UE-Triggered SCG Activation via Random Access in MR-DC

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current 3GPP 5G systems lack detailed procedures for user equipment (UE) triggered secondary cell group (SCG) activation in multi-radio dual connectivity (MR-DC) scenarios, leading to inefficiencies and high power consumption due to unresolved issues with existing SCG activation methods, particularly in cases of master cell group (MCG) failures and handshake delays.

Innovation Solution

A method for UE to trigger a random access (RA) procedure to activate a deactivated SCG, combined with new timers for the RA procedure, allowing for efficient SCG activation even in MCG failure scenarios, and ensuring the SN does not reject the activation request.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the UE triggers a random access procedure to activate a deactivated SCG in MR-DC scenario, then the SCG activation can be initiated by the UE, but the procedure may be rejected by the MN or SN causing activation failure

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveUE triggered SCG activation capabilityVSAvoidSCG activation success rate

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The network configures the UE with SCG activation indication information and random access configuration information in advance through RRC signaling. This preliminary configuration enables the UE to autonomously trigger SCG activation by performing random access procedures without requiring real-time network intervention, thus improving both UE adaptability and activation reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The UE is empowered to autonomously decide and execute SCG activation by triggering random access procedures based on pre-configured parameters. The UE monitors for activation indications and independently initiates the activation process, reducing dependency on continuous network control while maintaining reliable activation through pre-planned configurations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Speed

If the UE continuously monitors for SCG activation opportunities, then the UE can quickly activate SCG when needed, but the power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveSCG activation response timeVSAvoidUE power consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The network configures the UE with a monitoring occasion period for detecting SCG activation indications. Instead of continuous monitoring, the UE checks for activation indications only at these periodic intervals, significantly reducing power consumption while maintaining the ability to quickly respond when activation is needed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The UE autonomously manages its monitoring behavior based on pre-configured parameters, activating monitoring only when conditions are met and entering low-power states otherwise. This self-managed approach balances responsive activation with energy conservation without requiring continuous network coordination

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS12628206B2Methods and apparatuses for a user equipment (UE) triggered secondary cell group (SCG) activation procedure

Publication Date: 2026.05.12 LENOVO (BEIJING) LTD

AI summary

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to methods and apparatuses for a user equipment (UE) triggered secondary cell group (SCG) activation procedure in a multi-radio dual connectivity (MR-DC) scenario. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a method which may be performed by a UE includes: deciding whether to activate a SCG associated with a secondary node (SN), wherein the SCG has been deactivated; and in response to deciding to activate the SCG, triggering a random access (RA) procedure to the SN.