Secondary Cell Activation Through Two-Stage CQI Reporting
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Solution Overview
Problem
The slow activation delay of secondary cells in wireless communication systems, particularly in 3GPP NR and LTE, hampers efficient utilization of large bandwidths and poses risks for services with stringent latency requirements, leading to performance degradation.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a two-stage Channel Quality Indicator (CQI) reporting mechanism, where an access node device sends concurrent MAC CEs for SCell activation and Semi-Persistent Channel State Information (SP-CSI) reporting on Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH) activation, followed by MAC CE for SP CSI reporting deactivation, allowing independent configuration of reporting periodicity and reducing activation delay.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If conventional MAC CE activation is used for SCell, then the activation procedure is simple, but the activation delay is long (minimum 5 ms to hundreds of milliseconds)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the SCell activation procedure into two independent phases: (1) Activation phase - where the UE activates the SCell and starts periodic CQI reporting, and (2) Deactivation phase - where the network deactivates the SCell and stops CQI reporting. This segmentation allows the UE to prepare for activation in advance and reduces the actual activation delay by separating the preparation time from the execution time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by allowing the UE to configure and prepare CQI reporting resources before actual SCell activation is needed. The UE can pre-configure measurement settings and reporting parameters, so when activation occurs, the reporting can start immediately without waiting for full configuration completion, thus reducing activation delay.
2Loss of energy
If frequent SCell deactivation is performed to save resources, then energy efficiency improves, but the risk of slow re-activation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces feedback mechanisms where the network monitors SCell conditions and provides feedback to adjust activation strategies. The network can detect when an SCell should be deactivated based on actual usage patterns and provides feedback information that allows the UE to optimize its activation timing, reducing the risk of slow re-activation while maintaining energy efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the activation/deactivation timing dynamic by allowing the network to adjust the activation delay parameters based on real-time conditions. The network can dynamically set different activation delays for different SCells or different activation scenarios, optimizing the balance between energy saving and activation reliability for each specific case.
3Productivity
If large bandwidth is utilized in NR, then peak data rates increase (10x compared to LTE), but activation delays become more pronounced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the activation process for large bandwidth SCells into preparation (periodic CQI reporting configuration) and execution (actual activation and data transmission) phases. By separating these phases, the UE can prepare measurement and reporting configurations in advance, allowing the actual activation to occur quickly without the full activation delay, thus enabling fast access to large bandwidth resources.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables preliminary action by allowing the UE to pre-configure CQI reporting parameters and measurement settings before SCell activation. This preliminary configuration allows the UE to be ready for immediate data transmission once activated, reducing the effective activation delay and enabling faster utilization of large bandwidths compared to conventional approaches.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure includes systems, methods, and devices that can provide fast secondary cell (SCell) activation in a wireless communication network. In various embodiments, the methods and devices, including access nodes and mobile radio communication terminals, may use medium access control (MAC) control elements (CEs) commands that facilitate fast SCell activation.