Secondary Cell Dormancy for 5G NR Carrier Aggregation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems, particularly in 5G New Radio (NR), lack an efficient intermediate power state between active and deactivated states, leading to suboptimal energy savings and performance during periods of low traffic activity.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a dormant state for secondary cells, which allows for power savings by reducing functions and transitioning between active and dormant states based on bandwidth part (BWP) switching indications, using DCI signaling to manage the transition between these states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a UE operates in an active state continuously, then communication performance and reliability are maintained, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a dormant state that dynamically adjusts UE operation between active and deactivated states. The UE transitions to a dormant state during periods of low traffic activity, reducing power consumption while maintaining the ability to quickly return to active state when needed, thus resolving the contradiction between continuous active operation and power savings
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the UE by introducing an intermediate dormant state with modified characteristics. In this state, the UE performs fewer and/or different functions compared to active state, reducing power consumption while maintaining better performance than fully deactivated state
2Use of energy by moving object
If a UE enters a deactivated state to save power, then power consumption is reduced, but activation time and performance recovery increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a dynamic three-state model (active, dormant, deactivated) where the dormant state serves as an intermediate transition zone. This allows the UE to gradually reduce functionality rather than fully deactivating, enabling faster reactivation when traffic resumes while still achieving significant power savings during low-activity periods
3Productivity
If secondary cells are kept active to maintain network efficiency, then service continuity is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by introducing a secondary cell dormancy mechanism that independently controls the state of secondary cells separate from the primary cell. This allows selective deactivation of secondary cells during low traffic periods while maintaining primary cell activity, thus reducing overall power consumption while preserving network efficiency when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic control of secondary cell states through BWP switching indications. The network can dynamically transition secondary cells between active and dormant states based on real-time traffic conditions, optimizing the balance between power consumption and network productivity
Data Source
AI summary
A UE may enter a dormant state, e.g., for power savings. The systems, methods, and apparatus described herein may provide ways for the UE to transition between an active state and a dormant state, as well as UE behavior in a dormant state. The apparatus may be a UE configured to receive downlink control information (DCI) comprising an indication of a bandwidth part (BWP) switch for a secondary cell to a dormant BWP and transition the secondary cell from an active state to a dormant state based on the indication of the BWP switch of the secondary cell to a dormant BWP.