Measurement Gap Alignment in Asynchronous Dual Connectivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
In LTE networks with asynchronous dual connectivity, the measurement gaps for master and secondary cell groups cannot be precisely aligned due to different system frame numbers, leading to potential interruptions in data transmission/reception during handover processes.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves configuring an interruption gap of longer duration for the secondary cell group, allowing alignment of measurement gaps between master and secondary cell groups, ensuring uninterrupted RF tuning and data transmission/reception by setting specific gap lengths and starting points for both groups, even if they operate on different frame numbers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If measurement gaps are configured for both master and secondary cell groups in asynchronous dual connectivity, then measurements can be performed for handover preparation, but the measurement gaps cannot be precisely aligned due to different system frame numbers, causing interruptions in data transmission/reception
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the measurement gap configuration into separate control mechanisms for master and secondary cell groups. The master eNodeB independently configures measurement gaps for MCG, while the secondary eNodeB configures gaps for SCG, allowing each to operate with its own timing reference despite asynchronous operation. This segmentation enables precise local measurement scheduling without requiring global synchronization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by having the master eNodeB configure measurement gaps in advance for both MCG and SCG before handover events occur. The measurement gap configuration is set up proactively, with the secondary eNodeB being informed of the master eNodeB's gap timing, allowing RF tuning to be prepared ahead of time without causing transmission interruptions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate measurement gap configurations are used for master and secondary cell groups, then each group can have optimized gap timing, but the complexity of coordinating gap alignment between asynchronous groups increases
Solution Approach 1:
The master eNodeB acts as an intermediary that coordinates between the measurement gap requirements of MCG and SCG. It receives gap configuration information from the secondary eNodeB and adjusts the master eNodeB's gap timing accordingly, serving as a mediator that harmonizes the asynchronous gap configurations without requiring direct coordination between the two eNodeBs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic gap configuration where the measurement gap timing can be adjusted based on actual network conditions and handover requirements. The master eNodeB dynamically modifies gap parameters for both MCG and SCG, allowing flexible adaptation to different operational scenarios while maintaining coordination between the asynchronous cell groups.
Data Source
AI summary
In an embodiment, an apparatus to be employed in a user equipment (UE) is described. The apparatus includes configuration circuitry operable to determine, based on one or more configuration information messages, a measurement gap for a master evolved Node B (MeNB) that is operable to provide a master cell group (MCG) that is asynchronous with a secondary cell group (SCG) of a secondary evolved Node B (SeNB), wherein subframe boundaries of the MCG are different from subframe boundaries of the SCG; and radio frequency (RF) control circuitry operable to cause RF circuitry to be tuned, at a beginning of the measurement gap based on a subframe boundary of the MCG, to start inter-frequency measurements, wherein the RF circuitry is to be used to transmit or receive data in a serving cell of the MCG and in a serving cell of the SCG. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.