Secondary eNB Configuration Activation via Random Access Feedback

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current LTE systems face challenges in efficiently managing dual connectivity, where a user equipment (UE) is simultaneously connected to multiple eNBs, leading to delays in radio resource reconfiguration due to the lack of clear communication on when the UE has applied new configurations, especially when switching between a master eNB and a secondary eNB.

Innovation Solution

The method involves the UE performing a random access procedure towards the secondary eNB after applying a new radio resource configuration, allowing the eNB to confirm the UE has changed to the new configuration, thereby eliminating the need for conservative activation time settings and reducing reconfiguration delays.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conservative activation time settings are used to ensure the UE receives configuration before activation, then reliability of configuration application is improved, but reconfiguration delay increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfiguration application reliabilityVSAvoidreconfiguration delay
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the UE sends a confirmation message to the network node indicating that the reconfiguration has been successfully applied. This feedback allows the network to know the exact moment when the UE is ready to activate the new configuration, eliminating the need for conservative timing margins while ensuring reliable configuration application.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The network node sends the reconfiguration message to the UE in advance, allowing the UE to process and apply the configuration before activation is needed. The UE prepares the configuration changes beforehand and confirms when ready, enabling the network to activate the new configuration at the optimal time without waiting for conservative timing intervals.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Stability of the object's composition

If the network waits for UE confirmation before activating new configuration, then configuration synchronization between UE and network is improved, but activation speed decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfiguration synchronizationVSAvoidconfiguration activation speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The UE provides feedback to the network node confirming when the reconfiguration has been applied. This feedback enables the network to activate the new configuration at the precise moment when the UE is ready, achieving perfect synchronization between network and UE configuration states without delaying activation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The UE autonomously determines when it has successfully applied the reconfiguration and initiates the confirmation to the network. This self-service approach allows the UE to manage its own configuration application timing, enabling the network to activate configuration as soon as the UE is ready, thus maximizing activation speed while maintaining synchronization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3474626B1Methods and network nodes for activation of connection configuration for a secondary base station
Publication Date: 2021.01.06 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)
  • EP3474626B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3474626B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3474626B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The disclosure relates to a method (100) performed in a wireless device (1500) for handling connectivity to two network nodes (1, 2). The method (100) comprises receiving (101), from a first network node (1), a radio resource configuration message, the radio resource configuration message indicating a change in configuration of a connection towards a second network node (2); applying (102) the change in configuration towards the second network node (2) in response to the radio resource configuration message; and initiating (103) a random access procedure towards the second network node (2) after applying the change in configuration. The disclosure relates to corresponding wireless device, and to methods in network nodes, network nodes, computer programs and computer program products.