Dual-Connectivity Measurement Gap Coordination for UE Scheduling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems face challenges in managing measurement gaps during Multi-Radio Dual Connectivity (MR-DC) scenarios, particularly with new measurement gap operations such as pre-configured gap patterns, concurrent and independent gap patterns, and Network Controlled Small Gaps, leading to inefficiencies in operations of dual connectivity and applications involving disaggregated base stations.
Innovation Solution
Implementing methods for managing measurement gap configurations through coordinated messaging between master and secondary nodes, including the use of pre-configured gap patterns, activation and deactivation commands, and alignment of gap patterns to optimize UE operations during handover and dual connectivity scenarios.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If measurement gaps are configured for inter-frequency measurements, then the UE can monitor signals in non-serving cells, but the UE cannot monitor the serving frequency during the measurement gap period
Solution Approach 1:
The network pre-configures multiple gap patterns (first gap pattern and second gap pattern) with different time allocations and frequency priorities before measurement needs arise. When inter-frequency measurement is required, the UE can switch to the appropriate pre-configured gap pattern, enabling faster measurement initiation without extensive real-time configuration negotiation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically selects between different gap patterns based on current measurement requirements and traffic conditions. The UE can switch between first gap pattern (optimized for inter-frequency measurements) and second gap pattern (optimized for serving frequency monitoring) according to network instructions, allowing flexible adaptation to changing measurement needs while minimizing service interruption.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple gap patterns are configured for different bandwidth parts, then the UE can perform measurements on multiple frequencies, but the coordination between master node and secondary node becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement gap configuration is segmented into multiple independent gap patterns, each associated with specific bandwidth parts and frequency ranges. The first gap pattern handles inter-frequency measurements while the second gap pattern handles serving frequency measurements. This segmentation allows the master node and secondary node to coordinate measurements on different frequencies independently, reducing the complexity of simultaneous coordination.
Solution Approach 2:
The network introduces an intermediary configuration mechanism where the master node provides assistance information to the secondary node about the configured gap patterns. This intermediary information exchange enables the secondary node to align its measurements with the UE's measurement schedule without requiring complex real-time coordination, simplifying the overall multi-node measurement management.
3Measurement precision
If measurement gaps are used for RRM measurements, then the UE can perform inter-frequency measurements, but data transmission may be interrupted during the measurement gap
Solution Approach 1:
Measurement gaps are configured as periodic intervals rather than continuous interruptions. The UE performs RRM measurements during these periodic gap periods while maintaining normal data transmission during non-gap periods. This periodic structure allows the system to balance measurement requirements with data transmission needs, ensuring both measurement accuracy and transmission continuity.
Solution Approach 2:
Different gap patterns are optimized for different measurement types and quality requirements. The first gap pattern is configured with specific timing and duration optimized for inter-frequency RRM measurements, while the second gap pattern is optimized for serving frequency measurements. This local optimization allows each gap pattern to achieve its specific measurement goal with minimal impact on data transmission.
Data Source
AI summary
A node of a radio access network (RAN) implemented a method for managing communications with a UE configured to communicate in dual connectivity (DC). The node receives, from the other node, a message including (i) a configuration for a measurement gap which the UE uses for reference signal measurements and (ii) a status of the configuration. The node then manages a scheduling of the communications between the UE and the node in accordance with the status of the configuration.