PSCell Activation Control for SCG Power Saving and Fast Resumption
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Solution Overview
Problem
The continuous activation of the Primary Secondary Cell (PSCell) in a Secondary Cell Group (SCG) leads to unnecessary power consumption and reduced battery life in User Equipment (UE) due to the need for data transmission that is not always present.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of indicators in RRC messages or MAC CEs for suspending or resuming the SCG or deactivating/activating the PSCell, along with an enhanced RRC connection resume procedure to keep the SCG suspended until early measurement reporting is completed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the PSCell is kept activated for all times as long as the SCG is configured, then the SCG can provide additional radio resources, but unnecessary power consumption increases and battery life is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic activation and deactivation of the PSCell based on traffic conditions. The network can send activation/deactivation commands to the UE, allowing the PSCell to transition between active and inactive states. This dynamic state change enables the system to maintain data transmission capability when needed while reducing power consumption when traffic is absent, directly resolving the contradiction between continuous availability and energy efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameter of the PSCell from a static 'always active' state to a dynamic state that can be switched between active and inactive. By introducing activation and deactivation commands that modify the PSCell's operational status, the system can adapt to varying traffic conditions, reducing power consumption during low-traffic periods while maintaining transmission capability when required.
2Duration of action of moving object
If the PSCell is deactivated to save power, then battery life is extended, but the ability to quickly resume data transmission is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary configuration where the PSCell is pre-configured with all necessary parameters and resources during initial SCG setup. When activation is commanded, the UE can quickly resume transmission because the configuration is already in place and only needs to be activated, not created from scratch. This preliminary preparation reduces the resumption time penalty while still allowing deactivation for power saving.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a dynamic activation mechanism where the PSCell can be quickly switched from inactive to active state upon receiving an activation command. This dynamic switching capability ensures that even though the PSCell can be deactivated for power saving, it can be rapidly reactivated when traffic resumes, minimizing the impact on transmission speed while maximizing battery life benefits.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, executed by a User Equipment (UE) communicatively connected to a Secondary Cell Group (SCG) of a mobile communication network, is provided. The method includes the following steps: receiving a first Radio Resource Control (RRC) message or a Media Access Control (MAC) Control Element (CE) including an indicator for suspension or resumption of the SCG or for deactivation or activation of a Primary Secondary Cell (PSCell) of the SCG from the mobile communication network; suspending SCG transmission for all radio bearers in response to the first RRC message or the MAC CE including an indicator for suspension of the SCG or deactivation of the PSCell; and resuming SCG transmission for all radio bearers in response to the first RRC message or the MAC CE including an indicator for resumption of the SCG or activation of the PSCell.