Dual Connectivity Measurement Gap Configuration for NR
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current techniques for New Radio (NR) systems face challenges in configuring measurement gaps and estimating activation/deactivation delays, particularly in Dual Connectivity scenarios, where the coordination between Master Nodes (MN) and Secondary Nodes (SN) is unclear, leading to inefficiencies and inconsistencies in measurement gap configuration and timing.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves different options for measurement gap configuration, including exclusive assignment by MN or SN, coordinated configuration to ensure consistency, and the use of specific signaling methods to manage measurement gaps and timing for Secondary Cells (SCells) across different frequency ranges, allowing for independent gap configurations and separate RFICs to minimize interruption delays.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If measurement gap configuration is coordinated between MN and SN, then measurement consistency and reliability are improved, but configuration complexity and signaling overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the measurement gap configuration into two independent parts: one configured by MN for measurements related to MN's serving cells, and another configured by SN for measurements related to SN's serving cells. This segmentation allows each node to independently manage its own measurement requirements without complex coordination, reducing configuration complexity while maintaining measurement consistency through separate, dedicated gap configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension of independence by allowing dual measurement gap configurations - one dimension managed by MN and another by SN. This dimensional separation transforms the problem from a single coordinated configuration to multiple independent configurations operating in parallel, eliminating the need for complex inter-node coordination while ensuring comprehensive measurement coverage.
2Productivity
If activation delay is reduced for SCells, then network responsiveness and productivity are improved, but timing accuracy and coordination between nodes deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring measurement gaps and pre-establishing timing relationships before SCell activation is needed. The network pre-calculates and signals the activation delay values to the UE in advance, allowing the UE to prepare for rapid activation without compromising timing accuracy. This preliminary preparation enables fast activation响应 while maintaining precise timing control through pre-planned gap configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic timing adjustment mechanisms where activation delay values can be flexibly configured based on current network conditions, UE capabilities, and service requirements. The system dynamically selects appropriate delay values from a set of predefined options, enabling rapid activation when needed while maintaining timing accuracy through adaptive adjustment of gap configurations and activation timing parameters.
3Measurement precision
If per-FR measurement gaps are configured, then measurement precision and frequency-specific optimization are improved, but device complexity and configuration overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by configuring measurement gaps specifically tailored to each frequency range's characteristics. Different gap lengths, positions, and patterns are optimized for FR1 and FR2 respectively, considering their different propagation characteristics, bandwidths, and measurement requirements. This localized optimization improves measurement precision for each frequency range while the independent configuration approach actually reduces overall complexity by avoiding the need for complex multi-frequency coordination.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques discussed herein can facilitate measurement gap configuration and/or determination of activation or deactivation delays for NR (New Radio) UEs (User Equipments). A first set of aspects can involve coordination of measurement gap configuration for a UE between a MN (Master Node) and SN (Secondary Node). A second set of aspects can involve estimation of timing for activation and/or deactivation of SCell(s) (Secondary Cell(s)) in DC (Dual Connectivity) scenarios. Various embodiments can employ techniques of the first set of aspects and/or the second set of aspects.