Subframe Pairing for Measurement Gap Alignment in Dual Connectivity

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

In dual connectivity scenarios for LTE Rel-12, the synchronization of signals from Master eNB and Secondary eNB poses challenges due to non-ideal backhaul, leading to timing differences that affect UE receiver performance, and existing measurement gap configurations are not aligned, causing inefficiencies in radio resource management.

Innovation Solution

The method involves determining subframe pairs between Master Cell Group (MCG) and Secondary Cell Group (SCG) to configure measurement gap lengths, allowing the UE to perform radio measurements efficiently, even in unsynchronized conditions, and enabling network nodes to adapt scheduling and resource allocation accordingly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If measurement gap configurations are not aligned between MCG and SCG in unsynchronized dual connectivity, then UE receiver performance deteriorates due to timing differences, but flexible scheduling and resource allocation become more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveUE receiver performanceVSAvoidscheduling and resource allocation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the timing parameters of measurement gaps in the SCG to align with the MCG measurement gaps. Specifically, the measurement gap length, start position, and periodicity are adjusted so that both cell groups have synchronized measurement opportunities, resolving the timing misalignment issue while maintaining flexible scheduling capabilities

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates equipotential timing conditions by ensuring that measurement gaps in both MCG and SCG occur at the same time positions. This equalizes the timing state across both cell groups, allowing the UE to perform measurements without receiver performance deterioration while enabling the network to schedule resources efficiently

Inventive Principle:

Principle #12Equipotentiality

2Adaptability or versatility

If measurement gap length is configured independently for each cell group, then scheduling flexibility is improved, but measurement efficiency deteriorates due to misalignment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescheduling flexibilityVSAvoidmeasurement efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the measurement gap configurations of MCG and SCG by aligning their timing parameters. The measurement gaps are combined into a unified schedule where both cell groups share common measurement opportunities, improving measurement efficiency while the network retains the ability to configure different gap patterns for different UEs based on their specific needs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS10187884B2Methods of subframe pairing for measurement gap length configuration in dual connectivity

Publication Date: 2019.01.22 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)

AI summary

A method by a UE configured in DC includes receiving from a network node, configuration information of a measurement gap length for performing one or more radio measurements. Subframe pairs are determined between a MCG and a SCG with respect to measurement gap length in the MCG on which measurement gap length in the SCG can be configured. The measurement gap length is determined in at least the SCG using the determined subframe pairs. One or more radio measurements are performed in the SCG within the configured measurement gap length. Related UEs, methods by network nodes, and network nodes are disclosed.