eRAN

Carrier Aggregation Feature

Parameter Description

Issue Draft A
Date 2020-12-29

HUAWEI TECHNOLOGIES CO., LTD.

Copyright © Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd. 2021. All rights reserved.
No part of this document may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without prior
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Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd.

Address: Huawei Industrial Base
Bantian, Longgang
Shenzhen 518129
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Website: https://www.huawei.com
Email: [email protected]

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Carrier Aggregation Feature Parameter Description Contents

Contents

1 Change History.........................................................................................................................1
1.1 eRAN17.1 Draft A (2020-12-29)........................................................................................................................................ 1

2 About This Document.............................................................................................................4

2.1 General Statements................................................................................................................................................................ 4
2.2 Applicable RAT......................................................................................................................................................................... 4
2.3 Features in This Document.................................................................................................................................................. 4

3 Overview....................................................................................................................................6
3.1 Background................................................................................................................................................................................ 6
3.2 Classification............................................................................................................................................................................. 6
3.3 Intra- and Inter-eNodeB CA................................................................................................................................................. 7
3.3.1 Intra-eNodeB CA Scenarios.............................................................................................................................................. 7
3.3.2 Inter-eNodeB CA Scenarios.............................................................................................................................................. 9

4 General Principles................................................................................................................. 10
4.1 Related Concepts.................................................................................................................................................................. 10
4.2 Protocol Stack Architecture............................................................................................................................................... 11
4.3 CA-related Events................................................................................................................................................................. 12
4.4 Configuration Modes........................................................................................................................................................... 15
4.5 Band Combinations.............................................................................................................................................................. 19
4.5.1 3GPP-defined Band Combinations.............................................................................................................................. 19
4.5.2 Private Band Combinations............................................................................................................................................19
4.5.3 Network-requested CA Band Combination Capability Signaling......................................................................23
4.6 Carrier Management for RRC_CONNECTED UEs....................................................................................................... 30
4.6.1 PCC Anchoring.................................................................................................................................................................... 31
4.6.1.1 Triggering Conditions....................................................................................................................................................32
4.6.1.2 CA-Group-based PCC Anchoring Procedure......................................................................................................... 33
4.6.1.3 Adaptive PCC Anchoring Procedure......................................................................................................................... 35
4.6.2 PCC Anchoring Enhancement....................................................................................................................................... 37
4.6.2.1 CA-Group-based PCC Anchoring Procedure......................................................................................................... 38
4.6.2.2 Adaptive PCC Anchoring Procedure......................................................................................................................... 38
4.6.3 SCell Management............................................................................................................................................................ 39
4.6.3.1 SCell Configuration........................................................................................................................................................40
4.6.3.1.1 Triggering Conditions................................................................................................................................................ 40

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4.6.3.1.2 CA-Group-based SCell Configuration Procedure............................................................................................. 44

4.6.3.1.3 Adaptive SCell Configuration Procedure.............................................................................................................48
4.6.3.2 SCell Configuration Enhancement........................................................................................................................... 52
4.6.3.3 SCell Change.................................................................................................................................................................... 54
4.6.3.4 SCell Activation............................................................................................................................................................... 55
4.6.3.5 SCell Deactivation.......................................................................................................................................................... 57
4.6.3.6 SCell Removal.................................................................................................................................................................. 61
4.7 Carrier Management for RRC_IDLE UEs........................................................................................................................64

5 Downlink 2CC Aggregation................................................................................................ 66

5.1 Principles.................................................................................................................................................................................. 66
5.2 Network Analysis.................................................................................................................................................................. 67
5.2.1 Benefits................................................................................................................................................................................. 67
5.2.2 Impacts.................................................................................................................................................................................. 68
5.3 Requirements......................................................................................................................................................................... 85
5.3.1 Licenses (FDD)....................................................................................................................................................................85
5.3.2 Software................................................................................................................................................................................86
5.3.3 Hardware.............................................................................................................................................................................. 86
5.3.4 Networking.......................................................................................................................................................................... 88
5.3.5 Others.................................................................................................................................................................................... 89
5.4 Operation and Maintenance............................................................................................................................................. 90
5.4.1 Data Configuration........................................................................................................................................................... 90
5.4.1.1 Data Preparation............................................................................................................................................................ 90
5.4.1.1.1 CA-Group-based Configuration Mode.................................................................................................................90
5.4.1.1.2 Adaptive Configuration Mode................................................................................................................................ 94
5.4.1.1.3 Common Parameters.................................................................................................................................................99
5.4.1.2 Using MML Commands............................................................................................................................................. 123
5.4.1.2.1 CA-Group-based Configuration Mode (FDD).................................................................................................124
5.4.1.2.2 Adaptive Configuration Mode (FDD)................................................................................................................ 124
5.4.1.3 Using the MAE-Deployment.................................................................................................................................... 125
5.4.2 Activation Verification................................................................................................................................................... 125
5.4.3 Network Monitoring...................................................................................................................................................... 126

6 Downlink 3CC Aggregation.............................................................................................. 131

6.1 Principles............................................................................................................................................................................... 131
6.2 Network Analysis................................................................................................................................................................ 132
6.2.1 Benefits............................................................................................................................................................................... 132
6.2.2 Impacts............................................................................................................................................................................... 133
6.3 Requirements....................................................................................................................................................................... 134
6.3.1 Licenses (FDD)................................................................................................................................................................. 134
6.3.2 Software............................................................................................................................................................................. 135
6.3.3 Hardware........................................................................................................................................................................... 136
6.3.4 Networking....................................................................................................................................................................... 136
6.3.5 Others................................................................................................................................................................................. 136

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6.4 Operation and Maintenance.......................................................................................................................................... 136

6.4.1 Data Configuration (FDD)........................................................................................................................................... 136
6.4.1.1 Data Preparation..........................................................................................................................................................136
6.4.1.2 Using MML Commands............................................................................................................................................. 137
6.4.1.2.1 CA-Group-based Configuration Mode.............................................................................................................. 137
6.4.1.2.2 Adaptive Configuration Mode............................................................................................................................. 138
6.4.1.3 Using the MAE-Deployment.................................................................................................................................... 138
6.4.2 Activation Verification................................................................................................................................................... 138
6.4.3 Network Monitoring...................................................................................................................................................... 139

7 Downlink 4CC Aggregation.............................................................................................. 140

7.1 Principles............................................................................................................................................................................... 140
7.2 Network Analysis................................................................................................................................................................ 141
7.2.1 Benefits............................................................................................................................................................................... 141
7.2.2 Impacts............................................................................................................................................................................... 141
7.3 Requirements....................................................................................................................................................................... 143
7.3.1 Licenses (FDD)................................................................................................................................................................. 143
7.3.2 Software............................................................................................................................................................................. 144
7.3.3 Hardware........................................................................................................................................................................... 144
7.3.4 Networking....................................................................................................................................................................... 144
7.3.5 Others................................................................................................................................................................................. 144
7.4 Operation and Maintenance.......................................................................................................................................... 145
7.4.1 Data Configuration......................................................................................................................................................... 145
7.4.1.1 Data Preparation..........................................................................................................................................................145
7.4.1.2 Using MML Commands............................................................................................................................................. 146
7.4.1.3 Using the MAE-Deployment.................................................................................................................................... 146
7.4.2 Activation Verification................................................................................................................................................... 146
7.4.3 Network Monitoring...................................................................................................................................................... 147

8 Downlink 5CC Aggregation.............................................................................................. 148

8.1 Principles............................................................................................................................................................................... 148
8.2 Network Analysis................................................................................................................................................................ 149
8.2.1 Benefits............................................................................................................................................................................... 149
8.2.2 Impacts............................................................................................................................................................................... 149
8.3 Requirements....................................................................................................................................................................... 152
8.3.1 Licenses (FDD)................................................................................................................................................................. 152
8.3.2 Software............................................................................................................................................................................. 153
8.3.3 Hardware........................................................................................................................................................................... 154
8.3.4 Networking....................................................................................................................................................................... 154
8.3.5 Others................................................................................................................................................................................. 154
8.4 Operation and Maintenance.......................................................................................................................................... 154
8.4.1 Data Configuration......................................................................................................................................................... 154
8.4.1.1 Data Preparation..........................................................................................................................................................154
8.4.1.2 Using MML Commands............................................................................................................................................. 155

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8.4.1.3 Using the MAE-Deployment.................................................................................................................................... 156

8.4.2 Activation Verification................................................................................................................................................... 156
8.4.3 Network Monitoring...................................................................................................................................................... 156

9 Downlink Massive CA (FDD)............................................................................................ 158

9.1 Principles............................................................................................................................................................................... 158
9.2 Network Analysis................................................................................................................................................................ 159
9.2.1 Benefits............................................................................................................................................................................... 159
9.2.2 Impacts............................................................................................................................................................................... 160
9.3 Requirements....................................................................................................................................................................... 164
9.3.1 Licenses............................................................................................................................................................................... 165
9.3.2 Software............................................................................................................................................................................. 166
9.3.3 Hardware........................................................................................................................................................................... 166
9.3.4 Networking....................................................................................................................................................................... 167
9.3.5 Others................................................................................................................................................................................. 167
9.4 Operation and Maintenance.......................................................................................................................................... 167
9.4.1 Data Configuration......................................................................................................................................................... 167
9.4.1.1 Data Preparation..........................................................................................................................................................167
9.4.1.2 Using MML Commands............................................................................................................................................. 168
9.4.1.3 Using the MAE-Deployment.................................................................................................................................... 169
9.4.2 Activation Verification................................................................................................................................................... 169
9.4.3 Network Monitoring...................................................................................................................................................... 169

10 Flexible CA.......................................................................................................................... 171

10.1 Principles............................................................................................................................................................................. 171
10.2 Network Analysis............................................................................................................................................................. 172
10.2.1 Benefits.............................................................................................................................................................................172
10.2.2 Impacts............................................................................................................................................................................. 172
10.3 Requirements..................................................................................................................................................................... 173
10.3.1 Licenses (FDD)............................................................................................................................................................... 173
10.3.2 Software........................................................................................................................................................................... 174
10.3.3 Hardware......................................................................................................................................................................... 174
10.3.4 Networking..................................................................................................................................................................... 175
10.3.5 Others............................................................................................................................................................................... 175
10.4 Operation and Maintenance........................................................................................................................................ 175
10.4.1 Data Configuration...................................................................................................................................................... 175
10.4.1.1 Data Preparation....................................................................................................................................................... 175
10.4.1.2 Using MML Commands.......................................................................................................................................... 175
10.4.1.2.1 CA-Group-based Configuration Mode............................................................................................................176
10.4.1.2.2 Adaptive Configuration Mode........................................................................................................................... 176
10.4.1.3 Using the MAE-Deployment..................................................................................................................................176
10.4.2 Activation Verification.................................................................................................................................................176
10.4.3 Network Monitoring.................................................................................................................................................... 176

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11 Intelligent Selection of Serving Cell Combinations................................................. 177

11.1 Principles............................................................................................................................................................................. 177
11.1.1 Overview.......................................................................................................................................................................... 177
11.1.2 Triggers............................................................................................................................................................................. 177
11.1.3 Intelligent Selection of Downlink Serving Cell Combinations.......................................................................178
11.1.4 Intelligent Selection of Uplink Serving Cell Combinations............................................................................ 182
11.2 Network Analysis............................................................................................................................................................. 183
11.2.1 Benefits.............................................................................................................................................................................183
11.2.2 Impacts............................................................................................................................................................................. 183
11.3 Requirements..................................................................................................................................................................... 184
11.3.1 Licenses (FDD)............................................................................................................................................................... 184
11.3.2 Software........................................................................................................................................................................... 185
11.3.3 Hardware......................................................................................................................................................................... 187
11.3.4 Networking..................................................................................................................................................................... 187
11.3.5 Others............................................................................................................................................................................... 187
11.4 Operation and Maintenance........................................................................................................................................ 187
11.4.1 Data Configuration...................................................................................................................................................... 187
11.4.1.1 Data Preparation....................................................................................................................................................... 187
11.4.1.2 Using MML Commands.......................................................................................................................................... 189
11.4.1.3 Using the MAE-Deployment..................................................................................................................................189
11.4.2 Activation Verification.................................................................................................................................................190
11.4.3 Network Monitoring.................................................................................................................................................... 190

