SCG Activation and Deactivation in MR-DC for Battery-Efficient 5G
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The 3GPP 5G system lacks specific mechanisms for efficient SCG deactivation and activation in a multi-radio dual connectivity (MR-DC) scenario, particularly in scenarios involving NR and E-UTRA access, which affects UE battery consumption and network efficiency.
Innovation Solution
Implementing methods and apparatuses for SCG deactivation and activation procedures, initiated by UE, MN, or SN, based on user data volume, inactivity, or link failures, using indicators and timers to manage SCG states efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If SCG remains continuously activated to maintain network connectivity and responsiveness, then network responsiveness and connectivity are improved, but UE battery consumption increases and network resources are wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic SCG activation/deactivation mechanisms where the SCG state transitions between active and deactivated based on real-time conditions. The network can deactivate the SCG when not needed (saving UE battery) and reactivate it when required (maintaining connectivity). This is achieved through conditional handover configurations and activation/deactivation commands that allow the SCG to be dynamically adjusted rather than remaining statically activated.
2Loss of energy
If SCG is deactivated to save UE battery and reduce resource usage, then energy efficiency is improved, but network responsiveness and connectivity reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs preliminary configuration of conditional handover and SCG activation parameters before actual SCG deactivation occurs. The network pre-configures the UE with handover conditions, measurement thresholds, and activation commands so that when SCG needs to be deactivated, the transition can occur smoothly without service interruption. This preliminary setup ensures that even when SCG is deactivated for energy saving, the network can rapidly reactivate it when needed.
3Loss of energy
If detailed SCG activation/deactivation mechanisms are implemented to optimize energy efficiency, then energy management capability is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent leverages existing multi-functional mechanisms in the NR system, such as conditional handover procedures and existing activation/deactivation command structures, to implement SCG management. Rather than creating entirely new complex mechanisms, the solution reuses and extends existing universal procedures that can serve multiple purposes (handover, activation, deactivation), thereby reducing the need for separate dedicated mechanisms and lowering overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present application relate to methods and apparatuses for a secondary cell group (SCG) deactivation mechanism and a SCG activation mechanism in a multi-radio dual connectivity (MR-DC) scenario under a 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) 5G New Radio (NR) system or the like. According to an embodiment of the present application, a method can include: in response to detecting user data volume decrease or user data inactivity at a SCG, deciding to deactivate the SCG; and in response to deciding to deactivate the SCG, performing a SCG deactivation procedure.