Secondary Cell Group Activation and Deactivation in MR-DC Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for configuring secondary cell groups (SCG) in multi-radio access technology (RAT) dual connectivity networks lead to increased signaling and latency, especially when SCG is no longer required.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for triggering the deactivation and re-activation of SCG in a MR-DC network, using data inactivity timers, T3xy timers, and C-DRX counters to automatically manage SCG status based on activity levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If SCG is configured early in connection setup, then dual connectivity is available for services, 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 service requirements. This resolves the contradiction by allowing service availability when needed while avoiding persistent signaling overhead.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the discarding and recovering principle by deactivating the SCG (discarding its active state) when services no longer require dual connectivity, and reactivating it (recovering the active state) when services need it again. This avoids permanent configuration overhead while maintaining quick reactivation capability through stored configuration information.
2Loss of time
If SCG is deactivated to reduce signaling, then latency decreases, but reactivation requires additional signaling overhead
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by maintaining SCG configuration information in a stored state during deactivation. Instead of completely releasing the configuration, the network and UE retain the necessary parameters and settings, enabling fast reactivation without full reconfiguration signaling. This preliminary retention of configuration data reduces reactivation complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying by maintaining a copy of the SCG configuration information in both the network and UE memory during deactivated state. This copied configuration data allows rapid reactivation without requiring complete signaling exchange, as the stored copy can be quickly reinstated, reducing reactivation overhead while maintaining configuration accuracy.
3Reliability
If SCG remains active continuously, then service availability is maintained, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action through controlled activation and deactivation cycles of the SCG. Instead of continuous operation, the SCG is activated only during periods when services require dual connectivity and deactivated during periods when single connectivity suffices. This periodic on-demand operation maintains service availability when needed while significantly reducing overall power consumption during deactivated periods.
4Use of energy by moving object
If SCG is released to single connectivity, then power consumption decreases, but service quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by implementing flexible switching between single connectivity and dual connectivity modes based on real-time service requirements. The system dynamically transitions to single connectivity (releasing SCG) when services can be adequately served with lower power consumption, and dynamically switches back to dual connectivity when service quality requirements demand it. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by matching connectivity mode to actual service needs.
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. The disclosure relates to a method and an apparatus to trigger deactivation and re-activation of a secondary cell group (SCG) in a multi-radio access Technology (RAT) dual connectivity (MR-DC) network.