12 Downlink FDD+TDD CA................................................................................................... 191

12.1 Principles............................................................................................................................................................................. 191
12.2 Network Analysis............................................................................................................................................................. 193
12.2.1 Benefits.............................................................................................................................................................................194
12.2.2 Impacts............................................................................................................................................................................. 194
12.3 Requirements..................................................................................................................................................................... 209
12.3.1 Licenses............................................................................................................................................................................ 209
12.3.2 Software........................................................................................................................................................................... 215
12.3.3 Hardware......................................................................................................................................................................... 219
12.3.4 Networking..................................................................................................................................................................... 219
12.3.5 Others............................................................................................................................................................................... 221
12.4 Operation and Maintenance........................................................................................................................................ 221
12.4.1 Data Configuration...................................................................................................................................................... 221
12.4.1.1 Data Preparation....................................................................................................................................................... 221
12.4.1.2 Using MML Commands.......................................................................................................................................... 224
12.4.1.3 Using the MAE-Deployment..................................................................................................................................225
12.4.2 Activation Verification.................................................................................................................................................225
12.4.3 Network Monitoring.................................................................................................................................................... 227

13 Uplink 2CC Aggregation..................................................................................................231

13.1 Principles............................................................................................................................................................................. 231

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13.2 Network Analysis............................................................................................................................................................. 231

13.2.1 Benefits.............................................................................................................................................................................231
13.2.2 Impacts............................................................................................................................................................................. 232
13.3 Requirements..................................................................................................................................................................... 240
13.3.1 Licenses (FDD)............................................................................................................................................................... 240
13.3.2 Software........................................................................................................................................................................... 241
13.3.3 Hardware......................................................................................................................................................................... 241
13.3.4 Networking..................................................................................................................................................................... 242
13.3.5 Others............................................................................................................................................................................... 242
13.4 Operation and Maintenance........................................................................................................................................ 242
13.4.1 Data Configuration (FDD)......................................................................................................................................... 242
13.4.1.1 Data Preparation....................................................................................................................................................... 242
13.4.1.2 Using MML Commands.......................................................................................................................................... 245
13.4.1.3 Using the MAE-Deployment..................................................................................................................................245
13.4.2 Activation Verification.................................................................................................................................................245
13.4.3 Network Monitoring.................................................................................................................................................... 246

14 Uplink FDD+TDD CA.........................................................................................................248

14.1 Principles............................................................................................................................................................................. 248
14.2 Network Analysis............................................................................................................................................................. 249
14.2.1 Benefits.............................................................................................................................................................................249
14.2.2 Impacts............................................................................................................................................................................. 249
14.3 Requirements..................................................................................................................................................................... 255
14.3.1 Licenses............................................................................................................................................................................ 255
14.3.2 Software........................................................................................................................................................................... 256
14.3.3 Hardware......................................................................................................................................................................... 257
14.3.4 Networking..................................................................................................................................................................... 257
14.3.5 Others............................................................................................................................................................................... 257
14.4 Operation and Maintenance........................................................................................................................................ 257
14.4.1 Data Configuration...................................................................................................................................................... 257
14.4.1.1 Data Preparation....................................................................................................................................................... 258
14.4.1.2 Using MML Commands.......................................................................................................................................... 260
14.4.1.3 Using the MAE-Deployment..................................................................................................................................260
14.4.2 Activation Verification.................................................................................................................................................260
14.4.3 Network Monitoring.................................................................................................................................................... 261

15 Inter-eNodeB CA Based on Relaxed Backhaul........................................................... 262

15.1 Principles............................................................................................................................................................................. 262
15.2 Network Analysis............................................................................................................................................................. 264
15.2.1 Benefits.............................................................................................................................................................................264
15.2.2 Impacts............................................................................................................................................................................. 264
15.3 Requirements..................................................................................................................................................................... 270
15.3.1 Licenses (FDD)............................................................................................................................................................... 271
15.3.2 Software........................................................................................................................................................................... 272

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15.3.3 Hardware......................................................................................................................................................................... 274

15.3.4 Networking..................................................................................................................................................................... 275
15.3.5 Others............................................................................................................................................................................... 278
15.4 Operation and Maintenance........................................................................................................................................ 278
15.4.1 Data Configuration...................................................................................................................................................... 279
15.4.1.1 Data Preparation....................................................................................................................................................... 279
15.4.1.2 Using MML Commands (FDD)............................................................................................................................. 281
15.4.1.3 Using the MAE-Deployment..................................................................................................................................282
15.4.2 Activation Verification.................................................................................................................................................282
15.4.3 Network Monitoring.................................................................................................................................................... 283

16 Inter-eNodeB CA Based on eNodeB Coordination.................................................... 285

16.1 Principles............................................................................................................................................................................. 285
16.2 Network Analysis............................................................................................................................................................. 287
16.2.1 Benefits.............................................................................................................................................................................287
16.2.2 Impacts............................................................................................................................................................................. 287
16.3 Requirements..................................................................................................................................................................... 288
16.3.1 Licenses (FDD)............................................................................................................................................................... 288
16.3.2 Software........................................................................................................................................................................... 289
16.3.3 Hardware......................................................................................................................................................................... 291
16.3.4 Networking..................................................................................................................................................................... 292
16.3.5 Others............................................................................................................................................................................... 292
16.4 Operation and Maintenance........................................................................................................................................ 292
16.4.1 Data Configuration...................................................................................................................................................... 292
16.4.1.1 Data Preparation....................................................................................................................................................... 293
16.4.1.2 Using MML Commands (FDD)............................................................................................................................. 294
16.4.1.2.1 Centralized Architecture...................................................................................................................................... 294
16.4.1.2.2 Distributed Architecture...................................................................................................................................... 295
16.4.1.2.3 Hybrid Architecture............................................................................................................................................... 296
16.4.1.3 Using the MAE-Deployment..................................................................................................................................296
16.4.2 Activation Verification.................................................................................................................................................296
16.4.3 Network Monitoring.................................................................................................................................................... 297

17 Collaboration Between CA and Other Key Technologies........................................ 298

17.1 Multi-Band Compatibility Enhancement................................................................................................................. 298
17.2 Multiple-Antenna Technologies.................................................................................................................................. 298
17.2.1 Adaptive Handling of CA for MU Beamforming................................................................................................298
17.2.2 MIMO (FDD).................................................................................................................................................................. 301
17.3 Connection Management..............................................................................................................................................304
17.4 Mobility and Load Management................................................................................................................................ 304
17.4.1 Mobility Management................................................................................................................................................ 304
17.4.2 Admission and Congestion Control........................................................................................................................ 309
17.4.3 High-Speed UE Return................................................................................................................................................ 310
17.5 Resource Management.................................................................................................................................................. 311

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17.5.1 Scheduling....................................................................................................................................................................... 311

17.5.2 Power Control................................................................................................................................................................ 315
17.5.3 MTA................................................................................................................................................................................... 316
17.5.4 RAN Sharing................................................................................................................................................................... 317
17.6 RAN-Terminal Coordination..........................................................................................................................................318
17.6.1 DRX Control.................................................................................................................................................................... 318
17.6.2 SPID- and IP-based SCell Management................................................................................................................319
17.6.3 Blind SCell Configuration for Fast-Moving UEs..................................................................................................320
17.7 VoLTE.................................................................................................................................................................................... 320

18 Parameters......................................................................................................................... 323
19 Counters.............................................................................................................................. 324
20 Glossary............................................................................................................................... 325
21 Reference Documents...................................................................................................... 326

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Carrier Aggregation Feature Parameter Description 1 Change History

1 Change History

This chapter describes changes not included in the "Parameters", "Counters",

"Glossary", and "Reference Documents" chapters. These changes include:
● Technical changes
Changes in functions and their corresponding parameters
● Editorial changes
Improvements or revisions to the documentation

1.1 eRAN17.1 Draft A (2020-12-29)

Technical Changes
Change Description Parameter Change RAT Base Station
Model

Enhanced the CA band Added parameters: FDD ● 3900 and 5900

reporting capability. For ● OperatorBand.Ban series base
details, see 4.5.3 dId stations
Network-requested CA ● DBS3900
Band Combination ● OperatorBand.Ban
dType LampSite and
Capability Signaling. DBS5900
● OperatorBand.Cn LampSite
OperatorList
Added the impact None FDD ● 3900 and 5900
relationship between series base
uplink 2CC aggregation stations
and massive MIMO. For ● DBS3900
details, see 13.2.2 LampSite and
Impacts. DBS5900
LampSite

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Carrier Aggregation Feature Parameter Description 1 Change History

Change Description Parameter Change RAT Base Station

Model

Added uplink SCC Added parameters: FDD ● 3900 and 5900

configuration for UEs with SccFreqCfg.UlSpidGr series base
specific SPIDs. For details, pId stations
see 4.4 Configuration ● DBS3900
Modes. LampSite and
DBS5900
LampSite

Added the function of Modified parameters: FDD ● 3900 and 5900

blind SCell configuration ● Added the series base
for fast-moving UEs. For FAST_MOVING_SC stations
details, see 17.6.3 Blind ELL_BLIND_CFG_S ● DBS3900
SCell Configuration for W option to the LampSite and
Fast-Moving UEs. CaMgtCfg.CellCaA DBS5900
lgoExtSwitch LampSite
parameter.
● Added the
SCC_BLIND_CONFI
G_SW option to
the
CellQciPara.QciAlg
oSwitch
parameter.

Editorial Changes
● Added the statement that the scenarios of PCC anchoring for CA UEs vary
depending on the setting of the CaTrafficTriggerSwitch option. For details,
see 4.6.1.1 Triggering Conditions in 4.6.1 PCC Anchoring.
● Added the impacts of the CPU usage of the BBP on the SCell configuration
procedure. For details, see 4.6.3.1.1 Triggering Conditions in 4.6.3.1 SCell
Configuration.
● Revised the thresholds for events A4 and A2. For details, see 4.6.3.1.2 CA-
Group-based SCell Configuration Procedure, 4.6.3.1.3 Adaptive SCell
Configuration Procedure, and 4.6.3.6 SCell Removal.
● Added the impact relationship with flexible bandwidth based on overlapping
carriers and with compact bandwidth. For details, see 5.2.2 Impacts in 5
Downlink 2CC Aggregation.
● Added the MML-based configuration procedure for baseband interconnection
scenarios. For details, see 12.4.1.2 Using MML Commands in 12 Downlink
FDD+TDD CA.
● Added impact analysis for uplink 2CC aggregation. For details, see 13.2.2
Impacts.
● Revised 4.5.2 Private Band Combinations, with the description of the
PrivateBand.BandType parameter added.

