UE SCG Operation Mode Selection for Power Saving
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication networks face challenges in efficiently managing Secondary Cell Groups (SCGs) for power saving and radio resource optimization, particularly in Multi-Radio Dual Connectivity (MR-DC) scenarios, where NR UE power consumption is higher than LTE, and existing solutions involve significant RRC signaling delays and limited power saving options for PSCells.
Innovation Solution
The method involves User Equipment (UE) determining and transmitting a preferred mode of operation for SCGs, such as added, activated, deactivated, or released, to network nodes, enabling flexible SCG management and improving network energy efficiency and resource utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the UE continuously monitors and maintains SCG operation, then network coverage and service continuity are improved, but UE power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic SCG operation modes where the UE can switch between active and dormant states. The SCG is configured with multiple bandwidth parts (BWPs) including an active BWP for full operation and a dormant BWP for power saving. The UE dynamically transitions between these BWPs based on traffic conditions and network instructions, allowing the system to adapt between reliability and power consumption requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes operational parameters by introducing a dormant BWP configuration with specific parameters (such as reduced monitoring requirements, disabled uplink transmission, but maintained downlink reception). By modifying the BWP parameters rather than completely deactivating the SCG, the system maintains basic connectivity while significantly reducing power consumption during low-traffic periods.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the UE releases and re-adds SCG to save power, then power consumption is reduced, but signaling delay and network interruption occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent prepares the SCG in advance by configuring a dormant BWP with all necessary operational parameters retained. This preliminary configuration allows the UE to quickly transition from dormant to active state without needing to perform full SCG release and re-addition procedures. The network pre-configures the dormant state parameters so that activation can occur rapidly when traffic demands increase.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a dynamic state transition mechanism where the SCG can be quickly activated from dormant state through simple BWP switching rather than complete reconfiguration. This dynamic approach maintains the SCG configuration in memory and network, allowing rapid state changes without the signaling overhead of release and re-addition procedures.
3Productivity
If the UE activates dormant SCell, then data transmission capability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic BWP switching for SCells, allowing the UE to transition between active BWP (full transmission capability) and dormant BWP (reduced power consumption). The UE can quickly switch between these states based on instantaneous traffic requirements, maintaining data transmission capability when needed while minimizing power consumption during idle periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of SCells by configuring different BWP states with distinct characteristics. The dormant BWP parameters include reduced monitoring frequency, disabled uplink, and selective downlink reception, while the active BWP parameters enable full bidirectional communication. This parameter-based control allows fine-grained adjustment of power consumption versus transmission capability.
4Duration of action of stationary object
If the network maintains SCG configuration, then service continuity is improved, but network resources are consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different operational qualities to different parts of the SCG configuration. The PSCell maintains full active operation with complete monitoring and transmission capabilities, while SCells can be transitioned to dormant state with reduced functionality. This local differentiation allows the network to maintain service continuity through the PSCell while conserving resources by placing SCells in dormant state when not needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic configuration states where the SCG can transition between fully active and partially dormant configurations. The network can activate or deactivate specific SCells independently while maintaining the overall SCG structure and PSCell operation. This dynamic configuration allows flexible resource management while preserving service continuity through the core PSCell connection.
Data Source
AI summary
A method performed by a User Equipment (UE) for handling for handling Secondary Cell Group (SCG) operation in a wireless communications network is provided. The UE determines (402) a preferred mode of operation associated to an SCG. The UE transmits (403) a message to a network node. The message comprises the determined preferred mode of operation associated to the SCG.