Multi-Numerology Radio Resource Configuration for E-UTRA-NR Dual Connectivity

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Solution Overview

Problem

The challenge of configuring radio resources for UEs in scenarios involving multiple numerologies in E-UTRA-NR Dual Connectivity and Inter-RAT handovers is not clearly addressed in existing technologies, particularly when secondary gNBs or target gNBs support multiple numerologies.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus for configuring radio resources that explicitly or implicitly indicate a dedicated numerology different from a reference numerology, allowing UEs to operate with secondary gNBs or target gNBs in E-UTRA-NR Dual Connectivity and Inter-RAT handovers, using NR radio resource configurations sent via master eNBs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple numerologies are supported by secondary gNBs or target gNBs, then the system's adaptability and versatility are improved, but the device complexity and difficulty of configuring radio resources increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesupport for multiple numerologiesVSAvoidradio resource configuration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The master eNB performs preliminary actions by determining the appropriate numerology for the secondary cell or target cell before the UE connects. The master eNB sends the numerology configuration to the secondary gNB or target gNB in advance, and includes this configuration information in the RRC reconfiguration message sent to the UE, thereby preparing the numerology settings before the actual connection is established.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The master eNB acts as an intermediary that coordinates between the secondary gNB/target gNB and the UE. It receives numerology support information from the secondary gNB or target gNB, determines the appropriate numerology, and conveys this configuration to the UE through RRC signaling, thereby simplifying the overall configuration process by centralizing the coordination function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If dedicated numerology configuration is implemented for SCG cells, then the measurement precision and configuration accuracy are improved, but the loss of time and signaling overhead increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumerology configuration accuracyVSAvoidconfiguration signaling time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The numerology configuration for the secondary cell is merged into the existing RRC reconfiguration message that is already being sent to the UE for other configuration purposes. By combining the numerology indication with the SCell configuration in a single signaling message, the patent avoids separate dedicated signaling procedures, thereby reducing overall signaling time and overhead while maintaining precise numerology configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Manufacturing precision

If explicit numerology indication is used in radio resource configuration, then the manufacturing precision and configuration reliability are improved, but the quantity of information and signaling overhead increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumerology configuration precisionVSAvoidconfiguration information volume
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses parameter changes by indicating the numerology through the subcarrier spacing value rather than sending the complete numerology configuration set. By changing the indication method to reference only the critical parameter (subcarrier spacing) that defines the numerology, the patent achieves precise numerology configuration while minimizing the quantity of signaling information required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP4090114B1Radio access network node, radio terminal, and methods and non-transitory computer- readable media therefor
Publication Date: 2025.09.10 NEC CORP
  • EP4090114B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4090114B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4090114B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A second radio access network, RAN, node (2) to be used in a radio communication system that supports a first Radio Access Technology, RAT, and a second RAT, the second RAN node (2) being associated with the second RAT, the second RAN node (2) comprising: means for receiving (501) a radio bearer setup request indicating at least requirements for a radio bearer of the second RAT, from a first RAN node (1) associated with the first RAT; means for including in the radio resource configuration an information element explicitly or implicitly indicating at least one numerology according to the requirements indicated by the radio bearer setup request; and means for sending (502, 503) the radio resource configuration to a radio terminal (3) via the first RAN node (1), wherein the radio resource configuration explicitly or implicitly indicates at least one numerology that is included in multiple numerologies supported by the second RAT and is different from a reference numerology.