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Carrier Aggregation Feature Parameter Description 1 Change History

● Revised 4.5.3 Network-requested CA Band Combination Capability

Signaling.
● Revised 6.3.2 Software.
● Revised 4.6.1.1 Triggering Conditions and 5.2.2 Impacts.
● Revised the setting of the CaMgtCfg.RelaxedBhSccDlTargetIbler parameter
(set to 1) for relaxed-backhaul-based CA. For details, see 15.4.1 Data
Configuration.
● Deleted the descriptions of the perceived-load-based CA UE scheduling
function from section "PCC/SCC Scheduling Principles" of 17.5.1 Scheduling.
For details about this function, see Multi-carrier Unified Scheduling.

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Carrier Aggregation Feature Parameter Description 2 About This Document

2 About This Document

2.1 General Statements

Purpose
This document is intended to acquaint readers with:

● The technical principles of features and their related parameters

● The scenarios where these features are used, the benefits they provide, and
the impact they have on networks and functions
● Requirements of the operating environment that must be met before feature
activation
● Parameter configuration required for feature activation, verification of feature
activation, and monitoring of feature performance
NOTE

This document only provides guidance for feature activation. Feature deployment and
feature gains depend on the specifics of the network scenario where the feature is
deployed. To achieve the desired gains, contact Huawei professional service engineers.

Software Interfaces
Any parameters, alarms, counters, or managed objects (MOs) described in this
document apply only to the corresponding software release. For future software
releases, refer to the corresponding updated product documentation.

2.2 Applicable RAT

This document applies to FDD.

2.3 Features in This Document

This document describes the following FDD features.

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Carrier Aggregation Feature Parameter Description 2 About This Document

Feature ID Feature Name Chapter/Section

LAOFD-00100101 Carrier Aggregation for 5 Downlink 2CC

Downlink 2CC Aggregation

LAOFD-001002 Carrier Aggregation for

Downlink 2CC in 40MHz

LAOFD-080207 Carrier Aggregation for 6 Downlink 3CC

Downlink 3CC in 40MHz Aggregation

LAOFD-080208 Carrier Aggregation for

Downlink 3CC in 60MHz

LEOFD-110303 Carrier Aggregation for 7 Downlink 4CC

Downlink 4CC and 5CC Aggregation

8 Downlink 5CC
Aggregation

LEOFD-151308 Downlink Massive CA 9 Downlink Massive CA

(FDD)

LAOFD-070201 Flexible CA from Multiple 10 Flexible CA

Carriers 11 Intelligent Selection
of Serving Cell
Combinations

MRFD-101222 FDD+TDD Downlink 12 Downlink FDD+TDD

Carrier Aggregation(LTE CA
FDD)

MRFD-151309 FDD+TDD Downlink

Massive CA(LTE FDD)

LAOFD-080202 Carrier Aggregation for 13 Uplink 2CC

Uplink 2CC Aggregation

MRFD-111222 FDD+TDD Uplink Carrier 14 Uplink FDD+TDD CA

Aggregation (LTE FDD)

LAOFD-080201 Inter-eNodeB CA Based on 15 Inter-eNodeB CA

Relaxed Backhaul Based on Relaxed
Backhaul

LAOFD-070202 Inter-eNodeB CA based on 16 Inter-eNodeB CA

Coordinated eNodeB Based on eNodeB
Coordination

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Carrier Aggregation Feature Parameter Description 3 Overview

3 Overview

3.1 Background
3GPP requires that LTE-Advanced networks provide a downlink peak data rate of 1
Gbit/s. However, radio spectrum resources are so scarce that in most cases
operators own only non-adjacent portions of the spectrum. Due to the limited
bandwidth available on any single portion of the spectrum, the 1 Gbit/s data rate
requirement is hard to meet.
To deal with this situation, 3GPP introduced carrier aggregation (CA) for LTE-
Advanced networks. CA allows for aggregation of contiguous or non-contiguous
component carriers (CCs) to expand bandwidth.
Figure 3-1 illustrates an example of CA.

Figure 3-1 CA for UEs

3.2 Classification
CA can be classified into downlink CA and uplink CA.
● Downlink CA
An eNodeB selects multiple intra- or inter-band carriers for CA in the
downlink based on the CA capability reported by a CA UE and carrier
management principles (see 4 General Principles). This provides wider
bandwidth for downlink data transmission to the UE.
Currently, Huawei supports the following numbers of CCs in the downlink:

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– (FDD) 2CC to 8CC. For details, see 5 Downlink 2CC Aggregation, 6

Downlink 3CC Aggregation, 7 Downlink 4CC Aggregation, 8 Downlink
5CC Aggregation, and 9 Downlink Massive CA (FDD).
In the downlink, flexible CA and intelligent selection of serving cell
combinations can be enabled for eNodeBs to select the most appropriate
PCell and SCell combinations for CA UEs, providing higher peak rates. For
details, see 10 Flexible CA and 11 Intelligent Selection of Serving Cell
Combinations.
Downlink FDD+TDD CA can be enabled on networks with both FDD and TDD
spectral resources deployed. This function aggregates FDD and TDD carriers
for a CA UE to widen bandwidth and maximize carrier usage. For details, see
12 Downlink FDD+TDD CA.
NOTE

In this document, "FDD+TDD" indicates a network deployed with both FDD and TDD
spectrum resources.
● Uplink CA
An eNodeB selects two intra- or inter-band carriers for CA in the uplink based
on the CA capability reported by a CA UE and carrier management principles
(see 4 General Principles). This provides the UE with wider bandwidth for
uplink data transmission.
Currently, Huawei supports uplink 2CC aggregation. For details about this
function, see 13 Uplink 2CC Aggregation.
Uplink FDD+TDD CA can be enabled on networks with both FDD and TDD
spectral resources deployed. This function aggregates FDD and TDD carriers
for a CA UE to widen bandwidth and maximize carrier usage. For details, see
14 Uplink FDD+TDD CA.
Uplink CA and downlink CA work between intra- and inter-eNodeB cells. The
inter-eNodeB cells are served by eNodeBs connected through relaxed backhaul or
ideal backhaul. For details about the scenarios, see 15 Inter-eNodeB CA Based on
Relaxed Backhaul and 16 Inter-eNodeB CA Based on eNodeB Coordination.
For details about how CA collaborates with other key technologies, see 17
Collaboration Between CA and Other Key Technologies.

3.3 Intra- and Inter-eNodeB CA

CA can be used between intra- or inter-eNodeB cells, involving both uplink CA and
downlink CA.

3.3.1 Intra-eNodeB CA Scenarios

Annex J in 3GPP TS 36.300 of Release 10 defines five intra-eNodeB CA scenarios,
which use two CCs as an example.
Table 3-1 lists the five scenarios and describes when Huawei CA works in the
scenarios.

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Table 3-1 Intra-eNodeB CA scenarios

Scenario CA-Group-based Adaptive

Configuration Mode Configuration
Mode

Intra-eNodeB co-coverage Supported Supported

carriers, shown in Figure 3-2

Intra-eNodeB different-coverage Supported Supported

carriers, shown in Figure 3-3

Intra-eNodeB carriers (one for Not recommended Recommended

macro coverage; another for
edge coverage), shown in Figure
3-4

Intra-eNodeB carriers (one FDD: supported when Supported when

provided by the site; another the ratio of macro cells the ratio of macro
provided by remote radio heads to RRHs is 1:1 cells to RRHs is 1:N
[RRHs]), shown in Figure 3-5 (N ≥ 1)

Intra-eNodeB carriers (one Supported Supported

provided only by the site;
another provided by the site and
a repeater), shown in Figure 3-6

For details about the CA-group-based and adaptive configuration modes, see 4.4
Configuration Modes.

The following figures show the intra-eNodeB CA scenarios. In the figures, F1 and
F2 denote two carrier frequencies.

Figure 3-2 Intra-eNodeB co-coverage carriers

Figure 3-3 Intra-eNodeB different-coverage carriers

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Figure 3-4 Intra-eNodeB carriers (one for macro coverage; another for edge
coverage)

Figure 3-5 Intra-eNodeB carriers (one provided by the site; another provided by
RRHs)

Figure 3-6 Intra-eNodeB carriers (one provided only by the site; another provided
by the site and a repeater)

3.3.2 Inter-eNodeB CA Scenarios

Huawei eNodeBs support CA in the following inter-eNodeB scenarios:
● Relaxed backhaul
Inter-eNodeB CA works in networks with relaxed backhaul requirements for
delay (referred to as relaxed backhaul scenarios in this document). For details,
see 15 Inter-eNodeB CA Based on Relaxed Backhaul.
● eNodeB coordination
Inter-eNodeB CA works in networks with ideal backhaul requirements for
delay. For details, see 16 Inter-eNodeB CA Based on eNodeB Coordination.

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4 General Principles

4.1 Related Concepts

PCell
A primary cell (PCell) is a cell on which a CA UE camps. In the PCell, the CA UE
works in the same way as it does in a 3GPP Release 8 or Release 9 cell. The
physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) of the UE exists only in the PCell.
Unless otherwise stated, all switches described in this document need to be turned
on only in the PCell.

SCell
A secondary cell (SCell) is a cell that an eNodeB configures for a CA UE through
an RRC Connection Reconfiguration message. This cell operates on a different
frequency from the PCell. It provides the CA UE with additional radio resources. In
an SCell, there can be downlink transmission only or both downlink and uplink
transmission.

CC
Component carriers (CCs) are the carriers that are aggregated for a CA UE.

PCC
The primary component carrier (PCC) is the carrier of the PCell.

SCC
A secondary component carrier (SCC) is the carrier of an SCell.

PCC Anchoring
During PCC anchoring, the eNodeB selects a high-priority cell as the PCell for the
UE.

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4.2 Protocol Stack Architecture

The protocol stack with CA enabled has the following characteristics:
● Each radio bearer has only one Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP)
entity and one Radio Link Control (RLC) entity. The number of CCs at the
physical layer is not visible from the RLC layer.
● User-plane data scheduling at the Media Access Control (MAC) layer is
performed separately for individual CCs.
● Each CC has an independent set of Uu interface transport channels, as well as
separate hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) entities and retransmission
processes.
Figure 4-1 shows the protocol stack.

Figure 4-1 Protocol stack with CA enabled

ARQ: automatic repeat request

ROHC: robust header compression
3GPP Release 15 has the following constraints on LTE-Advanced CA:

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● In the uplink or downlink, a CA UE can have no more than 32 CCs

aggregated, with each CC having a maximum bandwidth of 20 MHz.
In the current version, Huawei CA supports downlink aggregation of a
maximum of eight CCs and uplink aggregation of a maximum of two CCs.
● CA UEs support asymmetric CA. A UE may use different numbers of CCs in the
uplink and downlink. However, the number of CCs in the downlink must
always be at least equal to the number of CCs in the uplink. In addition, the
uplink CCs must be included in the set of downlink CCs.
● Each CC uses the same frame structure as 3GPP Release 8 carriers, ensuring
backward compatibility.
● UEs that comply with 3GPP releases earlier than Release 15 are allowed to
transmit and receive data on Release 15 CCs.

4.3 CA-related Events

Events A1 to A6 are involved in CA.
● Event A1
The signal quality of the serving cell exceeds a specific threshold.
● Event A2
The signal quality of the serving cell drops below a specific threshold.
● Event A3
The signal quality of the PCell's neighboring cell exceeds that of the PCell.
● Event A4
The signal quality of a neighboring cell exceeds a specific threshold.
● Event A5
The signal quality of the PCell drops below threshold 1 and the signal quality
of a neighboring cell exceeds threshold 2.
When CA is enabled, the CaA5HoEventSwitch option of the
ENodeBAlgoSwitch.CaAlgoSwitch parameter and the
CaA5HoEventEnhSwitch option of the ENodeBAlgoSwitch.CaAlgoExtSwitch
parameter control measurement configuration. These options specify whether
to change event A4 to event A5 in the handover-related inter-frequency
measurement configurations delivered to CA UEs.
It is recommended that both options be selected.
– If the CaA5HoEventSwitch option is selected, the eNodeB changes event
A4 to event A5 in the inter-frequency measurement configurations
related to any type of handover when both the network and the UE
support CA.

