Master-Secondary Measurement Gap Coordination Across Dual-Connectivity Bands
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless communications systems, particularly in dual connectivity scenarios involving master and secondary nodes, there is a challenge in efficiently configuring and coordinating measurement gaps across different frequency bands, especially when the master node lacks capability in certain frequency ranges like millimeter wave bands.
Innovation Solution
The described techniques enable the master and secondary nodes to operate in dual connectivity with a user equipment (UE) by transmitting indications of frequency bands for measurement, updating gap patterns, and configuring gap configurations dynamically or fixedly, allowing nodes with and without specific frequency capabilities to modify and share measurement gaps effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the master node configures measurement gaps for all frequency bands, then measurement coverage is improved, but the master node requires capabilities in frequency bands (e.g., mmW) that it may not possess
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the frequency bands into two separate groups: first frequency bands (e.g., sub-6 GHz) configured by the master node, and second frequency bands (e.g., mmW) configured by the secondary node. This segmentation allows each node to configure measurement gaps only for frequency bands within their capability, resolving the contradiction between measurement coverage and frequency band capability requirements.
2Productivity
If the master node and secondary node both configure measurement gaps independently, then each node optimizes for its own frequency bands, but coordination complexity and scheduling conflicts increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the configuration responsibility by frequency band type, with the master node handling first frequency bands and the secondary node handling second frequency bands. This clear division reduces coordination complexity compared to independent configuration, as each node's measurement gap patterns are designed to be compatible by default through the standardized segmentation approach.
3Ease of operation
If measurement gap patterns are fixed for each frequency band, then configuration simplicity is improved, but flexibility to adapt to different network scenarios is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic measurement gap configuration where the master node and secondary node can adjust gap patterns based on network conditions and UE capabilities. The system determines whether to use fixed gap patterns or dynamically adjusted patterns based on the specific dual connectivity scenario, allowing adaptation to different network environments while maintaining operational simplicity through standardized procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and devices for wireless communications are described. A user equipment (UE) may operate in dual connectivity with a master node (MN) that has a capability to operate in a particular frequency band range (e.g., a range above 6 gigahertz (GHz)) and a secondary node (SN). The MN or SN may transmit an indication to an SN or MN, respectively, that includes sets of frequency bands in which the UE may measure, including frequency bands within the particular frequency band range. The SN or MN that received the indication may update a gap pattern for at least one of the frequency bands within the particular frequency band range and transmit an updated gap configuration to the MN or SN that transmitted the indication. Additionally, the MN or SN may choose fixed gap pattern configuration roles or may both dynamically identify gap patterns.