PSCell Preconfiguration Coordination in MR-DC Dual Connectivity

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Solution Overview

Problem

In Multi-RAT Dual Connectivity (MR-DC) operations, there is a lack of effective coordination and resource management between the master node (MN) and secondary node (SN) for PSCell preconfiguration, leading to potential configuration conflicts and inefficiencies in managing conditional PSCell changes.

Innovation Solution

A cell management method and apparatus that enables collaborative management of candidate PSCells/SCGs between master and secondary nodes, allowing for conditional PSCell change (CPC) operations, including query, pre-configuration, and release of candidate PSCells/SCGs to optimize resource usage and reduce conflicts.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If the SN performs local PSCell preconfiguration transparent to MN, then the PSCell change can be executed quickly, but the coordination and control between MN and SN deteriorates leading to configuration conflicts

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovePSCell change execution speedVSAvoidconfiguration coordination reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the SN reports preconfigured PSCell information to the MN, and the MN provides guidance on whether to retain or release these configurations. This feedback loop ensures that local preconfiguration operations maintain proper coordination and avoid conflicts while preserving execution speed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces the MN as an intermediary that coordinates between the SN's local preconfiguration operations and the overall system state. The MN receives reports from SN, makes coordination decisions, and manages the release of PSCell configurations, ensuring that local actions do not create conflicts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the SN autonomously manages candidate PSCells without MN involvement, then the operational complexity for MN is reduced, but the resource management efficiency and conflict resolution capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveMN operational complexityVSAvoidresource management efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the PSCell management responsibilities: the SN handles local preconfiguration and reporting (operational simplicity), while the MN handles coordination, decision-making, and resource management (efficiency and conflict resolution). This segmentation allows each node to focus on appropriate tasks without excessive complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If PSCell preconfiguration is performed without MN knowledge, then the SN has greater autonomy, but configuration conflicts and resource waste increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveSN autonomyVSAvoidresource waste
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables the SN to perform preliminary PSCell preconfiguration actions autonomously, but requires the SN to report these configurations to the MN. The MN then coordinates the overall resource allocation, ensuring that preliminary actions taken by the SN do not lead to conflicts or waste while preserving the benefits of autonomous preconfiguration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4132091B1Cell management method and apparatus, device and storage medium
Publication Date: 2026.03.25 ZTE CORP
  • EP4132091B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4132091B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4132091B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

Disclosed in the present specification are a cell management method and apparatus, a device and a storage medium. The cell management method is used in a first communication node and comprises: sending a first dual-connection control message to a second communication node, wherein the first dual-connection control message is used for instructing the second communication node to manage related information of a conditional candidate target PSCell; and receiving the related information of the conditional candidate target PSCell sent by the second communication node.