▪ Option CaA5HoEventEnhSwitch deselected

If the data configuration indicates that event A4 is used for inter-
frequency measurements, threshold 1 for event A5 to which event A4
is changed always takes the value of –43 dBm.
If the data configuration indicates that event A5 is used for inter-
frequency measurements, threshold 1 for event A5 related to
coverage-based inter-frequency handovers also always takes the
value of –43 dBm. In addition, threshold 1 for event A5 related to

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other handover types takes the value of the

InterFreqHoGroup.InterFreqHoA5Thd1Rsrp parameter used on the
live network.

▪ Option CaA5HoEventEnhSwitch selected

If the data configuration indicates that event A4 is used for inter-
frequency measurements, threshold 1 for event A5 to which event A4
is changed always takes the value of –43 dBm.
If the data configuration indicates that event A5 is used for inter-
frequency measurements, threshold 1 for event A5 takes the value of
the InterFreqHoGroup.InterFreqHoA5Thd1Rsrp parameter used on
the live network.
– If the CaA5HoEventSwitch option is deselected, then:

▪ Option CaA5HoEventEnhSwitch deselected

When triggering inter-frequency measurements, the eNodeB changes
event A4 to event A5 for the following handover types if SCells have
been configured for the CA UEs:
○ Coverage-based inter-frequency handover
○ Uplink-quality-based inter-frequency handover
○ Distance-based inter-frequency handover
○ Inter-frequency handover for UE transfer in the event of carrier
disabling
○ Inter-frequency handover for unlimited-service (US) UE
assurance
○ Outgoing inter-frequency handover of non-US UEs
○ Load-based inter-frequency handover
If the data configuration indicates that event A4 is used for inter-
frequency measurements and the measurement configuration is
related to coverage-based inter-frequency handovers, threshold 1 for
event A5 to which event A4 is changed takes the value of the
InterFreqHoGroup.InterFreqHoA5Thd1Rsrp parameter used on the
live network. Threshold 1 for event A5 always takes the value of –43
dBm if the measurement configuration is related to other types of
handover.
If the data configuration indicates that event A5 is used for inter-
frequency measurements, threshold 1 for event A5 always takes the
value of –43 dBm.
When triggering inter-frequency measurements, the eNodeB delivers
inter-frequency measurement configurations related to the handover
event determined by relevant algorithms, without changing event A4
to event A5, for the following handover types:
○ Frequency-priority-based handover
○ Service-based inter-frequency handover
○ Inter-frequency handover back to the home public land mobile
network (HPLMN) based on the subscriber profile ID (SPID)
○ Inter-frequency handover based on evolved multimedia
broadcast/multicast service (eMBMS) interest indications

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○ Speed-based inter-frequency handover

▪ Option CaA5HoEventEnhSwitch selected

When triggering inter-frequency measurements, the eNodeB changes
event A4 to event A5 for all types of handover if SCells have been
configured for the CA UEs. In this event A5 measurement
configuration, threshold 1 for event A5 always takes the value of –43
dBm.
● Event A6
The signal quality of an SCell's intra-frequency neighboring cell exceeds that
of the SCell. After receiving an event A6 report, the eNodeB changes the SCell
to a new one while keeping the PCell unchanged.
The entering condition for event A6 is: Mn + Ocn – Hys > Ms + Ocs + Off.
In this condition:
– Mn is the reference signal received power (RSRP) measurement result of
a neighboring cell.
– Ocn is the cell-specific offset specified by the
EutranInterFreqNCell.CellIndividualOffset parameter for the
neighboring cell. This parameter is configured on the PCell side.
– Hys is the hysteresis for event A6. The value of this variable is always 1
dB.
– Ms is the RSRP measurement result of the serving cell.
– Ocs is the cell-specific offset specified by the
EutranInterFreqNCell.CellIndividualOffset parameter for the serving
cell. This parameter is configured on the PCell side.
– Off is the offset for event A6. The offset is specified by the
CaMgtCfg.CarrAggrA6Offset parameter.
For details about event A6, see section 5.5.4.6a "Event A6 (Neighbour
becomes offset better than SCell)" in 3GPP TS 36.331 V10.12.0.
If the time-to-trigger (specified by the CellMcPara.TimetoTrigger parameter) for
any of the preceding events is set to a value greater than the timer value (3s) for
gap-assisted measurements, measurement results cannot be reported.
Measurement configuration for UEs with SCells configured is controlled by the
CaMgtCfg.CaSccFreqMeasOptSw parameter. This switch specifies whether to set
up measurement gaps for a UE during measurement configuration for an inter-
frequency handover when all of the measurement objects are the SCC frequencies
of the UE.
● If this switch is on, the eNodeB does not set up measurement gaps for the UE.
If there are terminal compatibility issues on the network, the
UESPECIFICPARA MO can be used to configure blacklist and whitelist control
to avoid affecting KPIs. An example of these issues is that, if the eNodeB does
not set up measurement gaps for the SCC frequencies of a UE, the UE does
not send measurement reports related to these frequencies to the eNodeB.
● If this switch is off, the eNodeB sets up measurement gaps for the UE.

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4.4 Configuration Modes

CA works in CA-group-based and adaptive configuration modes. The adaptive
mode is recommended. A configuration mode change may result in changes in the
combinations of cells that can be aggregated, the number of license units to be
deducted, and inter-cell routes. As a result, the number of times of SCell
configuration or removal, and the values of L.Thrp.bits.DL.CAUser,
L.Traffic.User.PCell.DL.Avg, L.Traffic.User.SCell.DL.Avg, and
L.Thrp.Time.DL.CAUser also change.

CA-Group-based Configuration Mode

To enable CA-group-based configuration mode, deselect the FreqCfgSwitch
option of the ENodeBAlgoSwitch.CaAlgoSwitch parameter.
This mode requires that cells be configured into a CA group. Only the cells in the
group can be aggregated. Blind SCell configuration is supported in this mode.
Figure 4-2 shows an example.

Figure 4-2 CA-group-based configuration mode

If CA-group-based configuration mode is used, adhere to the following

configuration rules:
● No more than nine cells can be configured into a CA group whose type is set
to FDD. It is recommended that the nine cells be inter-frequency cells that
cover the same area. For any one of the nine cells, there are eight candidate
SCells.
● If the PCell is a higher-frequency cell that covers a relatively small area, it is
recommended that a lower-frequency cell covering a relatively large area be
defined as a blind-configurable candidate SCell. This prevents the CA UE in
the higher-frequency cell from performing an unnecessary inter-frequency
measurement of the lower-frequency cell, which will always meet the
triggering condition for event A4.
● If the PCell is a lower-frequency cell that covers a relatively large area, it is
recommended that blind configuration be disabled (A4 measurements should
be used) for a higher-frequency cell that covers a relatively small area. If blind
configuration is enabled, a CA UE that has accessed the lower-frequency cell
will encounter low scheduling efficiency in the higher-frequency cell. In this
case, the data rate of the CA UE will not reach twice that of a non-CA UE
even in differentiated scheduling mode.
● A maximum of 576 CaGroupSCellCfg MOs, which represent candidate SCells,
can be configured for a single eNodeB. Ensure that the candidate SCells are

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included in the same CA group as the associated PCells. Otherwise, the

candidate SCell configurations will not take effect and will be regarded as
invalid. Delete the invalid CaGroupSCellCfg MOs, as these MOs represent
wasted MO capacity.
● If the CaGroupSCellCfg.SpidGrpId parameter is set to a value other than
65535 for a candidate SCell, this cell cannot be configured as an SCell for UEs
in this subscriber profile ID (SPID) group.
● For intra-frequency cells in a CA group:
– An identical value of the CaGroupCell.PreferredPCellPriority parameter
is recommended for all these cells. If different PCell priorities are
configured for the intra-frequency cells, the eNodeB takes the highest
one as the priority for all these cells.
– An identical value of the CaGroupSCellCfg.SCellPriority parameter is
recommended for all these cells. If different SCell priorities are configured
for the intra-frequency cells, the eNodeB takes the highest one as the
priority for all these cells.
– An identical value of the CaGroupSCellCfg.SpidGrpId parameter is
recommended for all these cells.

Adaptive Configuration Mode

To enable adaptive configuration mode, select both the FreqCfgSwitch and
AdpCaSwitch options of the ENodeBAlgoSwitch.CaAlgoSwitch parameter.
This mode requires that different E-UTRA frequencies with neighbor relationships
be specified on the eNodeBs. Only cells on these frequencies can be aggregated.
Blind SCell configuration is also supported in this mode. Figure 4-3 shows an
example network.

Figure 4-3 Adaptive configuration mode

If adaptive configuration mode is used, adhere to the following configuration

rules:
● If the SMART_CARRIER_SELECTION_SW option of the
MultiCarrUnifiedSch.MultiCarrierUnifiedSchSw parameter is deselected, no
more than 9 PCC frequencies can be configured on an eNodeB. For each PCC
frequency, a total of 16 SCC frequencies can be specified, but no more than 8
of these SCC frequencies can be specified for an operator.
If the SMART_CARRIER_SELECTION_SW option of the
MultiCarrUnifiedSch.MultiCarrierUnifiedSchSw parameter is selected, no
more than 16 PCC frequencies can be configured on an eNodeB. For each PCC
frequency, a total of 16 SCC frequencies can be specified, and all of these SCC
frequencies can be specified for an operator. For details, see Multi-carrier
Unified Scheduling.

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● If the SccFreqCfg.SpidGrpId parameter is set to a value other than 65535 for

a candidate SCC, this carrier cannot be configured as an SCC for UEs in this
SPID group.
● If the SccFreqCfg.UlSpidGrpId parameter is set to a value other than 65535
for a candidate SCC, this carrier can be configured as an uplink SCC only for
UEs in this SPID group.
● On each candidate SCC, only one cell can be specified as a blind-configurable
candidate SCell. If there are multiple blind-configurable candidate SCells on a
candidate SCC, only one of them can take effect. It is uncertain which one will
take effect. The cell that takes effect shifts after eNodeB restart or cell
deactivation. This shift will affect the CA UE distribution.
● No more than 576 CaGroupSCellCfg MOs can be configured for a single
eNodeB.
NOTE

Ensure that the total number of frequencies configured as candidate PCCs and SCCs
does not exceed 17. Any additional frequencies will not be selected for CA.
● Route setup principles for CA
– A cell can work with a number of other cells for CA. Static routes are set
up between them so long as CaGroupSCellCfg MOs are configured. The
maximum number of other cells depends on the settings of the
Dl2CCAckResShareSw option of the CellAlgoSwitch.PucchAlgoSwitch
parameter and the CaRouteNumberExtensionSwitch option of the
CaMgtCfg.CellCaAlgoSwitch parameter.

▪ Both options selected

A cell can be associated with up to 48 other cells. This specification is
valid only when UMPT boards are used as main control boards and
UBBP boards are used as BBPs.
However, in this scenario, the CPU usage of the main control boards
and BBPs increases, which may cause service drops.

▪ Both options deselected

A cell can be associated with up to 8 other cells.

