RRC Reconfiguration Handling for Secondary Cell Group Configuration

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Solution Overview

Problem

In the context of next-generation mobile communication systems, specifically in the 5G network, there is a need for a standardized method to handle RRC reconfiguration messages that include configuration of secondary cell groups for terminals supporting multi-radio access technology dual connectivity (MR-DC), particularly regarding the identification and delivery of signaling radio bearers, random access procedures, and security key applications.

Innovation Solution

The proposed solution outlines a detailed operation for terminals to handle RRC reconfiguration messages, including identifying the signaling radio bearer used for delivering RRC reconfiguration messages, determining if they include secondary cell group configuration, generating and delivering RRC complete messages, and applying security keys to secondary cell groups, ensuring seamless operation and security in MR-DC environments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If RRC reconfiguration message includes configuration of secondary cell group for MR-DC terminal, then dual connectivity performance is improved, but message complexity and processing overhead increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedual connectivity performanceVSAvoidmessage complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the RRC reconfiguration message into distinct components: primary cell group configuration and secondary cell group configuration. This segmentation allows the terminal to process each cell group independently, managing complexity through structured division of configuration elements while enabling dual connectivity functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary action by performing security key application and configuration validation before actual secondary cell group activation. The terminal processes security keys and configuration parameters in advance, ensuring that when the secondary cell group is activated, the terminal is already prepared with necessary security context and configuration data, reducing processing overhead during runtime.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If security keys are applied to secondary cell group, then communication security is improved, but processing time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication securityVSAvoidprocessing time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by applying security keys to the secondary cell group configuration during the RRC reconfiguration phase, before the actual cell group activation. This advance preparation ensures that when the secondary cell group becomes operational, security is already established, eliminating the need for separate key application procedures and reducing overall processing time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the security key application process with the configuration delivery process. By combining these two operations into a single integrated procedure within the RRC reconfiguration message, the patent eliminates sequential processing overhead and reduces the total time required to establish secure communication on the secondary cell group.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Measurement precision

If signaling radio bearer identification is implemented, then message delivery accuracy is improved, but terminal processing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemessage delivery accuracyVSAvoidterminal processing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the message routing process by identifying specific signaling radio bearers for different configuration types. Primary cell group configurations are routed through designated bearers, while secondary cell group configurations use separate bearer identification. This segmentation enables accurate message delivery through bearer-specific routing rules while keeping terminal processing logic organized and manageable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the terminal confirms receipt and correct interpretation of RRC reconfiguration messages through standardized acknowledgment procedures. The network receives feedback on configuration status and can retransmit or adjust configurations as needed, ensuring accurate message delivery while maintaining simple terminal processing through standardized feedback protocols.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS11596020B2Method and apparatus for operating method when terminal receives RRC reconfiguration message including configuration of secondary cell group in next-generation mobile communication system
Publication Date: 2023.02.28 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • US11596020B2 patent drawing
  • US11596020B2 patent drawing
  • US11596020B2 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 an operating method when a terminal receives an RRC reconfiguration message including configuration of a secondary cell group in a next-generation mobile communication system, and an apparatus therefor.