SCG Suspension Signaling for Dual Connectivity Power Optimization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless communication networks, particularly in dual connectivity scenarios, the existing technologies face challenges in efficiently managing the suspension and resumption of secondary cell groups (SCGs) to optimize power consumption and reduce delays associated with RRC signaling and inter-node messaging, especially when traffic is bursty and the PSCell cannot be configured for dormant states or dormancy-like behavior.
Innovation Solution
Implement mechanisms for suspending and resuming the SCG/PSCell based on specific conditions such as uplink and downlink inactivity, network load, and throughput, allowing the network to trigger these actions through MN or SN, with efficient signaling protocols to minimize delays and optimize power usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the SCG is released and readded when traffic demands require, then power consumption is reduced, but signaling delays and inter-node messaging overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The network node stores the SCG configuration information in advance before it is needed. When traffic demand arises, the pre-stored configuration can be quickly retrieved and applied without requiring full re-signaling, thus reducing signaling delays while maintaining power-saving benefits during low-traffic periods
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates and maintains a copy of the SCG configuration information at the network node. This copy can be rapidly deployed when needed without requiring complete re-transmission of configuration data, thereby reducing the time penalty associated with SCG reactivation while preserving energy during suspension periods
2Use of energy by moving object
If the PSCell is configured for dormant states, then power consumption is optimized, but adaptability to different deployment scenarios is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention implements a universal suspension mechanism that can be applied across different dual-connectivity deployment scenarios (EN-DC, NE-DC, NGEN-DC, NR-DC). The SCG suspension and resumption functionality provides multi-functional adaptability, allowing the same mechanism to work regardless of which node (LTE or NR) serves as master or secondary, thus maintaining deployment flexibility while achieving power savings
3Loss of energy
If RRC signaling and inter-node messaging are minimized during SCG suspension, then signaling overhead is reduced, but the complexity of suspension and resumption management increases
Solution Approach 1:
The network node automatically manages the SCG suspension and resumption process based on traffic conditions. The system self-determines when suspension is appropriate, stores the configuration autonomously, and initiates resumption when needed, reducing the need for complex manual management while minimizing signaling overhead through automated decision-making
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments described herein include a method, in a user equipment, UE, operating in dual connectivity, DC, with a master node, MN, and a secondary node, SN, for suspending a secondary cell group, SCG. The method comprises receiving, from a first radio network node, RNN, a command to suspend the SCG, and, in response to receiving the command, suspending the SCG. This first RNN may be the MN or the SN, in various embodiments. In some embodiments the method may further comprise receiving a command to resume operation with the SCG and, in response to the command to resume operation, resuming operation with the SCG.