Secondary Node Addition Control in 5G Dual Connectivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Efficient connection management between network entities in dual connectivity systems, particularly for the addition and release of secondary nodes, is needed to support specific service requirements and operator needs in 5G communication systems.
Innovation Solution
A method for controlling secondary node (SN) addition and release in a dual connectivity system using a master node (MN) and SN base stations, involving buffer situation monitoring, user inactivity timer configuration, and control signaling procedures based on quality of service (QoS) criteria and traffic thresholds, to optimize resource allocation and minimize power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If secondary node addition and release procedures are frequently performed to adapt to changing service requirements, then network adaptability is improved, but signaling overhead and core network load increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by configuring measurement gaps and measurement objects in advance before actual secondary node addition is needed. The master node pre-configures the user equipment with measurement parameters, so when service requirements change, the system can quickly execute node addition/release without extensive signaling exchanges, thus reducing signaling overhead while maintaining high adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the measurement configuration flexible and configurable based on service requirements. The network can dynamically adjust measurement parameters, configure different measurement objects for different services, and adapt the measurement gap patterns according to traffic conditions, allowing the system to optimize between adaptability and signaling overhead in real-time.
2Measurement precision
If measurement procedures are configured for each secondary node operation, then connection management precision is improved, but processing time and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by creating a reusable measurement configuration framework that can serve multiple secondary node operations. The same measurement configuration structures and procedures can be applied across different secondary node addition, modification, and release scenarios, reducing the need to create new measurement procedures for each operation and thereby decreasing processing time while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
By pre-configuring measurement parameters and procedures, the system avoids the time-consuming process of setting up measurements from scratch during each secondary node operation. The pre-established measurement frameworks enable faster execution of connection management tasks with maintained precision.
3Reliability
If dual connectivity is maintained for all users to ensure service reliability, then communication reliability is improved, but power consumption and network resource usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by enabling dual connectivity measurement and configuration only for specific users or user groups who require high-reliability services. Different measurement configurations can be applied to different users based on their service requirements, allowing the system to maintain reliability for critical services while avoiding unnecessary power consumption for users who don't require dual connectivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts measurement configurations and dual connectivity settings based on real-time service requirements and user needs. When high reliability is needed, measurement procedures are activated and dual connectivity is maintained. When service requirements decrease, the system can reduce measurement activity and release dual connectivity, thereby optimizing power consumption while maintaining reliability when needed.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of a first base station in a communication system and an apparatus therefor are provided. The method includes determining an addition mode configured to add a second base station, identifying whether to add the second base station based on the addition mode, and performing a procedure of adding the second base station based on the second base station being identified as being added. The addition mode may indicate one of a combination of at least one of a blind addition, a traffic criterion addition and a measurement report criterion addition. The method may be applied to intelligent services (e.g., smart home, smart building, smart city, smart car or connected car, healthcare, digital education, retail business, security and safety-related service) based on the 5th generation (5G) communication technology and Internet of Things (IoT)-related technology. The method and apparatus propose a connection management method in a dual connectivity system.