Secondary Cell Control Signaling for Primary Link Failure

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Solution Overview

Problem

Wireless communication systems face challenges in maintaining network performance and coverage when a primary cell link failure occurs, leading to interruptions in control signaling and potential dropped communications.

Innovation Solution

The method involves identifying a resource in a secondary cell associated with a base station and communicating control signaling using that resource as a response to a primary cell link failure, enabling continued communication and preventing interruptions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If control signaling is transmitted only through the primary cell, then the control signaling path is simple and clear, but the system reliability deteriorates when primary cell link failure occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol signaling reliabilityVSAvoidcontrol signaling path complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a secondary cell as an intermediary resource for control signaling transmission when the primary cell link fails. The secondary cell acts as a mediator to carry control signaling between the UE and network, bypassing the failed primary cell link and maintaining communication reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic switching of control signaling transmission paths based on the status of the primary cell. When the primary cell link is healthy, control signaling uses the primary cell; when link failure is detected, the system dynamically transitions to using the secondary cell for control signaling, optimizing reliability based on real-time conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the secondary cell is deactivated during primary cell link failure, then the device complexity is reduced, but the network coverage and performance deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork coverageVSAvoidcell management complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the secondary cell multi-functional by enabling it to serve not only as a data transmission cell but also as a control signaling transmission cell when the primary cell fails. This universal usage of the secondary cell for both data and control purposes maintains network coverage and adaptability without requiring additional cells.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary configuration of the secondary cell with control signaling capabilities before primary cell link failure occurs. By pre-configuring the secondary cell to handle control signaling, the system can quickly activate this backup path when needed without complex real-time setup, reducing management complexity while maintaining coverage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS11350477B2Control signaling after primary cell link failure

Publication Date: 2022.05.31 QUALCOMM INC

AI summary

Various aspects of the present disclosure generally relate to wireless communication. In some aspects, a user equipment (UE) and/or a base station (BS) may identify in connection with a link failure of a primary cell, a resource in a secondary cell. The UE and/or the BS may communicate control signaling with the BS using the resource in the secondary cell as a response to the link failure of the primary cell. Numerous other aspects are provided.