PSCell Switching With Bearer Release in 5G Dual Connectivity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mechanisms in 5G networks do not support the simultaneous occurrence of serving cell switching and bearer release during PSCell changes, leading to inefficiencies in signaling and resource management.

Innovation Solution

A method and device for switching a serving cell that allows a secondary node to transmit a modification request to a master node, enabling the switching of a serving cell and releasing a bearer, with confirmation messages ensuring efficient signaling and resource management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If existing mechanisms are used for PSCell changes, then serving cell switching can be performed, but bearer release cannot occur simultaneously leading to signaling inefficiency

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignaling transmission efficiencyVSAvoidnetwork flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the serving cell switching procedure and bearer release procedure into a single integrated process. The master node simultaneously executes both operations based on a unified decision, allowing the secondary node to switch serving cells and release bearers in one coordinated action rather than as separate sequential procedures, thereby eliminating redundant signaling and improving efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The master node is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously - it acts as both the controlling entity for serving cell switching and the decision-making entity for bearer release. This multi-functionality allows a single node to coordinate both operations without requiring additional intermediate signaling or separate control procedures, enhancing both efficiency and network flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Loss of energy

If serving cell switching and bearer release are performed separately, then each operation can be controlled independently, but signaling resources are wasted due to multiple separate procedures

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignaling resource consumptionVSAvoidindependent control capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines two separate control procedures into one unified procedure where the master node simultaneously manages both serving cell switching and bearer release. This merging eliminates the need for separate signaling exchanges while maintaining independent control logic within the unified procedure, thereby reducing signaling resource consumption without sacrificing operational independence.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Productivity

If simultaneous serving cell switching and bearer release is enabled, then signaling efficiency improves, but system complexity increases due to coordination requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource utilization efficiencyVSAvoidcoordination mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The master node autonomously makes the decision to simultaneously perform serving cell switching and bearer release based on network conditions, without requiring complex coordination protocols or additional control messages. The secondary node executes the operations as directed, with the master node self-managing the coordination logic internally, thereby simplifying the overall system architecture while achieving efficient resource utilization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS12477407B2Method and device for switching a serving cell and method and device supporting on-demand system information message
Publication Date: 2025.11.18 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • US12477407B2 patent drawing
  • US12477407B2 patent drawing
  • US12477407B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a communication method and system for converging a 5th-Generation (5G) communication system for supporting higher data rates beyond a 4th-Generation (4G) system with a technology for Internet of Things (IoT). The present disclosure may be applied to intelligent services based on the 5G communication technology and the IoT-related technology, such as smart home, smart building, smart city, smart car, connected car, health care, digital education, smart retail, security and safety services. The disclosure provides a method and device for switching a serving cell.