Secondary eNodeB Maintaining Connectivity After Primary Cell Failure
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless communication systems, when a radio link failure occurs between a user equipment (UE) and a primary eNodeB, existing solutions result in the loss of connectivity and subsequent dropping of secondary cells, even if they have suitable channel conditions, leading to disrupted service and inability to continue traffic.
Innovation Solution
The UE and secondary eNodeB implement timers to maintain connectivity, with the secondary eNodeB temporarily acting or becoming the primary eNodeB, allowing it to continue carrying traffic until a new primary eNodeB with better conditions is found, thereby ensuring continuous service.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the UE and network follow existing solutions when primary cell failure occurs, then the primary cell connection is terminated, but the secondary cell connectivity is lost even when channel conditions are suitable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring the UE with timing advance values and uplink grant resources for the secondary cell before primary cell failure occurs. When primary cell failure is detected, the UE can immediately utilize these pre-configured resources to maintain uplink connectivity on the secondary cell without waiting for reconfiguration, thus preventing service interruption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a secondary cell as an intermediary to maintain connectivity when the primary cell fails. The secondary cell acts as a mediator that can temporarily assume primary cell functions, allowing the UE to maintain connection to the network through the secondary cell while searching for a new primary cell, thereby ensuring service continuity.
2Reliability
If the secondary eNodeB temporarily acts as primary eNodeB to maintain connectivity, then service continuity is ensured, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by enabling the secondary eNodeB to perform multiple functions - it operates as a secondary cell during normal conditions and can temporarily assume primary cell functions when needed. This multi-functionality allows the secondary eNodeB to provide both secondary cell services and primary cell connectivity management, reducing the need for separate dedicated primary cell infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by allowing the role of the secondary eNodeB to change dynamically based on primary cell availability. The secondary eNodeB can transition between being a pure secondary cell and assuming primary cell functions, with the UE adapting its behavior accordingly. This dynamic role assignment optimizes resource utilization while maintaining service continuity.
Data Source
AI summary
Technology for maintaining connectivity between a user equipment (UE) and a secondary (e)NodeB when connectivity is lost between the UE and a primary (e)NodeB is disclosed. The UE can start a first timer for monitoring a connection between the UE and the primary (e)NodeB. The UE can start a second timer for monitoring a connection between the UE and the secondary (e)NodeB. The UE can detect radio link failure (RLF) between the UE and the primary (e)NodeB after expiry of the first timer at the UE. The UE can maintain the connection with the secondary (e)NodeB while the second timer is unexpired, wherein the secondary (e)NodeB is configured to behave like the primary (e)NodeB or become the primary (e)NodeB depending on a capability of the UE and for a selected period of time after the connectivity between the UE and the primary (e)NodeB is lost.