Secondary Cell Group Deactivation in 5G Dual Connectivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 5G communication systems face inefficiencies in managing secondary cell groups (SCGs) due to increased signaling and latency when configuring dual connectivity, particularly in scenarios where SCGs are no longer needed, leading to suboptimal resource utilization and increased power consumption.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method to trigger the deactivation and reactivation of SCGs based on data activity timers, T3xy timers, and connected mode-discontinuous reception (C-DRX) counters, allowing for efficient management of SCGs through RRC and MAC signaling, enabling automatic deactivation and reactivation based on specific criteria.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If SCG is configured early in connection setup, then dual connectivity is established quickly, but signaling overhead and latency increase when SCG is no longer required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic SCG management by introducing deactivation and reactivation mechanisms. The SCG can be deactivated when no longer needed and reactivated when required, transitioning from a static configured state to a dynamic state that adapts to current network conditions. This is achieved through MAC CE commands and specific triggers that allow flexible activation/deactivation without full reconfiguration procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by maintaining the SCG in a deactivated but configured state rather than releasing it completely. The SCG configuration remains stored and can be quickly reactivated when needed, avoiding the time-consuming process of re-establishing dual connectivity from scratch. This preliminary maintenance of configuration enables fast reactivation without full reconfiguration signaling.
2Loss of energy
If SCG is released and reverted to single connectivity, then resource utilization is optimized, but signaling overhead increases for later reconfiguration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic state management for SCG with three states: activated, deactivated, and released. The deactivation state serves as an intermediate state where the SCG configuration is maintained but resources are not fully allocated. This dynamic state allows the system to optimize power consumption by deactivating unused SCG while avoiding the signaling overhead of complete release and reconfiguration cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the discarding and recovering principle by discarding (deactivating) the SCG when not needed to save power, while maintaining the configuration for potential recovery. When the SCG is deactivated, active resources are released to reduce power consumption, but the configuration information is preserved and can be quickly recovered through reactivation without full reconfiguration signaling.
3Loss of time
If multiple timer mechanisms are implemented for SCG management, then activation/deactivation timing is optimized, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the SCG management timing mechanisms into distinct functional timers: data inactivity timer for detecting when SCG should be deactivated, T3xy timer for monitoring deactivation duration, and C-DRX counter for connected mode discontinuous reception. Each timer serves a specific purpose in the activation/deactivation workflow, allowing precise control over timing while maintaining clear separation of concerns and manageable complexity.
Data Source
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. A method performed by a user equipment (UE) in a wireless communication system is provided. The method includes receiving, from a first base station, information associated with a deactivation of a cell group of a second base station, determining whether to deactivate the cell group of the second base station based on the information, and transmitting, to the first base station, a first message for the deactivation of the cell group of the second base station in case that the cell group of the second base station is determined to be deactivated.