UE Preferred Configuration Release During Dual-Connectivity State Transitions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies do not clearly handle UE preferred configurations when transitioning from a connected state to an inactive state, especially in scenarios involving dual connectivity with base stations that include a CU and a DU, and when the SN does not support the UEAssistanceInformation message, leading to undesirable reversion to single connectivity.
Innovation Solution
Implement techniques that enable base stations and UEs to manage and release UE preferred configurations during state transitions, including translating UE preferred configurations for SNs that do not support the UEAssistanceInformation message, and handling configurations within disaggregated base stations with CUs and DUs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the UE sends a preferred configuration to the SN via UEAssistanceInformation message, then the UE can suggest resource adjustments to the SN, but the SN may fail to acknowledge the message causing the MN to revert the UE to Single Connectivity
Solution Approach 1:
The MN acts as an intermediary to forward the UEAssistanceInformation message containing the preferred configuration to the SN. This mediator approach ensures reliable delivery of the configuration message even when the direct UE-SN communication path is unreliable, preventing unnecessary connectivity reversion while maintaining the UE's ability to suggest resource adjustments.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the UE transitions from connected state to inactive state, then the UE can save power by suspending the radio connection, but the handling of preferred configuration becomes unclear leading to potential connectivity issues
Solution Approach 1:
The UE releases the preferred configuration before transitioning to the inactive state. This preliminary action ensures that when the UE resumes connectivity, there are no stale configuration references that could cause management issues, while the UE still benefits from power savings during the inactive period.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the base station is a disaggregated SN with CU and DU, then the architecture provides flexibility and functional distribution, but the handling of preferred configuration messages becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the base station into CU and DU functional units with distinct responsibilities. The CU handles high-layer RRC messaging including preferred configuration management, while the DU handles lower-layer radio resource management. This segmentation clarifies the handling of configuration messages in disaggregated architectures without sacrificing architectural flexibility.
4Speed
If the UE maintains preferred configuration during inactive state, then the UE can quickly resume with preferred settings, but the configuration may become stale or inconsistent causing resource allocation issues
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the state parameter of the preferred configuration from 'active' to 'released' when transitioning to inactive state. This parameter change ensures that stale configurations do not cause resource allocation inconsistencies upon resume, while the UE can still quickly re-establish connectivity using current network conditions to determine new preferred settings.
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C~2
AI summary
To manage a preferred configuration indicative of a maximum allocation preferred by the UE for at least one resource, a UE transmits (802A) the preferred configuration to a RAN, transitions (804A) to a state in which a radio connection between the UE and the RAN is suspended, and releases (806A) the preferred configuration, prior to communicating data over the radio connection.