PUCCH Cell Switching with DRX Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current PUCCH cell switching methods in 5G networks do not effectively account for cell Discontinuous Reception (DRX) non-active periods, leading to unnecessary loss of Uplink Control Information (UCI) due to PUCCH transmission in cells that are DRX inactive, which results in inefficient energy use and radio performance degradation.
Innovation Solution
A communications apparatus and method that determine the appropriate cell for PUCCH transmission based on DRX configurations, switching to an alternative cell when the primary cell is in a DRX non-active period to prevent UCI loss, utilizing DRX configurations and time-domain patterns to ensure continuous PUCCH transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If PUCCH cell switching is performed without considering cell DRX non-active periods, then cell switching operations can proceed normally, but UCI loss occurs during DRX non-active periods
Solution Approach 1:
The UE checks the DRX non-active period status of the target cell before performing PUCCH cell switching. By performing this check in advance, the system prevents UCI loss that would occur if switching happened during non-active periods, while maintaining relatively simple switching logic
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses DRX configuration information (obtained through RRC signaling) to provide feedback about cell activity status. This feedback mechanism allows the UE to make informed decisions about PUCCH transmission timing, improving reliability without significantly increasing complexity
2Productivity
If PUCCH transmission occurs during cell DRX non-active periods, then transmission operations can proceed, but energy efficiency deteriorates due to unnecessary transmissions
Solution Approach 1:
The UE checks DRX non-active period status before initiating PUCCH transmission or cell switching. This preliminary check prevents energy-wasting transmissions during non-active periods while maintaining normal transmission efficiency during active periods
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potentially harmful effect of DRX non-active periods into a beneficial timing mechanism. By aligning PUCCH transmissions with DRX active periods, the system uses the DRX structure to optimize energy efficiency rather than viewing it as a constraint
3Ease of operation
If PUCCH cell switching ignores DRX timing information, then switching procedures are simpler, but radio performance degrades due to UCI loss
Solution Approach 1:
The UE obtains DRX configuration information through RRC signaling and checks it before PUCCH cell switching. This preliminary action ensures reliable transmissions while keeping the switching procedure relatively simple by using pre-configured timing information
Data Source
AI summary
A communications apparatus, configured for determining a cell for Physical Uplink Control Channel, PUCCH, transmission for each of a plurality of slots configured, wherein the communications apparatus is configured to communicate via a first cell and a second cell, and the communications apparatus includes at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the communications apparatus at least to obtain a first cell Discontinuous Reception, DRX, configuration for the first cell, the first cell DRX configuration including cell DRX non-active periods and/or cell DRX active periods for the plurality of slots; and if detecting a slot for which the first cell is at least partially in a cell DRX non-active period during the slot, determine the second cell as a cell for PUCCH transmission during the detected slot.