UE Intra-Mode Coexistence via Dynamic Stack Instances
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems face challenges in intra-UE coexistence between non-stand-alone (NSA) and stand-alone (SA) modes, particularly in managing dual connectivity configurations between LTE and 5G NR, leading to configuration failures and inefficient resource utilization.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of mechanisms that allow user equipment (UE) to dynamically enable multiple instances of a 5G NR stack, enabling simultaneous connections to LTE and 5G NR while providing configuration information to the network to avoid dual connectivity configurations that exceed RF capabilities, thereby supporting both NSA and SA modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a UE maintains simultaneous connections to LTE and 5G NR networks for dual connectivity, then network coverage and service continuity are improved, but configuration failures occur when dual connectivity configurations exceed RF capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic capability indication where the UE can switch between indicating full dual connectivity support and indicating RF capability restrictions based on current connection state. When connected to LTE, the UE dynamically indicates whether it can support EN-DC (5G NR dual connectivity with LTE) or must operate in LTE-only mode, allowing the network to adapt configurations in real-time based on UE RF capability status.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a UE supports both NSA and SA modes simultaneously, then service continuity and flexibility are improved, but resource allocation becomes inefficient and configuration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the 5G NR stack into multiple independent instances (first 5G NR stack and second 5G NR stack) that can operate simultaneously. Each stack instance is associated with a specific connection mode (NSA or SA), allowing independent management and configuration of each mode without interference, thus reducing overall configuration complexity while maintaining mode flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a capability indication mechanism as an intermediary between the UE and the network. This intermediary dynamically communicates the UE's current RF capability status and supported modes to the network, enabling the network to make informed configuration decisions without the UE needing to manually manage complex mode transitions, thereby simplifying UE-side configuration management.
3Productivity
If a UE dynamically manages multiple 5G NR stack instances, then resource allocation efficiency is improved, but device complexity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the 5G NR stack instances to be universal and multi-functional, where each stack instance can handle both control plane and user plane functions for its associated connection mode. This universal design allows the UE to efficiently allocate resources across different modes without requiring separate specialized stacks for each function, improving resource allocation efficiency while keeping the overall architecture manageable.
Data Source
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AI summary
Apparatuses, systems, and methods for a user equipment device (UE) to perform intra-UE co-existence between non-stand-alone (NSA) and stand-alone (SA) mode. The UE may be configured to connect to a first radio access network (RAN) operating according to a first radio access technology (RAT) via a first radio and connect to a second RAN operating according to a second RAT via a second radio. The UE may provide, to the first RAN, configuration information during a radio resource control (RRC) connection procedure. The configuration information may indicate a dual connectivity status of the UE. The dual connectivity status may include indication disabling (enabling) dual connectivity for the UE, working frequencies associated with the second RAN, and/or configurations associated with the second RAN. The UE may receive, from the first RAN, a dual connectivity configuration that may be based on the dual connectivity status of the UE and operate accordingly.