Measurement Gap Communication in Dual Connectivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
In dual connectivity scenarios, the secondary node (SN) in a mobile communication system is not promptly aware of measurement gap configurations set by the master node (MN), leading to potential data loss or retransmissions as it continues to transmit data during measurement gaps applied by the UE.
Innovation Solution
The method involves the MN sending a message with gap configuration information in response to notifications from the SN, specifically using modified SgNB Reconfiguration Complete and SgNB Modification Confirm messages to directly convey gap information, ensuring the SN is aware of the configurations without needing a separate dummy modification request.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the MN uses existing procedures (SgNB reconfiguration complete or SgNB modification confirm) to notify the SN of gap information, then the procedure complexity is reduced, but the gap information cannot be conveyed to the SN
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by modifying the SgNB reconfiguration complete or SgNB modification confirm message to include gap information before the SN actually needs to use it. This allows the gap configuration to be prepared and transmitted in advance, so when the UE applies the measurement gap configuration, the SN is already aware and can pause transmissions appropriately, preventing data loss without requiring additional dummy procedures
2Loss of information
If the MN initiates a dummy SgNB modification request procedure to convey gap information to the SN, then the gap information can be communicated to the SN, but the transmission delay increases and data loss occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the gap information communication function into the existing SgNB reconfiguration complete or SgNB modification confirm message that is already part of the standard procedure. By combining multiple functions (procedure completion notification and gap information transmission) into a single message, the patent eliminates the need for separate dummy procedures, thereby reducing transmission delay and preventing data loss while maintaining procedural efficiency
3Productivity
If the SN transmits data to the UE during measurement gaps, then the data transmission continuity is maintained, but the UE cannot perform measurements properly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by having the MN inform the SN about the gap configuration through modified messages. The SN receives this feedback information and uses it to adjust its transmission behavior, pausing data transmissions during the measurement gaps when the UE is performing measurements. This feedback mechanism ensures both the measurement accuracy (UE can measure without interference) and data transmission continuity (SN resumes transmission after gaps) are maintained
Data Source
AI summary
A method performed by a network node operating as a master node (MN) in dual connectivity with a secondary node (SN) for measurement gap configuration, comprises receiving a notification from the secondary node that it will perform a secondary node modification procedure; determining that a measurement gap configuration or reconfiguration is required; and sending a response message to the secondary node in response to said notification, wherein said message includes a gap configuration information.