▪ Only the Dl2CCAckResShareSw option of the

CellAlgoSwitch.PucchAlgoSwitch parameter selected
A cell can be associated with up to 24 other cells.
When the number of CaGroupSCellCfg MOs has reached the maximum
capacity (48, 24, or 8), no more routes will be set up, including dynamic
routes created based on A4 or A6 measurements. Therefore, no more
SCells can be configured or changed to accompany a PCell. The cells
within the capacity are not necessarily active SCells. They may be SCells
configured but not activated, cells to which routes fail to be set up, or
invalid cells.
Fixed routing does not introduce delay. To prevent excessive
configurations, which waste inter-board routing bandwidth, it is
recommended that one static route be configured for each cell for CA in
adaptive configuration mode. Currently, there is no check on the
destination cell status of a route when the route is set up.

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Dynamic routing, in either intra- or inter-eNodeB cases, causes certain

delay in SCell configuration.
– Aging of dynamic routes
If a dynamic route has been set up from a cell (acting as a PCell) to
another cell (acting as an SCell) for CA and CA is not performed between
the cells for any CA UE throughout a period longer than the value of the
CaMgtCfg.SCellAgingTime parameter, the eNodeB considers the route
to be outdated. It immediately releases this route so that the route no
longer accounts for a unit of the dynamic route capacity.
– Penalty on dynamic route setup
The eNodeB can impose a penalty on the dynamic setup of some low-
value routes to relieve the route shortage for CA, reduce the number of
messages transmitted in the eNodeB, and increase the Contention
Preamble Response Rate.
Contention Preamble Response Rate = ((L.RA.GrpA.Resp +
L.RA.GrpB.Resp)/(L.RA.GrpA.Att + L.RA.GrpB.Att)) x 100%
This function takes effect when both of the following conditions are met:

▪ An LTE cell acts as the PCell, and the

CaMgtCfg.CaRouteConfigPenaltyOfs parameter of the cell is set to
a value other than 0.

▪ An LTE cell or LAA cell acts as the SCell. In the case of an LAA cell,
the LaaRoutePunishmentSwitch option of the
ENodeBAlgoSwitch.CaAlgoExtSwitch parameter must be selected.
With this function, the eNodeB checks whether the duration of a route
from a cell acting as a PCell to a cell acting as an SCell for CA is less than
the sum of the CaMgtCfg.SCellAgingTime and
CaMgtCfg.CaRouteConfigPenaltyOfs parameter values.

▪ If the duration is less than the sum, the eNodeB considers the route
to be of low value and will not dynamically set up this route again
within a period that is equal to
CaMgtCfg.CaRouteConfigPenaltyWeight multiplied by
CaMgtCfg.SCellAgingTime.

▪ If the duration is greater than or equal to the sum, the eNodeB will
not prohibit dynamic setup of this route for CA.
When the penalty function takes effect on a network, CA takes effect for
a smaller number of UEs, as indicated by smaller values of the
L.CA.DLSCell.Add.Att, L.CA.DLSCell.Add.Succ, and
L.Traffic.User.PCell.DL.Avg counters for cells that act as PCells in the
penalties. As a result, cell throughput decreases.
This function does not take effect for cells that are served by LMPT
boards and act as PCells.
– Dynamic route setup in the case of an insufficient backplane bandwidth
Routes set up for CA consume the backplane bandwidth of each eNodeB,
which is shared by all features. If there is not enough backplane
bandwidth, the routes will fail to be set up. If three consecutive attempts
to set up a route to a single cell fail because of an insufficient backplane
bandwidth, the eNodeB prohibits the subsequent 30 attempts on the

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route to this cell. This cell will not be configured as an SCell if route setup
fails. As a result, the value of the L.CA.DLSCell.Add.Att counter
decreases, but the value of the L.CA.DLSCell.Add.Succ counter is not
affected.

4.5 Band Combinations

Currently, eNodeBs support CA in the following types of band combinations:
● 3GPP-defined band combinations
For details, see 4.5.1 3GPP-defined Band Combinations.
● Private band combinations
For details, see 4.5.2 Private Band Combinations.
None of the band combinations are direction-specific. Both uplink and downlink
CA work with the band combinations.
During initial access, an incoming RRC connection reestablishment, or an incoming
handover, a CA UE reports its CA band combination capability to the eNodeB. The
eNodeB then selects multiple intra- or inter-band carriers for CA based on carrier
management principles. Currently, network-requested CA band combination
capability signaling is supported, allowing a UE to report a maximum of 384 (128
+ 256) CA band combinations. For details, see 4.5.2 Private Band Combinations.

4.5.1 3GPP-defined Band Combinations

eNodeBs of the current version support CA in 3GPP-defined band combinations,
with the following exceptions:
● FDD-only CA is possible for cells with 1.4 MHz or 3 MHz bandwidth, but 1.4
MHz cells cannot act as PCells. In 1.4 MHz cells, there are only six resource
blocks (RBs) available. If these cells act as PCells for CA UEs, they cannot
accommodate the significant increase in the PUCCH load caused by CA.
● FDD+TDD CA is not possible for FDD cells with 1.4 MHz or 3 MHz bandwidth
or TDD cells with 1.4 MHz, 3 MHz, or 5 MHz bandwidth.
The supported 3GPP-defined band combinations vary depending on eNodeB
hardware and UE capabilities:
● If the main control board of the eNodeB is an LMPT, due to the limited
storage space of hardware, the eNodeB supports CA only in the band
combinations defined in section 5.6A.1 "Channel bandwidths per operating
band for CA" of 3GPP TS 36.101 V13.6.1. Any other band combination must
be defined by operators before CA can be used in those bands.
● If the main control board of the eNodeB is a UMPT, the eNodeB supports CA
in the band combinations defined in section 5.6A.1 "Channel bandwidths per
operating band for CA" of 3GPP TS 36.101 V16.4.0.

4.5.2 Private Band Combinations

Band combinations owned by operators and those supported by UEs may not be
defined by 3GPP specifications. Huawei eNodeBs support operator-defined band
combinations and whitelist control over such band combinations based on UE
identification so that CA works in these private band combinations for UEs.

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Operator-defined Band Combinations

When operators own certain band combinations that have not been defined by
3GPP specifications, they can define band combinations to meet their
requirements for band combination customization.
Operators can configure the PrivateCaBandComb and PrivateBand MOs to
define band combinations for 2CC to 8CC aggregation.
A PrivateCaBandComb MO defines an operator-defined CA band combination,
and a PrivateBand MO defines a frequency band in the combination. The
parameters in the PrivateCaBandComb and PrivateBand MOs are described in
Table 4-1 and Table 4-2, respectively.
Only one PrivateCaBandComb MO can be configured for 8CC aggregation. If
multiple MOs are configured, only the combination with the smallest
PrivateCaBandComb.PrivateCaCombId parameter value takes effect.

Table 4-1 Parameters in the PrivateCaBandComb MO

Parameter ID Parameter Description

PrivateCaBandComb.PrivateCaCombI Identifies an operator-defined CA band

d combination. This ID is unique within
an eNodeB.

PrivateCaBandComb.MaxAggregated Specifies the maximum aggregated

Bw bandwidth that the band combination
supports.

PrivateCaBandComb.BwCombSetId Identifies a bandwidth combination set

for the band combination. A band
combination may support multiple
bandwidth combination sets.

PrivateCaBandComb.NsaFlag Specifies whether the combination is

an NSA band combination.

Table 4-2 Parameters in the PrivateBand MO

Parameter ID Parameter Description

PrivateBand.PrivateCaCombId Identifies an operator-defined CA band

combination within an eNodeB.

PrivateBand.CombBandIndex Identifies a frequency band within the

operator-defined CA band
combination. This index is unique
within the band combination. The
values of this parameter in the
PrivateBand MOs for an operator-
defined band combination must be
consecutive. Otherwise, the band
combination would be invalid.

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Parameter ID Parameter Description

PrivateBand.CombBandId Specifies the indicator of the band.

PrivateBand.CombBandBw Specifies the set of bandwidths

allowed in the band.

PrivateBand.BandType Specifies whether the band is used for

LTE or NR.

The PrivateCaBandComb MO needs to be configured prior to the PrivateBand

MO. The two MOs are associated through the PrivateBand.PrivateCaCombId and
PrivateCaBandComb.PrivateCaCombId parameters.

Take the LTE private CA band combination 7a (10 MHz) + 7a (10 MHz) + 28a (10
MHz) as an example. Assume that the PrivateCaBandComb.PrivateCaCombId
parameter is set to 1 for the band combination. Each of the three bands in this
band combination is associated with the band combination by setting the
PrivateBand.PrivateCaCombId parameter to 1 for each band.

The parameters for the bands are listed in Table 4-3, Table 4-4, and Table 4-5.

Table 4-3 Parameter settings for the first band in the operator-defined band
combination

Parameter ID Value

PrivateBand.PrivateCaCombId 1

PrivateBand.CombBandIndex 1

PrivateBand.CombBandId 7

PrivateBand.CombBandBw Bandwidth_10M

PrivateBand.BandType LTE(LTE)

Table 4-4 Parameter settings for the second band in the operator-defined band
combination

Parameter ID Value

PrivateBand.PrivateCaCombId 1

PrivateBand.CombBandIndex 2

PrivateBand.CombBandId 7

PrivateBand.CombBandBw Bandwidth_10M

PrivateBand.BandType LTE(LTE)

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Table 4-5 Parameter settings for the third band in the operator-defined band
combination

Parameter ID Value

PrivateBand.PrivateCaCombId 1

PrivateBand.CombBandIndex 3

PrivateBand.CombBandId 28

PrivateBand.CombBandBw Bandwidth_10M

PrivateBand.BandType LTE(LTE)

NOTE

● If a 3GPP-defined band combination supported by eNodeBs conflicts with an operator-

defined band combination, the operator-defined one takes precedence. To avoid UE
faults caused by conflicts between 3GPP-defined and operator-defined bandwidth
combination sets, operators are advised to set PrivateCaBandComb.BwCombSetId to
be different from any 3GPP-defined set ID.
● It is recommended that the PrivateCaBandComb.BwCombSetId parameter of an
operator-defined band combination be set to the same value as the combination ID of
the UEs supporting this band combination. Otherwise, the band combination does not
take effect.
● If a subset of an operator-defined band combination is not defined in 3GPP
specifications or if the operator has special requirements for band combinations, data
reconfiguration will be required.
● Ensure that there is no interference between the operator-defined bands for FDD+TDD
CA. For details about how to meet the requirement, contact Huawei engineers.

Whitelist Control over Operator-defined Band Combinations Based on UE

Identification
When certain UEs support band combinations that have not been defined by 3GPP
specifications, whitelist control over operator-defined band combinations based on
UE identification can be used so that CA works in these private band combinations
for the UEs.

For this whitelist control function to take effect, operators must run man-machine
language (MML) commands to configure the UE-supported band combinations on
eNodeBs. The operators then must set the UeCompat.WhiteLstCaCombSwitch
parameter to the IDs of the band combinations, which are specified by the
PrivateCaBandComb.PrivateCaCombId parameter.

For example, if band combinations with PrivateCaBandComb.PrivateCaCombId

of 2 and 3 are defined, the UeCompat.WhiteLstCaCombSwitch parameter must
be set to PRIVATECACOMBID_2 and PRIVATECACOMBID_3 so that the two band
combinations take effect only for whitelisted UEs.

This whitelist control mechanism takes effect only for band combinations whose
value of PrivateCaBandComb.PrivateCaCombId is within the range of 0–31.

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4.5.3 Network-requested CA Band Combination Capability

Signaling
3GPP Release 10 stipulates that a UE can report a maximum of 128 CA band
combinations. As the supply of commercial CA-capable UEs increases and UE
maturity improves, the number of band combinations supported by a single UE
has been growing. 3GPP Release 11 has incorporated network-requested CA band
combination capability signaling, allowing a single UE to report a maximum of
384 (128 + 256) CA band combinations. For details about network-requested CA
band combination capability signaling, see section 5.6.3.3 "Reception of the
UECapabilityEnquiry by the UE" in 3GPP TS 36.331 V13.1.0.

