary transmission ensures that the cell change capability is maintained while avoiding the operational difficulty of executing random access in a deactivated state.
Data Source
AI summary
A master node is connected to a user equipment together with a secondary node using dual connectivity. The master node comprises: a transmitter configured to transmit, to the UE, information indicating to change a primary secondary cell (PSCell) in a state where a secondary cell group associated with the secondary node is deactivated, to transmit an indication to activate the secondary cell group to the UE, and to transmit an indication to deactivate the secondary cell group to the UE after a random access procedure for the changed PSCell is executed.