Scheduling Gap Configuration for Multi-USIM Network Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multi-USIM terminal devices experience service interruptions and inefficiencies when switching between networks, particularly due to the conventional use of per-UE scheduling gaps that affect all serving cells, leading to service disruptions and inability to perform simultaneous measurements and data transmission.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a scheduling gap with smaller granularity and handling overlapping gaps by determining specific periods for operations based on priority, length, or ratio, allowing for smoother network switching and reduced service impact on the first network during transitions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a per-UE scheduling gap is configured for all serving cells to enable network switching, then the terminal can switch to the second network device, but service interruptions occur on the first network device
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the scheduling gap configuration from a per-UE level to a per-cell level. Instead of applying a single scheduling gap to all serving cells uniformly, the network can now configure different scheduling gaps for different serving cells. This allows the terminal to switch to the second network device during gaps on specific cells while maintaining service continuity on other cells that do not have scheduling gaps configured, thus resolving the contradiction between network switching capability and service continuity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a scheduling gap is applied to all serving cells, then the terminal can perform measurements and switch networks, but data transmission and measurements cannot occur simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by allowing different scheduling gap configurations for different serving cells based on their specific requirements. Cells that require measurements or network switching can have scheduling gaps configured, while cells that require continuous data transmission can exclude scheduling gaps. This per-cell customization enables simultaneous operations on different cells - measurements and switching on one cell while data transmission continues on another cell without interruption.
3Ease of operation
If the terminal releases connection with first network to switch to second network, then switching is simple, but performance of the first network deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic scheduling gap configuration that adapts to the terminal's network switching needs. Instead of requiring a complete connection release (static approach), the network dynamically configures scheduling gaps on specific serving cells to enable temporary switching to the second network device. The terminal maintains RRC connection with the first network device throughout, allowing flexible, on-demand switching without full connection teardown and recovery, thus preserving first network performance while enabling smooth switching.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to methods, devices and computer readable media for communication. A method of communication comprises receiving, at a terminal device, a configuration of a scheduling gap from a first network device, the scheduling gap being configured for a portion of serving cells of the first network device; and switching, based on the configuration of the scheduling gap, to a second network device while maintaining a radio resource control connection with the first network device. Thereby, a scheduling gap with a smaller granularity can be configured and used, and thus an interruption of a service at the first network device can be avoided as much as possible.