SCG Suspension and Activation for Fast Network Slice Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless communication systems, particularly 5G NR, face challenges in efficiently managing network slices and optimizing cell group configurations for user equipment (UE) to enhance network performance and power efficiency.

Innovation Solution

Implementing methods and apparatuses for UE and base stations to manage master cell group (MCG) and secondary cell group (SCG) configurations through network slice selection assistance information (S-NSSAI) and inactivity timers, allowing for dynamic switching and suspension of SCG to optimize network slice usage and power management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If SCG is kept active to provide network slice services, then network performance and accessibility are improved, but UE power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork slice accessibilityVSAvoidUE power consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic monitoring of network slice status through inactivity timers that periodically check whether the SCG needs to be activated or suspended. The base station monitors network slice availability and UE subscription status at periodic intervals, transitioning the SCG between active and suspended states based on current network conditions rather than maintaining it permanently active.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamic configuration of cell group states, allowing the SCG to transition between active and suspended states based on real-time network slice availability and UE requirements. The base station dynamically adjusts the SCG state by transmitting indication information to the UE, enabling the system to adapt to changing network conditions and optimize power consumption while maintaining reliability when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Loss of energy

If inactivity timers are implemented for MCG and SCG, then power efficiency is improved, but switching complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower efficiencyVSAvoidswitching control complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service timing mechanisms where the base station and UE independently manage inactivity timers without requiring complex coordination protocols. The base station autonomously monitors network slice status and triggers SCG suspension or activation based on timer expiration, while the UE autonomously transitions between cell groups based on base station indications, reducing the need for complex handover procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces inactivity timers as intermediary control elements that mediate between the base station and UE for SCG state management. These timers serve as simple, standardized intermediaries that automatically trigger state transitions without requiring complex negotiation protocols, thereby managing switching complexity through standardized timing mechanisms rather than complex control algorithms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Use of energy by moving object

If SCG suspension is implemented to save power, then power consumption is reduced, but access speed to network slices decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidnetwork slice access speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary configuration of SCG parameters and maintenance of configuration information even when the SCG is suspended. The base station pre-configures necessary parameters and maintains subscription status information, allowing the UE to rapidly reactivate the SCG when network slices become available without requiring full reconfiguration, thus reducing access delay while maintaining power savings during suspension.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex mechanical handover procedures with simplified state transition mechanisms based on timer expiration and indication information. Instead of complex multi-step handover protocols, the system uses straightforward timer-based state changes and base station indications to transition between SCG suspended and active states, reducing access complexity and improving reactivation speed while maintaining power efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS12452780B2Fast slicing switching via SCG suspension or activation

Publication Date: 2025.10.21 QUALCOMM INC

AI summary

Methods, computer program products, and apparatuses for network slices based on master cell group (MCG) or secondary cell group (SCG) configurations are provided. An example method may include transmitting, to a base station, a registration request comprising first single network slice selection assistance information (S-NSSAI) associated with a first network slice and second S-NSSAI associated with a second network slice. The method may include receiving, from the base station, a registration accept message associated with the first network slice and the second network slice. The first network slice may be associated with a first priority higher than a second priority associated with the second network slice. The first network slice may be served by an MCG and the second network slice may be served by an SCG. The method may include initiating a first inactivity timer for the MCG and a second inactivity timer for the SCG.