Primary Cell Switching with Active BWP Handling in Wireless Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems face challenges in dynamically changing primary cells (PCells) and efficiently managing bandwidth parts (BWPs) and DRX group configurations, leading to potential inactivation of target cells and increased energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for dynamically changing PCells by performing random access procedures, configuring cells as primary or secondary cells, and switching active bandwidth parts based on cell states to prevent inactivation and optimize energy use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the base station changes PCell to a second cell, then the terminal can be served by a different cell, but the second cell may be in inactive state causing communication failure
Solution Approach 1:
The base station checks whether the second cell is in active state before initiating PCell change to the second cell. This preliminary verification ensures that the target cell is ready to receive and process communication signals, preventing communication failure due to cell inactivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where the base station first determines the state of the second cell (active or inactive) before executing the PCell change. This intermediary state check acts as a gateway to ensure successful handover.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the base station changes PCell to an inactive second cell, then the terminal switches cells, but energy consumption increases due to unnecessary cell activation
Solution Approach 1:
The base station performs a preliminary check to determine whether the second cell is in active state before initiating PCell change. This prevents the base station from attempting to switch to inactive cells, thereby avoiding unnecessary energy consumption for cell activation and associated overhead.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potential harm of cell inactivity into a benefit by using the inactive state information to make informed PCell change decisions. Instead of blindly attempting cell switches, the base station leverages state information to select appropriate target cells, reducing wasted energy on unsuccessful handovers.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the base station frequently changes PCell, then the terminal can adapt to network conditions, but the DRX group configuration becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The base station determines the state of the second cell based on feedback information about cell activity and usage patterns. This feedback mechanism enables the base station to make intelligent PCell change decisions while maintaining manageable DRX group configurations by leveraging existing state information rather than creating new complex configurations.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to an apparatus and method for changing a primary cell (PCell) in a wireless communication system, and a method for operating a terminal may include performing a random access procedure with a base station, configuring a first cell as a PCell among cells of the base station, configuring a second cell as a secondary cell (SCell) among the cells of the base station, receiving an indication to change the PCell to the second cell, and based on the second cell being in inactive state or an active bandwidth part (BWP) of the terminal being dormant in the second cell, changing the PCell to a third cell different from the second cell or changing the PCell to the second cell after switching the active BWP.