Reference DRX Cycle for Dual Connectivity Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
In Dual Connectivity (DC) mode, the existing DRX configuration for User Equipment (UE) in LTE networks leads to uncertainties in inter-frequency and inter-RAT measurement performance due to separate DRX cycles for Master/Main Cell Group (MCG) and Secondary Cell Group (SCG), resulting in inconsistent measurement results across different UE implementations.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for determining and using a reference DRX cycle for a UE operating in DC mode, where a network node configures a reference DRX cycle based on criteria such as measurement requirements, UE capability, and backhaul link conditions, allowing the UE to perform inter-frequency and inter-RAT measurements consistently across different cell groups.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If separate DRX cycles are configured for MCG and SCG in Dual Connectivity mode, then the UE can independently optimize power saving for each cell group, but measurement performance becomes inconsistent and uncertain across different UE implementations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a reference DRX cycle as an intermediary parameter that mediates between the separate MCG and SCG DRX cycles. This reference cycle serves as a common basis for measurement timing, ensuring that measurements across different cell groups are performed consistently. The network node determines the reference DRX cycle based on both MCG and SCG configurations, and the UE uses this reference cycle to time its measurements, thereby resolving the inconsistency caused by independent DRX cycle configurations while preserving power saving benefits.
2Adaptability or versatility
If independent DRX configurations are used for MCG and SCG, then flexibility in optimizing each cell group is improved, but measurement delays increase due to lack of coordination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the network node determine and configure the reference DRX cycle before the UE performs measurements. The reference DRX cycle is pre-calculated based on the MCG and SCG DRX configurations, allowing the UE to align its measurement timing in advance. This preliminary determination of the reference cycle enables the UE to plan measurement occasions without waiting for dynamic coordination during operation, thereby reducing measurement delays while maintaining configuration flexibility.
3Use of energy by moving object
If separate DRX cycles are configured for each cell group, then power saving optimization is improved, but device complexity increases due to coordination requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the coordination complexity from the UE by having the network node perform the reference DRX cycle determination. Instead of requiring the UE to independently manage and coordinate multiple DRX cycles, the network node calculates the reference DRX cycle based on the configured MCG and SCG parameters and provides it to the UE. This extraction of the complex calculation function to the network side simplifies the UE's DRX management while preserving the power saving benefits of separate cell group configurations.
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems and methods are disclosed herein relating to determining and using a reference Discontinuous Reception (DRX) cycle for a User Equipment device (UE) operating in a Dual Connectivity (DC) mode of operation, in some embodiments, a method of operation of a UE comprises obtaining a first DRX cycie for a Master/Main Celi Group (MCG) of the UE for a DC mode of operation and a second DRX cycle for a Secondary Cell Group (SCG) of the UE for the DC mode of operation and determining at ieast one reference DRX cycle for the UE. The method further comprises performing one or more radio measurements on one or more cel!s based on the at Ieast one reference DRX cycle, the one or more radio measurements being one or more inter-frequency radio measurements and/or one or more inter-Radio Access Technology (RAT) radio measurements.