Timing Advance Group Configuration for Multi-Carrier Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems face challenges in efficiently managing multi-carrier communications, particularly in scenarios involving carrier aggregation and dual connectivity, where timing advance groups are not properly configured, leading to reduced radio channel reliability and increased interference.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of enhanced signaling mechanisms among the central RAN entity, distributed RAN entities, and wireless devices to accurately configure timing advance groups, ensuring proper uplink timing alignment and reducing interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If timing advance groups are not properly configured in multi-carrier communications, then device complexity is reduced, but radio channel reliability deteriorates and interference increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring timing advance group information in RRC messages before multi-carrier communication begins. The central RAN entity includes timing advance group configuration in the RRC message sent to the wireless device, ensuring that timing alignment parameters are established in advance, which prevents reliability issues during actual communication without adding runtime complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary approach by introducing a dedicated timing advance group configuration mechanism that mediates between the central RAN entity and distributed RAN entities. The timing advance group information acts as an intermediary parameter that coordinates timing alignment across multiple carriers and RAN entities, resolving the conflict between simplified configuration and reliable communication
2Reliability
If enhanced signaling mechanisms are implemented for timing advance group configuration, then connection reliability increases, but device complexity and signaling overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing the timing advance group configuration to serve multiple functions simultaneously. The same RRC message structure is used for both general radio resource configuration and specific timing advance group configuration across different carrier aggregation and dual connectivity scenarios. This multi-functional approach increases reliability without proportionally increasing signaling complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter changes by introducing timing advance group parameters (such as timeAlignmentTimer values and ta-GroupToAddModList) that can be dynamically adjusted based on communication conditions. These parameter changes allow the system to optimize connection reliability for different scenarios (carrier aggregation, dual connectivity) without requiring fundamentally different signaling mechanisms
3Reliability
If timing alignment is not precisely maintained in carrier aggregation scenarios, then resource management is simplified, but interference increases and uplink timing alignment deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the timing advance management into separate timing advance groups (TAGs). Each TAG can be independently configured and managed for different carrier groups, allowing precise timing alignment control for each group without managing all carriers as a single complex entity. This segmentation maintains timing alignment reliability while simplifying resource management through modular organization
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses preliminary action by pre-establishing timing advance group associations with specific carriers before communication begins. The RRC message configures which carriers belong to which timing advance groups in advance, allowing the wireless device to pre-calculate and apply appropriate timing adjustments, thereby maintaining uplink timing alignment without complex real-time resource management
4Reliability
If timing advance group configuration is not provided in RRC messages, then signaling overhead is reduced, but interference increases and radio channel reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies merging by combining the timing advance group configuration with the existing RRC message structure for carrier aggregation and dual connectivity setup. Rather than sending separate dedicated timing advance messages, the configuration is merged into the existing RRC signaling flow, providing necessary timing information while minimizing additional signaling overhead
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses universality by designing the RRC message to serve multiple purposes: general radio resource configuration, carrier aggregation setup, dual connectivity configuration, and timing advance group configuration all in one message structure. This multi-functional approach ensures radio channel reliability through comprehensive configuration while avoiding the signaling overhead of multiple separate messages
Data Source
AI summary
A base station distributed unit may transmit a timing advance command for a timing advance group to a wireless device. The base station distributed unit may start a time alignment timer for the timing advance group of the wireless device in response to the transmission of the timing advance command. The base station distributed unit may determine expiration of the time alignment timer. The base station distributed unit may transmit a first message to a base station central unit. The first message may indicate the expiration of the time alignment timer for the timing advance group of the wireless device.