Secondary Node Addition via SRB3 in 5G Multi-Connectivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
In next-generation wireless networks, particularly 5G New Radio (NR), there is a need for an improved mechanism to add secondary nodes in multi-connectivity scenarios, as user equipment (UE) may not camp on suitable secondary nodes despite good signal quality due to barring or RRC connection failures with the master node.
Innovation Solution
A method and device for UE to receive an RRC connection reconfiguration message from a master node to establish a Signaling Radio Bearer 3 (SRB3) connection with a secondary node, enabling blind addition of secondary nodes without explicit measurement configurations from the UE, allowing the master node to add secondary nodes autonomously.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the UE follows conventional RRC connection procedures requiring explicit measurement configurations and camping on master node, then the RRC connection establishment is reliable, but the UE cannot establish connection with suitable secondary nodes due to barring or connection failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces SRB3 as an intermediary signaling bearer that enables direct RRC communication between the UE and secondary node, bypassing the master node for secondary node-specific signaling. This intermediary channel allows the UE to establish connections with suitable secondary nodes even when conventional paths through the master node are blocked due to barring or connection failures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the RRC connection establishment process into separate pathways: SRB0/SRB1/SRB2 for master node communication and SRB3 for secondary node communication. This segmentation allows independent establishment of secondary node connections without being constrained by master node connection status, enabling the UE to adaptively connect to suitable secondary nodes.
2Reliability
If the UE requires explicit measurement configurations from the master node before connecting to secondary nodes, then the connection process is controlled and reliable, but the process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the UE to perform measurements and identify suitable secondary nodes in advance without requiring explicit measurement configurations from the master node. The UE can autonomously discover and evaluate secondary nodes, preparing connection information that can be used immediately when SRB3 is established, thus simplifying the overall process while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The UE is empowered to autonomously perform measurements, identify suitable secondary nodes, and establish SRB3 connections without requiring detailed configuration instructions from the master node. This self-service capability reduces the complexity of the node addition process while maintaining controlled and reliable connections through standardized RRC procedures.
3Productivity
If the UE establishes SRB3 connection with secondary node directly, then the secondary node addition is simplified and faster, but the RRC connection management becomes more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The master node acts as an intermediary that provides the UE with the secondary node's RRC configuration information and parameters needed for direct SRB3 establishment. This intermediary role allows the UE to quickly connect to secondary nodes without complex manual configuration, while the master node maintains overall RRC management control, balancing speed and manageability.
Data Source
AI summary
A User Equipment (UE) and a method performed by the UE for multi-connectivity are provided. The method includes receiving, from a master node, a Radio Resource Control (RRC) connection reconfiguration message when a Signaling Radio Bearer 3 (SRB3) connection with a secondary node has not been established, the RRC connection reconfiguration message comprising Secondary Cell Group (SCG) information; and establishing the SRB3 connection with the secondary node according to the RRC connection reconfiguration message.