Network-requested CA band combination capability signaling is controlled by the

SupportNetReqCaComboSwitch option of the
GlobalProcSwitch.ProtocolSupportSwitch parameter. With this option selected,
UEs that support more than 128 CA band combinations can enter the CA state.
The procedure for reporting CA band combinations depends on the settings of the
CaBandCombQueryOptSwitch option of the
GlobalProcSwitch.ProtocolMsgOptSwitch parameter and the
GlobalProcSwitch.UeEutraCapbIeSizeThld parameter, as presented in Table 4-6.

Table 4-6 Relationships between reporting procedures and parameter settings

CaBandCombQueryO GlobalProcSwitch.Ue Procedure

ptSwitch of EutraCapbIeSizeThld
GlobalProcSwitch.Pro
tocolMsgOptSwitch
Selected Non-zero value For details, see Parameter
Setting Combination A.

Selected 0 For details, see Parameter

Setting Combination B.

Deselected Non-zero value For details, see Parameter

Setting Combination C.

Deselected 0 For details, see Parameter

Setting Combination D.

Operators are advised to enable network-requested CA band combination

capability signaling across the network when CA is in use. Otherwise, certain CA
band combinations may fail to be configured.

After network-requested CA band combination capability signaling is enabled,

reporting of compressed CA band combination fields can also be enabled (by
selecting the UeBandCombReducedR13Sw option of the
ENodeBAlgoSwitch.CaAlgoExtSwitch parameter) so that the eNodeB is
compatible with the reporting. (This reporting function is not compatible with
LMPT boards.) Before reporting of compressed CA band combination fields can be
enabled, network-requested CA band combination capability sigaling must be
enabled.

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Parameter Setting Combination A

A UE that supports more than 128 CA band combinations can enter the CA state
in one of the following scenarios and the procedure for the UE to report CA band
combinations is scenario-specific:
● Scenario 1: During the initial access of a UE to a cell, the EPC does not send
the E-UTRAN capabilities of the UE to the eNodeB.
The CA band combination reporting procedure is as follows:
a. The eNodeB includes the requestedFrequencyBands IE (which contains a
maximum of 16 bands) in the UECapabilityEnquiry message and sends
this message to the UE.
b. If the UE supports network-requested CA band combination capability
signaling, it includes the requestedBands, supportedBandCombination,
and supportedBandCombinationAdd IEs in the UECapabilityInformation
message and sends this message to the eNodeB. The
supportedBandCombination and supportedBandCombinationAdd IEs
convey up to 128 and 256 CA band combinations for the requested
bands, respectively. These two IEs include a maximum of 384
combinations in total.
In this situation, the number of signaling messages involved does not
increase, and the CA band combinations stored on the eNodeB for this UE
vary depending on the number of bands conveyed by the
requestedFrequencyBands IE. Therefore, the memory usage of the eNodeB
may slightly increase or decrease. In addition, the eNodeB includes the
requestedFrequencyBands IE in the UECapabilityEnquiry message, without
knowing if the UE supports network-requested CA band combination
capability signaling. If the UE does not support it, exceptions such as service
drops, CA failures, or performance deterioration may occur.
● Scenario 2: During the initial access of a 3GPP Release 11 UE to a cell, the
UE's E-UTRAN capability information sent from the EPC to the eNodeB
includes the requestedBands IE, but none of the CA bands conveyed by this IE
are supported by the eNodeB.
The CA band combination reporting procedure is as follows:
a. The eNodeB includes the requestedFrequencyBands IE (which contains a
maximum of 16 bands) in the UECapabilityEnquiry message and sends
this message to the UE.
b. The UE includes the requestedBands, supportedBandCombination, and
supportedBandCombinationAdd IEs in the UECapabilityInformation
message and sends this message to the eNodeB. The
supportedBandCombination and supportedBandCombinationAdd IEs
convey up to 128 and 256 CA band combinations for the requested
bands, respectively. These two IEs include a maximum of 384
combinations in total.
In this situation, as the eNodeB needs to store more CA band combinations
for each UE, the memory usage of the eNodeB increases slightly. Moreover,
the additional procedure for querying CA band combination capabilities has a
negative impact on performance indicators such as the number of signaling
messages, access delay, and E-RAB setup success rate. For example, E-RAB
Setup Success Rate decreases and the values of the following counters

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increase: L.Signal.Num.Uu, L.E-RAB.InitEst.TimeAvg, L.E-

RAB.InitEst.TimeMax, L.E-RAB.Est.TimeAvg, and L.E-RAB.Est.TimeMax.
● Scenario 3: During the initial access of a 3GPP Release 11 UE to a cell, the
UE's E-UTRAN capability information sent from the EPC to the eNodeB does
not include the requestedBands IE. In addition, the size of the UE-EUTRA-
Capability IE exceeds the value of the
GlobalProcSwitch.UeEutraCapbIeSizeThld parameter, or the number of CA
band combinations included in the E-UTRAN capability information reaches
128.
In this scenario, the CA band combination reporting procedure and the
network impacts of such a UE entering the CA state are the same as those in
scenario 2.
● Scenario 4: During an RRC connection reestablishment or handover of a 3GPP
Release 11 UE to a cell, the UE's E-UTRAN capability information sent from
the source eNodeB includes the requestedBands IE, but none of the CA bands
conveyed by this IE are supported by the target eNodeB.
In this scenario, the CA band combination reporting procedure and the
network impacts of such a UE entering the CA state are the same as those in
scenario 2.
● Scenario 5: During an RRC connection reestablishment or handover of a 3GPP
Release 11 UE to a cell, the UE's E-UTRAN capability information sent from
the source eNodeB does not include the requestedBands IE. In addition, the
size of the UE-EUTRA-Capability IE exceeds the value of the
GlobalProcSwitch.UeEutraCapbIeSizeThld parameter, or the number of CA
band combinations included in the E-UTRAN capability information reaches
128.
In this scenario, the CA band combination reporting procedure and the
network impacts of such a UE entering the CA state are the same as those in
scenario 2.

Parameter Setting Combination B

A UE that supports more than 128 CA band combinations can enter the CA state
in one of the following scenarios and the procedure for the UE to report CA band
combinations is scenario-specific:

● Scenario 1: During the initial access of a UE to a cell, the EPC does not send
the E-UTRAN capabilities of the UE to the eNodeB.
The CA band combination reporting procedure is as follows:
a. The eNodeB includes the requestedFrequencyBands IE (which contains a
maximum of 16 bands) in the UECapabilityEnquiry message and sends
this message to the UE.
b. If the UE supports network-requested CA band combination capability
signaling, it includes the requestedBands, supportedBandCombination,
and supportedBandCombinationAdd IEs in the UECapabilityInformation
message and sends this message to the eNodeB. The
supportedBandCombination and supportedBandCombinationAdd IEs
convey up to 128 and 256 CA band combinations for the requested
bands, respectively. These two IEs include a maximum of 384
combinations in total.

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In this situation, the number of signaling messages involved does not

increase, and the CA band combinations stored on the eNodeB for this UE
vary depending on the number of bands conveyed by the
requestedFrequencyBands IE. Therefore, the memory usage of the eNodeB
may slightly increase or decrease. In addition, the eNodeB includes the
requestedFrequencyBands IE in the UECapabilityEnquiry message, without
knowing if the UE supports network-requested CA band combination
capability signaling. If the UE does not support it, exceptions such as service
drops, CA failures, or performance deterioration may occur.
● Scenario 2: During the initial access of a 3GPP Release 11 UE to a cell, the
UE's E-UTRAN capability information sent from the EPC to the eNodeB
includes the requestedBands IE, but none of the CA bands conveyed by this IE
are supported by the eNodeB.
The CA band combination reporting procedure is as follows:
a. The eNodeB includes the requestedFrequencyBands IE (which contains a
maximum of 16 bands) in the UECapabilityEnquiry message and sends
this message to the UE.
b. The UE includes the requestedBands, supportedBandCombination, and
supportedBandCombinationAdd IEs in the UECapabilityInformation
message and sends this message to the eNodeB. The
supportedBandCombination and supportedBandCombinationAdd IEs
convey up to 128 and 256 CA band combinations for the requested
bands, respectively. These two IEs include a maximum of 384
combinations in total.
● Scenario 3: During the initial access of a 3GPP Release 11 UE to a cell, the
UE's E-UTRAN capability information sent from the EPC to the eNodeB does
not include the requestedBands IE. In addition, the number of CA band
combinations included in the E-UTRAN capability information reaches 128.
The CA band combination reporting procedure in this scenario is the same as
that in scenario 2.
● Scenario 4: During an RRC connection reestablishment or handover of a 3GPP
Release 11 UE to a cell, the UE's E-UTRAN capability information sent from
the source eNodeB includes the requestedBands IE, but none of the CA bands
conveyed by this IE are supported by the target eNodeB.
The CA band combination reporting procedure in this scenario is the same as
that in scenario 2.
● Scenario 5: During an RRC connection reestablishment or handover of a 3GPP
Release 11 UE to a cell, the UE's E-UTRAN capability information sent from
the source eNodeB does not include the requestedBands IE. In addition, the
number of CA band combinations included in the E-UTRAN capability
information reaches 128.
The CA band combination reporting procedure in this scenario is the same as
that in scenario 2.

Parameter Setting Combination C

A UE that supports more than 128 CA band combinations can enter the CA state
in one of the following scenarios and the procedure for the UE to report CA band
combinations is scenario-specific:

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● Scenario 1: During the initial access of a UE to a cell, the EPC does not send
the E-UTRAN capabilities of the UE to the eNodeB.
The CA band combination reporting procedure is as follows:
a. The eNodeB sends a UECapabilityEnquiry message to the UE to query its
CA band combination capability.
b. The UE reports the supported CA band combinations (a maximum of 128
combinations) to the eNodeB through the 3GPP Release 10 IE
supportedBandCombination. If the UE complies with 3GPP Release 11, it
also sends the freqBandRetrieval-r11 IE to report its capability of
network-requested CA band combination capability signaling.
c. If the UE complies with 3GPP Release 11, and if the size of the UE-
reported UE-EUTRA-Capability IE exceeds the value of the
GlobalProcSwitch.UeEutraCapbIeSizeThld parameter or the number of
CA band combinations reported by the UE reaches 128, the eNodeB
includes the requestedFrequencyBands IE (which contains a maximum of
16 bands) in a second UECapabilityEnquiry message and sends this
message to the UE. Otherwise, the procedure ends.
d. The UE includes the requestedBands, supportedBandCombination, and
supportedBandCombinationAdd IEs in the UECapabilityInformation
message and sends this message to the eNodeB. The
supportedBandCombination and supportedBandCombinationAdd IEs
convey up to 128 and 256 CA band combinations for the requested
bands, respectively. These two IEs include a maximum of 384
combinations in total.
● Scenario 2: During the initial access of a 3GPP Release 11 UE to a cell, the
UE's E-UTRAN capability information sent from the EPC to the eNodeB
includes the requestedBands IE, but none of the CA bands conveyed by this IE
are supported by the eNodeB.
The CA band combination reporting procedure is as follows:
a. The eNodeB includes the requestedFrequencyBands IE (which contains a
maximum of 16 bands) in the UECapabilityEnquiry message and sends
this message to the UE.
b. The UE includes the requestedBands, supportedBandCombination, and
supportedBandCombinationAdd IEs in the UECapabilityInformation
message and sends this message to the eNodeB. The
supportedBandCombination and supportedBandCombinationAdd IEs
convey up to 128 and 256 CA band combinations for the requested
bands, respectively. These two IEs include a maximum of 384
combinations in total.
● Scenario 3: During the initial access of a 3GPP Release 11 UE to a cell, the
UE's E-UTRAN capability information sent from the EPC to the eNodeB does
not include the requestedBands IE. In addition, the size of the UE-EUTRA-
Capability IE exceeds the value of the
GlobalProcSwitch.UeEutraCapbIeSizeThld parameter, or the number of CA
band combinations included in the E-UTRAN capability information reaches
128.
The CA band combination reporting procedure in this scenario is the same as
that in scenario 2.
● Scenario 4: During an RRC connection reestablishment or handover of a 3GPP
Release 11 UE to a cell, the UE's E-UTRAN capability information sent from

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the source eNodeB includes the requestedBands IE, but none of the CA bands
conveyed by this IE are supported by the target eNodeB.
The CA band combination reporting procedure in this scenario is the same as
that in scenario 2.
● Scenario 5: During an RRC connection reestablishment or handover of a 3GPP
Release 11 UE to a cell, the UE's E-UTRAN capability information sent from
the source eNodeB does not include the requestedBands IE. In addition, the
size of the UE-EUTRA-Capability IE exceeds the value of the
GlobalProcSwitch.UeEutraCapbIeSizeThld parameter, or the number of CA
band combinations included in the E-UTRAN capability information reaches
128.
The CA band combination reporting procedure in this scenario is the same as
that in scenario 2.

