Secondary Node Change Procedure in LTE-NR Interworking
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing interworking procedures between 3GPP LTE and NR systems are inefficient, particularly in the secondary node change process, where the SeNB change is typically initiated by the master node, leading to procedural inefficiencies and a need for improved resource utilization and mobility management.
Innovation Solution
A method is proposed where the secondary node change procedure is initiated by the secondary node itself, allowing for optimized offloading of services and resource management, enabling direct communication between secondary nodes and improved radio resource utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the secondary node change procedure is initiated by the master node, then the control and coordination of node changes is centralized, but the procedural efficiency is reduced and signaling delays occur
Solution Approach 1:
The secondary node is empowered to autonomously initiate and execute the change procedure when it determines that a target secondary node should be changed, based on its own assessment of service conditions and resource status. This self-service capability eliminates the need for master node initiation and reduces signaling delays.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of the traditional approach where the master node initiates secondary node changes, the patent inverts the initiation authority to the secondary node itself. This reversal allows the secondary node to proactively trigger changes based on real-time conditions, improving responsiveness and efficiency.
2Loss of time
If the secondary node change procedure is initiated by the secondary node, then the signaling delays are reduced and efficiency is improved, but the coordination complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The secondary node autonomously determines when changes are needed and initiates the procedure without waiting for master node instructions, thereby eliminating signaling delays associated with master node assessment and decision-making.
Solution Approach 2:
The secondary node performs preliminary assessment of service conditions and resource status locally, making decisions about necessary changes before initiating the procedure. This preliminary action prevents delays that would occur if the master node had to perform this assessment first.
3Productivity
If the master node maintains full control over secondary node changes, then the system control is simplified, but the resource utilization efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The secondary node independently assesses its own resource status and service conditions, and autonomously initiates changes when optimization is needed. This self-service approach enables more responsive and efficient resource utilization compared to master node-controlled procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables local decision-making at the secondary node level, allowing each secondary node to optimize its own resource utilization based on local conditions. This local quality approach improves overall system efficiency by enabling granular, context-aware resource management.
4Reliability
If the secondary node directly initiates changes, then the service optimization is improved, but the procedural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The secondary node autonomously evaluates service conditions and initiates changes when optimization opportunities are detected, enabling more timely and accurate service optimization compared to master node-initiated procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The secondary node continuously monitors service conditions and resource status, using this feedback to autonomously determine when changes are needed. This feedback mechanism enables dynamic service optimization while maintaining procedural clarity through well-defined trigger conditions.
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided are a method and an apparatus for performing a secondary node change procedure disclosed by a source secondary node in a wireless communication system. A master node receives a secondary node change request message from the source secondary node, transmits a secondary node addition request message to a target secondary node, receives a secondary node addition request confirm message from the target secondary node, and transmits a secondary node change request confirm message to the source secondary node.