User Apparatus Timing Difference Measurement for LTE-NR Dual Connectivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
In LTE-NR dual connectivity, the user apparatus lacks established procedures for measuring frame, slot, or symbol timing differences between master and secondary nodes, hindering effective communication.
Innovation Solution
A user apparatus is designed with a receiving unit to receive configuration for measuring timing differences between base stations, a control unit to execute these measurements, and a transmitting unit to report results to the first base station, enabling measurement before communication initiation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the user apparatus performs measurement procedures for NR carrier timing difference in asynchronous dual connectivity, then the dual connectivity communication can be established, but no established measurement procedures exist making the process uncertain and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the user apparatus perform timing difference measurement before establishing dual connectivity communication. The measurement is executed in advance using configuration information received from the master node, allowing the system to prepare timing synchronization data before actual communication begins, thereby reducing the complexity of real-time measurement procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary approach by introducing a measurement configuration message from the master node that provides reference timing information. This intermediary configuration enables the user apparatus to perform measurements without directly dealing with the complex asynchronous timing relationships between master and secondary nodes, simplifying the measurement process.
2Measurement precision
If the user apparatus executes measurement before starting communication with the second base station, then timing synchronization can be achieved, but the measurement procedures are not yet established in the system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the user apparatus to autonomously perform timing difference measurements using configuration information it receives from the master node. The user apparatus independently executes the measurement procedure and reports results back to the master node without requiring complex external coordination, making the operation straightforward while achieving precise timing measurement.
3Adaptability or versatility
If asynchronous dual connectivity is implemented between LTE and NR base stations, then network flexibility is improved, but the frame, slot, and symbol timing differences become unknown requiring additional measurement overhead
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces time overhead by performing timing difference measurement as a preliminary action before dual connectivity communication starts. By executing the measurement in advance using pre-configured reference information from the master node, the system avoids the need for continuous or repeated measurements during communication, thereby minimizing the time lost to measurement activities while maintaining network flexibility.
Data Source
AI summary
A user apparatus communicates with a first base station apparatus and a second base station apparatus, and the user apparatus includes a receiving unit configured to receive, from the first base station apparatus, a configuration for measuring a timing difference between the first base station apparatus and the second base station apparatus; a control unit configured to execute measurement with respect to the second base station apparatus, based on the configuration for measuring the timing difference; and a transmitting unit configured to transmit a result of the executed measurement, to the first base station apparatus, wherein the executed measurement is executed before starting to communicate with the second base station apparatus.