SCG Activation Signaling in Split CU-DU 5G Architecture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional SCell activation/deactivation techniques cause issues in the split CU-DU architecture of 5G networks, leading to inefficient energy consumption by UEs in multi-connectivity scenarios, particularly with NR SCG configurations.
Innovation Solution
Implementing methods for efficient SCG activation/deactivation through coordinated signaling between CU and DU units, utilizing control plane and user plane interfaces, to facilitate faster transitions and reduce energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If conventional SCell activation/deactivation techniques are used in split CU-DU architecture, then the system maintains compatibility with existing protocols, but UE energy consumption increases and activation/deactivation speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the gNB into Centralized Unit (CU) and Distributed Unit (DU) with distinct responsibilities. The CU handles high-layer protocol processing and decision-making, while the DU handles physical layer processing and fast execution. This segmentation allows energy-saving decisions to be made centrally while execution is distributed, reducing UE energy consumption without overwhelming complexity in any single component.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary signaling mechanism between CU and DU that acts as a mediator for activation/deactivation commands. This intermediary layer coordinates the split architecture operations, ensuring that energy-saving actions are properly propagated from the decision-making CU to the executing DU, thereby managing complexity while achieving energy efficiency.
2Speed
If conventional SCell activation/deactivation techniques are used, then protocol compatibility is maintained, but activation/deactivation transition speed is slow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring SCell parameters and maintaining them in a dormant state with all necessary configuration data already prepared. When activation is needed, the pre-configured cells can be quickly activated without full setup procedures, enabling fast transitions while maintaining protocol compatibility through proper state management.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic state management for SCells, allowing them to transition between active, dormant, and deactivated states. This dynamic approach enables fast switching between states based on traffic conditions, with the dormant state serving as a quick-transition intermediate state that maintains configuration without full activation overhead, thus improving speed while preserving reliability.
3Reliability
If multiple cell groups are activated simultaneously, then network coverage and capacity are improved, but UE energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action through discontinuous reception (DRX) cycles and periodic activation/deactivation of SCells based on traffic patterns. Instead of continuously activating all cell groups, the system periodically activates cells when needed and deactivates them during low-activity periods, maintaining network coverage reliability while significantly reducing UE energy consumption during idle periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by dynamically adjusting SCell activation states, bandwidth parts, and transmission power levels based on traffic conditions and UE requirements. This allows the network to maintain adequate coverage by activating only the necessary subset of cell groups at any given time, rather than all cells simultaneously, thereby reducing UE energy consumption while preserving required network coverage.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments include methods for a first node that is configured for dual connectivity with a user equipment (UE) together with a second node of a wireless network. One of the first and second nodes provides a secondary cell group (SCG) for the UE. Such methods include a first unit of the first node receiving an indication of change in activation status of the SCG for the UE, and the first unit of the first node sending the indication of change in activation status to a second unit of the first node or to a first unit of the second node. Some variants include operations performed by the second unit of the first node. One of the first and second units can be a centralized unit (CU), while the other can be a distributed unit (DU). Other embodiments include first unit and first node apparatus configured to perform such methods.