In this situation, as the eNodeB needs to store more CA band combinations for
each UE, the memory usage of the eNodeB increases slightly. Moreover, the
additional procedure for querying CA band combination capabilities has a negative
impact on performance indicators such as the number of signaling messages,
access delay, and E-RAB setup success rate. For example, E-RAB Setup Success
Rate decreases and the values of the following counters increase:
L.Signal.Num.Uu, L.E-RAB.InitEst.TimeAvg, L.E-RAB.InitEst.TimeMax, L.E-
RAB.Est.TimeAvg, and L.E-RAB.Est.TimeMax.

Parameter Setting Combination D

A UE that supports more than 128 CA band combinations can enter the CA state
in one of the following scenarios and the procedure for the UE to report CA band
combinations is scenario-specific:
● Scenario 1: During the initial access of a UE to a cell, the EPC does not send
the E-UTRAN capabilities of the UE to the eNodeB.
The CA band combination reporting procedure is as follows:
a. The eNodeB sends a UECapabilityEnquiry message to the UE to query its
CA band combination capability.
b. The UE reports the supported CA band combinations (a maximum of 128
combinations) to the eNodeB through the 3GPP Release 10 IE
supportedBandCombination. If the UE complies with 3GPP Release 11, it
also sends the freqBandRetrieval-r11 IE to report its capability of
network-requested CA band combination capability signaling.
c. If the UE complies with 3GPP Release 11 and the number of CA band
combinations reported by the UE reaches 128, the eNodeB includes the
requestedFrequencyBands IE (which contains a maximum of 16 bands) in
a second UECapabilityEnquiry message and sends this message to the UE.
Otherwise, the procedure ends.
d. The UE includes the requestedBands, supportedBandCombination, and
supportedBandCombinationAdd IEs in the UECapabilityInformation
message and sends this message to the eNodeB. The
supportedBandCombination and supportedBandCombinationAdd IEs
convey up to 128 and 256 CA band combinations for the requested
bands, respectively. These two IEs include a maximum of 384
combinations in total.

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● The CA band combination reporting procedures in scenarios 2 to 5 are the

same as those in scenarios 2 to 5 described in Parameter Setting
Combination B, respectively.

In this situation, as the eNodeB needs to store more CA band combinations for
each UE, the memory usage of the eNodeB increases slightly. Moreover, the
additional procedure for querying CA band combination capabilities has a negative
impact on performance indicators such as the number of signaling messages,
access delay, and E-RAB setup success rate. For example, E-RAB Setup Success
Rate decreases and the values of the following counters increase:
L.Signal.Num.Uu, L.E-RAB.InitEst.TimeAvg, L.E-RAB.InitEst.TimeMax, L.E-
RAB.Est.TimeAvg, and L.E-RAB.Est.TimeMax.

Specified Band Configuration

When network-requested CA band combination capability signaling takes effect,
3GPP Release 11 UEs, as controlled, can report only the combinations of specified
bands. The data source of specified bands varies according to the configuration
mode:

● CA-group-based configuration mode

The source is the complete set of bands in which the cells in the CA group are
operating.
● Adaptive configuration mode
The source is the bands that the frequencies specified by the
PccFreqCfg.PccDlEarfcn and SccFreqCfg.SccDlEarfcn parameters belong to.

If frequencies configured on an eNodeB are different from those configured on

neighboring eNodeBs, the data sources of specified bands are inconsistent
between the eNodeBs. Parameters are now available to ensure data source
consistency between all eNodeBs.

● If there are bands with the OperatorBand.BandType parameter set to LTE,

the data source of the requestedFrequencyBands IE varies as follows:
– CA-group-based configuration mode
The source is the bands identified by the OperatorBand.BandId
parameter in the OperatorBand MOs with the OperatorBand.BandType
parameter set to LTE. If the OperatorBand.CnOperatorList parameter is
set for these bands, the eNodeB filters out the bands that do not belong
to the operator of a UE from these bands, and then it includes the
remaining bands in the requestedFrequencyBands IE to be sent to the UE.
If all these bands are filtered out, the requestedFrequencyBands IE is
empty. In this situation, the UE does not report any band combination,
and CA does not take effect for the UE.
– Adaptive configuration mode
The source is the bands identified by the OperatorBand.BandId
parameter. If the OperatorBand.CnOperatorList parameter is set for
bands, the eNodeB filters out the bands that do not belong to the
operator of a UE from the bands specified by the OperatorBand.BandId
parameter, and then it includes the remaining bands in the
requestedFrequencyBands IE to be sent to the UE. If all the bands
specified by the OperatorBand.BandId parameter are filtered out, the

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requestedFrequencyBands IE is empty. In this situation, the UE does not

report any band combination, and CA does not take effect for the UE.
● If there are no bands with the OperatorBand.BandType parameter set to LTE,
the data source of the requestedFrequencyBands IE varies as follows:
– CA-group-based configuration mode
The source is the complete set of bands that the cells in the CA group
belong to.
– Adaptive configuration mode
The source is the bands that the frequencies identified by the
PccFreqCfg.PccDlEarfcn and SccFreqCfg.SccDlEarfcn parameters belong
to and the primary and secondary operating bands of multi-band cells. If
the SccFreqCfg.CnOperatorList parameter is set for candidate SCCs, the
eNodeB filters bands for a UE based on the operator of the UE from the
bands that the frequencies identified by the SccFreqCfg.SccDlEarfcn
parameter belong to and the primary and secondary operating bands of
multi-band cells.

If the OperatorBand.BandType parameter is set, EN-DC band combination

capability query for NSA DC UEs will be affected. For details, see NSA Networking
based on EPC.

4.6 Carrier Management for RRC_CONNECTED UEs

Carrier management for RRC_CONNECTED UEs includes PCC anchoring and SCell
management. SCell management includes SCell configuration, change, activation,
deactivation, and removal.

● PCC anchoring for RRC_CONNECTED UEs occurs when a CA UE accesses the

network at initial access, an incoming RRC connection reestablishment, or an
incoming necessary handover. For details, see 4.6.1 PCC Anchoring and 4.6.2
PCC Anchoring Enhancement.
PCC anchoring enhancement refers to load-based PCC anchoring. With this
function, intra- or inter-eNodeB cells with routes set up between them
exchange their load status, and the eNodeB selects a low-load candidate cell
as the PCell for a UE. (A cell not in the high load state is considered to be in
the low load state.)
● SCell configuration occurs when a CA UE accesses the network at initial
access, an incoming RRC connection reestablishment, or an incoming
necessary handover. For details, see 4.6.3.1 SCell Configuration and 4.6.3.2
SCell Configuration Enhancement.
SCell configuration enhancement refers to load-based SCell configuration.
With this function, intra- or inter-eNodeB cells with routes set up between
them exchange their load status, and the eNodeB selects low-load candidate
cells as SCells for a UE. (A cell not in the high load state is considered to be in
the low load state.)
● If a CA UE whose SCell has been configured receives better signal quality
from an intra-frequency neighboring cell of the SCell than from the SCell, the
serving eNodeB of the PCell can change the SCell while keeping the PCell
unchanged. For details, see 4.6.3.3 SCell Change.

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● SCells configured for a CA UE are activated when certain conditions are met.
The PCell and SCells are not actually aggregated until the SCells are activated.
For details, see 4.6.3.4 SCell Activation.
● If SCells meet deactivation conditions, the eNodeB delivers MAC control
elements (CEs) to deactivate the SCells. For details, see 4.6.3.5 SCell
Deactivation.
● If SCell signal quality deteriorates, the eNodeB may remove the SCells. For
details, see 4.6.3.6 SCell Removal.

4.6.1 PCC Anchoring

To prioritize certain frequencies as PCCs, an operator can set high PCell priorities
or PCC priorities so that, by PCC anchoring for RRC_CONNECTED UEs, the eNodeB
will select the highest-priority cell as the PCell for a CA UE. (The PCell priorities
are specified by the CaGroupCell.PreferredPCellPriority parameter and required
in CA-group-based configuration mode. The PCC priorities are specified by the
PccFreqCfg.PreferredPccPriority parameter and required in adaptive
configuration mode.)
PCC anchoring for RRC_CONNECTED UEs is controlled by the
EnhancedPccAnchorSwitch option of the ENodeBAlgoSwitch.CaAlgoSwitch
parameter.
This section describes only the PCC anchoring function controlled by the
EnhancedPccAnchorSwitch option of the ENodeBAlgoSwitch.CaAlgoSwitch
parameter. This option became the recommended switch as early as in eRAN11.1.
For details about the PCC anchoring function controlled by the PccAnchorSwitch
option of the ENodeBAlgoSwitch.CaAlgoSwitch parameter, see Carrier
Aggregation for eRAN8.1.
If both the PccAnchorSwitch and EnhancedPccAnchorSwitch options are
selected, only the EnhancedPccAnchorSwitch option takes effect.
For the triggering conditions of this function, see 4.6.1.1 Triggering Conditions.
For the procedure of this function, see 4.6.1.2 CA-Group-based PCC Anchoring
Procedure and 4.6.1.3 Adaptive PCC Anchoring Procedure.

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NOTE

● When the ENodeBAlgoSwitch.FastEnhancePccAnchorSwitch parameter is set to ON,

the eNodeB directly delivers the A5-related inter-frequency measurement configuration
for PCC anchoring to the CA UE without performing SCell configuration or instructing
the UE to perform A1 measurements, if a PCell candidate is also a blind-configurable
SCell candidate (CaGroupSCellCfg.SCellBlindCfgFlag is set to TRUE for the cell) or all
PCell candidates are working on lower frequencies than the current serving cell. That is
because, in this situation, there is a high probability of successful inter-frequency
measurements for PCC anchoring.
● Frequencies in bands 29, 32, 46, 67, 69, 75, and 76 cannot act as PCCs. For their cell
parameter settings, see Parameters Related to Cells in Special Bands in 5.4.1.1.3
Common Parameters.
● PCC anchoring is not initiated for high-mobility UEs.
● PCC anchoring for RRC_CONNECTED UEs is not recommended for LTE cells with
Cell.HighSpeedFlag set to HIGH_SPEED, ULTRA_HIGH_SPEED, or
EXTRA_HIGH_SPEED.
● If a UE supports NSA DC, in adaptive configuration mode, the PCC priorities of E-UTRA
frequencies configured for NSA DC are higher than those configured for CA. The eNodeB
selects a frequency for the UE preferentially based on the PCC priorities configured for
NSA DC. This frequency, however, may not be the optimal one for CA, which may cause
CA performance to deteriorate.
● If PCC anchoring for RRC_CONNECTED UEs and automatic management of neighboring
E-UTRAN frequency measurement flags are both enabled and such a flag (that is, the
FREQ_MEAS_FLAG option of the EutranInterNFreq.AggregationAttribute parameter)
is deselected for a neighboring E-UTRAN frequency, the eNodeB does not select this
frequency as the target frequency during PCC anchoring for RRC_CONNECTED UEs.
Automatic management of neighboring E-UTRAN frequency measurement flags is
controlled by the LTE_NFREQ_MEAS_MGMT_SW option of the
CellAlgoExtSwitch.AnrOptSwitch parameter. For details about this function, see ANR
Management.

