Secondary Node Measurement Gap Configuration in 5G SN Addition
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Solution Overview
Problem
In current 5G networks, the secondary node (SN) cannot request the master node (MN) to configure measurement gaps during the SN Addition procedure, leading to unnecessary UE reconfigurations and delays in measurement reports, which impede the setup of carrier aggregation and measurement-based operations.
Innovation Solution
The method involves the master node providing candidate measurement gap configurations to the secondary node during the SN Addition procedure, allowing the SN to select and apply the appropriate gap configuration, thereby reducing the number of RRC reconfigurations and expediting measurement-based operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the secondary node cannot request measurement gap configuration during SN Addition, then the network architecture remains simple, but the setup time for carrier aggregation increases due to unnecessary UE reconfigurations and delays in measurement reports
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by enabling the secondary node to request measurement gap configuration information during the SN Addition procedure itself, rather than requiring a separate subsequent procedure. This allows the measurement gap configuration to be prepared and configured in advance, eliminating the need for additional UE reconfigurations and expediting the setup of carrier aggregation and measurement-based operations.
2Loss of time
If the SN requests measurement gap configuration during SN Addition, then the number of RRC reconfigurations is reduced, but the SN Addition procedure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the measurement gap configuration request into the existing SN Addition procedure. By combining these two previously separate operations (SN Addition and measurement gap configuration request) into a single integrated procedure, the patent eliminates the need for separate RRC reconfiguration steps, thereby reducing overall procedure time while managing complexity through consolidation rather than addition.
3Speed
If measurement gap configuration is delayed until after SN Addition, then the SN Addition procedure remains straightforward, but the measurement reports are delayed and carrier aggregation setup is slower
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by allowing the secondary node to request and receive measurement gap configuration information during the SN Addition procedure itself. This ensures that measurement gaps are configured in advance, enabling immediate commencement of measurements and subsequent reporting, thereby eliminating delays in measurement reports and accelerating carrier aggregation setup without complicating the SN Addition procedure.
Data Source
AI summary
A communication network can include first network node and a second network node. One of the first network node and the second network node can be a master node, MN, and the other of the one of the first network node and the second network node can be a secondary node, SN. The first network node can communicate measurement gap configuration information with the second network node. The measurement gap configuration information comprises at least one of: an indication of a set of candidate measurement gap configurations; and an indication of a selected candidate measurement gap configuration of the set of candidate measurement gap configurations selected by the SN. Responsive to communicating the measurement gap configuration information, the first network node can communicate with a communication device using a measurement gap configuration based on the measurement gap configuration information.