Small Cell Dual Connectivity Resource Management
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems, particularly in Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Networks (E-UTRAN), face challenges in enhancing small cell performance for high data throughput and efficient resource management in hotspot areas, especially with the increasing demand for mobile data communication.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of small cell enhancements, including dual connectivity between macro and small cell layers, optimized resource allocation, and advanced protocol architectures to support carrier aggregation and efficient user plane and control plane management, minimizes core network impacts and improves mobility and measurement capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If dual connectivity between macro and small cell layers is implemented, then data throughput and resource utilization are improved, but device complexity and protocol architecture complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the network into macro cell layer and small cell layer, with distinct eNB entities for each layer. The UE is configured with separate cell groups (Master Cell Group and Secondary Cell Group) that can be independently managed, allowing complex dual connectivity functionality to be divided into manageable segments with clearly defined interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary entities and interfaces to manage complexity: the Master eNB and Secondary eNB act as intermediaries with defined S1 and X2 interfaces; the Master Cell Group and Secondary Cell Group serve as intermediaries between the UE and the dual connectivity architecture, abstracting the complexity of coordinated multi-point transmission.
2Productivity
If carrier aggregation and dual connectivity are configured, then resource allocation efficiency is improved, but measurement capabilities and mobility management complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Measurement configurations are segmented and associated with specific cell groups (MCG or SCG) rather than applied globally. This allows independent measurement and mobility management for each cell group, reducing the overall complexity by dividing the measurement task into smaller, manageable segments with dedicated reporting mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
Different measurement and mobility management parameters are applied locally to different cell groups based on their specific characteristics. The Master Cell Group and Secondary Cell Group can have different measurement configurations, reporting requirements, and mobility behaviors tailored to their respective roles and conditions.
3Productivity
If small cell enhancements are deployed in hotspot areas, then capacity and coverage are improved, but battery consumption of user devices increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs periodic actions including discontinuous reception (DRX) cycles and periodic reporting mechanisms that allow the UE to enter low-power states between active measurements and transmissions. Measurement and reporting are performed periodically rather than continuously, reducing battery consumption while maintaining network capacity through efficient small cell utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic configuration of measurement and reporting parameters based on UE conditions, channel state, and network requirements. Measurement gaps, reporting intervals, and activation/deactivation of secondary cells are dynamically adjusted to balance network capacity needs with device battery conservation, allowing the system to adapt to changing conditions.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Methods and apparatuses are disclosed for small cell enhancement in a wireless communication system. The method includes having a user equipment (UE) connected to a Macro evolved Node B (eNB). The method further includes configuring the UE to establish a very first Small Cell through a Radio Resource Control (RRC) message, wherein the very first Small Cell belongs to a Small Cell eNB different from the Macro eNB.