Secondary Node Special Cell Selection in Dual Connectivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
In dual connectivity wireless communication networks, the secondary network node lacks visibility of channel quality for cells it supports, making it difficult to select a new special cell without interrupting ongoing user equipment communications, as it relies on measurement information from the master network node.
Innovation Solution
The secondary network node requests measurement information from the master network node to determine suitable candidate cells for special cell change and transmits this information to the master node, allowing it to select and configure a new special cell without user plane interruption, enabling independent decision-making and inter-vendor interoperability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the secondary network node autonomously selects a new special cell based on its own measurements, then the adaptability and responsiveness of special cell changes improve, but the device complexity increases as the secondary node must implement measurement and selection capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The master network node acts as an intermediary that collects measurement information from the user equipment and provides it to the secondary network node. This mediator approach allows the secondary node to make informed decisions about special cell changes without implementing its own measurement capabilities, thus improving adaptability while avoiding increased device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The master network node performs multiple functions: it manages the user equipment connection, collects measurement information, and provides this information to the secondary network node. This multi-functionality allows the secondary node to rely on the master node's measurement capabilities rather than duplicating them
2Device complexity
If the master network node controls all measurement and selection processes for special cell changes, then the device complexity of the secondary node is reduced, but the loss of information increases as the secondary node lacks visibility of channel quality
Solution Approach 1:
The master network node provides feedback to the secondary network node by sharing measurement information about channel quality. This feedback mechanism ensures that the secondary node has the necessary information to make informed decisions about special cell changes, preventing information loss while keeping the secondary node's complexity low
Solution Approach 2:
The master network node serves as an information intermediary, collecting measurement data from the user equipment and transmitting relevant channel quality information to the secondary network node. This intermediary role ensures that the secondary node receives accurate channel quality data without needing to implement its own measurement capabilities
3Productivity
If the secondary network node initiates special cell changes autonomously, then the productivity of network resource management improves, but the reliability of user plane continuity may be compromised due to potential coordination issues with the master node
Solution Approach 1:
The secondary network node performs preliminary assessment of channel quality information provided by the master node before initiating special cell changes. This preliminary action allows the secondary node to make proactive decisions about special cell changes while ensuring that user plane continuity is maintained through careful selection based on measured channel conditions
Data Source
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AI summary
A computer program, network node and method performed at a secondary network node within a wireless communication network supporting dual connectivity, such that a user equipment may communicate with a master network node and a secondary network node at a same time, the secondary network node supporting a plurality of cells. The method comprising: determining at the secondary network node that a configuration of one of the plurality of cells as a special cell for the user equipment such that the special cell provides predetermined functionality should be transferred to another one of the plurality of cells; and in response to the determining step, transmitting a request for a change in special cell towards the master network node.