SCell DRX Timer Handling for Faster Carrier Aggregation Scheduling

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Solution Overview

Problem

The activation of secondary serving cells (SCells) in wireless communication networks leads to delayed scheduling, reducing throughput due to the network having to wait for the SCells to enter Active Time before providing scheduling, which is particularly evident in scenarios involving DRX configurations.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a method where the communication device starts a DRX inactivity timer upon activating a serving cell, allowing the network to transmit scheduling information during the timer period, thereby reducing the delay in scheduling the activated SCells.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If the network waits for SCell to enter Active Time before transmitting scheduling information, then the UE can save power by skipping PDCCH monitoring during inactive periods, but scheduling delay increases and throughput decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidscheduling delay

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The network transmits scheduling information for the SCell in advance, before the SCell enters Active Time. The UE is configured with scheduling information that becomes valid when the SCell is activated, eliminating the need to wait for Active Time entry and reducing scheduling delay while maintaining power savings during inactive periods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where scheduling information is transmitted on the PCell (or another serving cell) rather than directly on the SCell. This allows the network to prepare scheduling information in advance that can be quickly applied when the SCell is activated, bridging the gap between power saving and rapid scheduling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If the network transmits scheduling information immediately upon SCell activation, then throughput is improved, but the UE cannot skip PDCCH monitoring and power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovethroughputVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The network transmits scheduling information in advance on the PCell before the SCell is activated. When the SCell is activated, the UE can immediately use the pre-configured scheduling information without needing to monitor PDCCH on the SCell from scratch, achieving rapid throughput improvement while maintaining power savings.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The scheduling information is copied from the PCell to the SCell configuration. The UE receives scheduling configuration on the PCell that is then applied to the SCell upon activation, allowing the SCell to inherit scheduling parameters without requiring separate PDCCH monitoring during the transition period.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple SCells are configured for activation on an as-needed basis, then adaptability to traffic demand is improved, but the complexity of managing activation states increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetraffic demand adaptabilityVSAvoidactivation management complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The PCell serves multiple functions: it acts as the primary control cell and also as the transmission channel for scheduling information of SCells. This universal use of the PCell simplifies the management of multiple SCell activation states by centralizing scheduling information transmission on a single cell that is always active.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The PCell acts as an intermediary that manages the activation coordination for multiple SCells. By transmitting all scheduling information for SCells through the PCell, the system reduces the complexity of managing multiple activation states while maintaining the ability to quickly activate SCells based on traffic demand.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS12587962B2Methods of handling discontinuous reception inactivity timers based on SCell activation and related devices and nodes

Publication Date: 2026.03.24 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)

AI summary

A method is disclosed for operating a communication device that is configured with a plurality of cells to provide carrier aggregation for communication with a wireless communication network. The method includes receiving an instruction to activate a cell of the plurality of cells that are configured for the communication device, and starting a discontinuous reception (DRX) inactivity timer associated with the cell of the plurality of cells responsive to receiving the instruction to active the cell of the plurality of cells. Corresponding communication devices are disclosed. Also, related radio access network nodes and methods are disclosed.