Multi-SN Control Transfer for Dual Connectivity Load Balancing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing 3GPP technical specifications limit user equipment (UE) to connect with only one secondary node (SN) in dual connectivity (DC), leading to increased load on the master node (MN) when multi-connectivity is implemented, which is not optimal for managing multiple SNs.
Innovation Solution
A communication method and node configuration that allows UE to connect with a plurality of SNs, transferring control authority from the MN to the SNs to reduce the load on the MN by enabling coordinated operations between multiple SNs, particularly through L1/L2 triggered mobility (LTM) and cell switching.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If UE connects with multiple SNs in multi-connectivity, then connectivity versatility is improved, but the load on MN increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control function by introducing a dedicated control function in the SN that is separate from the MN's control functions. This segmentation allows the SN to independently manage its own control operations, thereby reducing the control load on the MN while maintaining multi-connectivity versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a control function intermediary mechanism where the SN performs control operations independently and communicates necessary information to the MN. This intermediary approach allows the SN to act as an independent control entity, reducing the burden on the MN while enabling multiple SN connections.
2Adaptability or versatility
If MN performs configuration and control for multiple SNs, then multi-connectivity is enabled, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control complexity by creating an independent control function within the SN. This segmentation divides the control tasks between the MN and SN, where the SN handles its own control operations independently, thereby reducing the overall control complexity management burden on the MN.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of having the MN centrally control all SNs, the patent inverts the control relationship by enabling each SN to perform its own control operations independently. This inversion of the traditional centralized control model reduces the complexity of managing multiple SNs from the MN's perspective.
3Power
If control authority is transferred to SNs, then load on MN is reduced, but coordination complexity between SNs increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where SNs report their control operations and status to the MN, and the MN provides feedback instructions. This feedback loop enables coordinated operation between multiple SNs while the MN maintains overall awareness and control, reducing the burden on individual SNs to coordinate independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the control functions of multiple SNs under a coordinated framework where the MN synthesizes control decisions from multiple SNs. This merging approach allows the MN to manage coordination complexity centrally while individual SNs operate independently, balancing load reduction with coordinated control.
Data Source
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AI summary
A communication method for a user equipment to perform wireless communication with a master node and a plurality of secondary nodes in a mobile communication system includes performing, at a master node, processing of transferring, to at least one of a plurality of secondary nodes, a control authority for performing, on a user equipment, configuration and/or control related to a coordinated operation between the plurality of secondary nodes, and performing, at the secondary node to which the control authority is transferred, the configuration and/or control related to the coordinated operation on the user equipment.