Wireless Device SCG Mode Configuration for Power Saving
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Solution Overview
Problem
In Multi-Radio Access Technology Dual Connectivity (MR-DC) configurations, wireless devices face challenges in power saving due to the inability to fully utilize power-saving modes for Secondary Cell Groups (SCGs), leading to increased power consumption and inefficient network energy usage, especially with NR SCGs consuming 3 to 4 times more power than LTE.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method for wireless devices to receive and act upon messages indicating a mode of operation for SCGs during reconfiguration procedures, allowing for power-saving modes like suspension or dormancy, and enabling seamless mobility and reconfiguration with sync procedures to optimize power usage without disrupting service.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wireless devices operate Secondary Cell Groups (SCGs) in active mode to maintain service reliability, then service reliability is improved, but power consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic mode switching for SCGs, allowing the system to transition between active, dormant, and suspended states based on current service requirements. This enables the wireless device to adapt its power consumption levels dynamically while maintaining service reliability when needed, directly resolving the contradiction between continuous operation and power saving.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of SCGs by introducing new mode states (dormant and suspended) with different characteristics. By modifying the operational mode parameter, the system can achieve significant power savings while maintaining the capability to restore service reliability when required, thus resolving the power consumption vs. reliability trade-off.
2Use of energy by moving object
If wireless devices suspend or dormantly SCGs to save power, then power consumption is reduced, but service continuity may be disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary actions by establishing fast recovery mechanisms and maintaining configuration information even when SCGs are in dormant or suspended states. This allows the system to quickly restore service continuity without full reconfiguration, preventing service disruption while enjoying power savings during low-activity periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent provides beforehand cushioning by maintaining essential configuration data and enabling fast transition mechanisms from dormant/suspended states back to active mode. This cushioning ensures that when service is needed, the system can quickly recover without significant disruption, thus protecting service continuity while allowing power savings during idle periods.
3Speed
If wireless devices maintain SCGs in active state for rapid response, then response time is improved, but network energy efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by enabling the network to switch SCGs between active, dormant, and suspended states based on traffic patterns and service requirements. This dynamic management allows the network to minimize energy consumption during low-activity periods while maintaining rapid response capability when needed, resolving the contradiction between continuous operation and energy efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action through scheduled transitions between operational modes. SCGs can be activated periodically for brief intervals to perform necessary functions (like measurements or synchronization) and then returned to dormant or suspended states, achieving both energy efficiency and maintaining necessary network responsiveness.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus are disclosed, including in an example a method performed by a wireless device configured with Multi-Radio Access Technology Dual Connectivity (MR-DC) for a first cell group and a second cell group. The method includes receiving, from a first network node, at least one message in a reconfiguration procedure for the second cell group. The at least one message indicates a mode of operation of the wireless device for the second cell group after the reconfiguration procedure for the second cell group has been applied by the wireless device.