4.6.1.1 Triggering Conditions

After PCC anchoring for RRC_CONNECTED UEs is enabled and PCell priorities or
PCC priorities are specified, the eNodeB delivers the A1 measurement
configuration to the CA UE if the target cell for initial access, an RRC connection
reestablishment, or a handover does not have the highest PCell priority or the
carrier of the cell does not have the highest PCC priority. The RSRP threshold for
event A1 is specified by the CaMgtCfg.EnhancedPccAnchorA1ThdRsrp
parameter. SCell configuration is allowed before the UE reports event A1. When
receiving an A1 measurement report from a UE whose SCells have been
configured, the eNodeB acts as follows:
● If the HoWithSccCfgSwitch option of the ENodeBAlgoSwitch.CaAlgoSwitch
parameter is deselected, the eNodeB removes the SCells and then initiates the
PCC anchoring procedure.
● If the HoWithSccCfgSwitch option of the ENodeBAlgoSwitch.CaAlgoSwitch
parameter is selected, the eNodeB initiates the PCC anchoring procedure
without removing SCells. For details, see SCell Configuration During
Handovers in 17.4.1 Mobility Management.
After receiving an A1 measurement report from the UE, the eNodeB checks the
QoS class identifiers (QCIs) of bearers and the evolved multimedia broadcast/
multicast service (eMBMS) status for the UE. The eNodeB starts the PCC
anchoring procedure if no bearer for an eMBMS service has been established for
the UE and any of the following conditions has been fulfilled:

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● No bearer with a QCI of 1 has been established for the UE. QCI 1 indicates a
voice over LTE (VoLTE) service or an emergency call.
● If a bearer with a QCI of 1 has been established for the UE, the conditions
described in 17.7 VoLTE are fulfilled.
● No bearer with a QCI of 65 has been established for the UE. QCI 65 indicates
a mission-critical push-to-talk (MCPTT) service.
● A bearer with a QCI of 65 has been established for the UE, and the
McpttVoiceCaSwitch option of the CaMgtCfg.CellCaAlgoSwitch parameter
has been selected.
For the detailed PCC anchoring procedures, see 4.6.1.2 CA-Group-based PCC
Anchoring Procedure and 4.6.1.3 Adaptive PCC Anchoring Procedure.
In the current serving cell of a CA UE, PCC anchoring is triggered by event A1 and
event A1 is reported only once.
The PCell of a CA UE cannot be deactivated or removed. It changes only during
handovers.
The scenarios of PCC anchoring for CA UEs vary depending on the setting of the
CaTrafficTriggerSwitch option of the ENodeBAlgoSwitch.CaAlgoSwitch
parameter.
● If this option is selected, PCC anchoring can be triggered for CA UEs during
both necessary and unnecessary incoming handovers. As a result, PCC
anchoring is repeatedly triggered for CA UEs, or even ping-pong PCC
anchoring occurs.
● If this option is deselected, PCC anchoring can be triggered for CA UEs only
during necessary incoming handovers. This prevents repeated PCC anchoring
and ping-pong PCC anchoring.

4.6.1.2 CA-Group-based PCC Anchoring Procedure

Figure 4-4 shows the CA-group-based PCC anchoring procedure.

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Figure 4-4 CA-group-based PCC anchoring procedure

1. The eNodeB checks whether the current serving cell (for example, cell 1) has
the highest PCell priority, as specified by the
CaGroupCell.PreferredPCellPriority parameter, of all the cells in the CA
group.
– If cell 1 has the highest PCell priority, the eNodeB retains cell 1 as the
PCell for the UE and does not perform further PCC anchoring.
– If cell 1 does not have the highest PCell priority, the eNodeB treats the
cells that have higher PCell priorities than cell 1 in the CA group as
candidate PCells. The eNodeB then arranges the candidates in descending
order of PCell priority and goes to the next step.

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2. The eNodeB checks whether the UE is capable of working at the carrier

frequency of the top-priority candidate PCell (for example, cell 2).
– The UE is capable of working at the carrier frequency of cell 2.
The eNodeB delivers the A5 measurement configuration, instructing the
UE to measure cell 2. The A5 measurement configuration varies
depending on the triggering quantity specified by the
IntraRatHoComm.InterFreqHoA4TrigQuan parameter. If multiple
candidate PCells have the same PCell priority, the eNodeB instructs the
UE to measure all these cells. The eNodeB then processes only the first
A5 measurement report from the UE and ignores subsequent reports.
The triggering quantity parameter values and threshold 2 parameters for
event A5 correspond as follows:

▪ RSRP: The A5 measurement configuration includes only an RSRP

configuration. The RSRP threshold 2 for CA is specified by the
CaGroupCell.PCellA4RsrpThd parameter.

▪ RSRQ: The A5 measurement configuration includes only a reference

signal received quality (RSRQ) configuration. The RSRQ threshold 2
for CA is specified by the CaGroupCell.PCellA4RsrqThd parameter.

▪ BOTH: The A5 measurement configuration includes both RSRP and

RSRQ configurations. The UE sends an A5 measurement report to the
eNodeB when either the measured RSRP or RSRQ exceeds the
specified threshold for CA.
– The UE is not capable of working at the carrier frequency of cell 2.
The eNodeB moves on to the next-priority candidate PCell.
3. After receiving an A5 measurement report containing cell 2, the eNodeB
hands the UE over to cell 2.
If CA configurations are absent or incorrect in the target eNodeB or if a data
link fails to be set up between cell 2 and candidate SCells, CA does not work
after the handover to cell 2.
If the eNodeB does not receive such an A5 report or if the handover to cell 2
fails, the eNodeB deletes the A5 measurement configuration and evaluates
the next-priority candidate PCell in the same way.
If no candidate PCell can be selected as the PCell, the eNodeB terminates the PCC
anchoring procedure and cell 1 eventually serves the UE as its PCell.

4.6.1.3 Adaptive PCC Anchoring Procedure

Unlike CA-group-based PCC anchoring, adaptive PCC anchoring involves candidate
PCCs for which only frequency-level information is configured. Therefore, the
eNodeB can determine the PCell only after receiving A5 measurement reports
from the CA UE.
Figure 4-5 shows the adaptive PCC anchoring procedure.

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Figure 4-5 Adaptive PCC anchoring procedure

1. The eNodeB checks whether the current serving carrier (for example, carrier
1) has the highest PCC priority, as specified by the
PccFreqCfg.PreferredPccPriority parameter, of all the carriers identified by
PccFreqCfg MOs.
– If carrier 1 has the highest PCC priority, the eNodeB retains the cell on
carrier 1 as the PCell for the UE and does not perform further PCC
anchoring.
– If carrier 1 does not have the highest PCC priority, the eNodeB treats
higher-priority carriers as candidate PCCs for the UE, arranges them in
descending order of PCC priority, and goes to the next step.
2. The eNodeB checks whether the UE is capable of working at the top-priority
candidate PCC (for example, carrier 2).

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– The UE is capable of working at carrier 2.

The eNodeB delivers the A5 measurement configuration, instructing the
UE to measure carrier 2. The A5 measurement configuration varies
depending on the triggering quantity specified by the
IntraRatHoComm.InterFreqHoA4TrigQuan parameter. If multiple
candidate PCCs have the same PCC priority, the eNodeB instructs the UE
to measure all these carrier frequencies. After receiving A5 reports, the
eNodeB selects only the first cell that meets PCC anchoring conditions
from the reported cells.
NOTE

If a candidate PCC is not accompanied by candidate SCCs, the eNodeB does not
deliver A5 measurement configurations related to this candidate PCC.
The triggering quantity parameter values and threshold 2 parameters for
event A5 correspond as follows:

▪ RSRP: The A5 measurement configuration includes only an RSRP

configuration. The RSRP threshold 2 for CA is specified by the
PccFreqCfg.PccA4RsrpThd parameter.
It is recommended that the PccFreqCfg.PccA4RsrpThd parameter be
set to a value greater than the RSRP threshold for coverage-based
inter-frequency handovers (specified by the
InterFreqHoGroup.InterFreqHoA4ThdRsrp parameter), to prevent a
decrease in the handover success rate.

▪ RSRQ: The A5 measurement configuration includes only an RSRQ

configuration. The RSRQ threshold 2 for CA is specified by the
PccFreqCfg.PccA4RsrqThd parameter.

▪ BOTH: The A5 measurement configuration includes both RSRP and

RSRQ configurations. The UE sends an A5 measurement report to the
eNodeB when either the measured RSRP or RSRQ exceeds the
specified threshold for CA.
– The UE is not capable of working at carrier 2.
The eNodeB moves on to the next-priority candidate PCC.
3. After the eNodeB receives an A5 measurement report containing a cell on
carrier 2, the eNodeB hands the UE over to the cell.
If CA configurations are absent or incorrect in the target eNodeB or if a data
link fails to be set up between the cell and candidate SCells, CA does not
work after the handover to that cell.
If the eNodeB does not receive such an A5 report or if the handover to the
cell fails, the eNodeB deletes the A5 measurement configuration and
evaluates the next-priority candidate PCC in the same way.
If no cells on the candidate PCCs meet the conditions for triggering event A5 or no
inter-frequency handover is successful, the eNodeB terminates the PCC anchoring
procedure and the cell on carrier 1 eventually serves the UE as its PCell.

4.6.2 PCC Anchoring Enhancement

This section describes an enhancement to PCC anchoring for RRC_CONNECTED
UEs: load-based PCC anchoring. With this function, intra- or inter-eNodeB cells

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with routes set up between them exchange their load status, and the eNodeB
selects a low-load candidate cell as the PCell. (A cell not in the high load state is
considered to be in the low load state.)

A cell is in the high PCell load state if the number of CA UEs that treat the cell as
their PCell (referred to as PCell-served UEs in this document for clarity) exceeds
the high PCell load threshold.

High PCell load threshold = Maximum allowed number of PCell-served UEs in the
cell (specified by the CaMgtCfg.CellMaxPccNumber parameter) x Percentage
specified by the CaMgtCfg.PccUserNumberOffloadThd parameter

This function takes effect when both of the following options are selected:
● EnhancedPccAnchorSwitch option of the ENodeBAlgoSwitch.CaAlgoSwitch
parameter
● PccSmartCfgSwitch option of the ENodeBAlgoSwitch.CaAlgoSwitch
parameter

For inter-eNodeB CA, these options must be selected for all of the eNodeBs
involved. In addition, eX2 interfaces must be set up for load information exchange
between these eNodeBs.

This function introduces special handling to the basic PCC anchoring procedure, as
described in 4.6.2.1 CA-Group-based PCC Anchoring Procedure and 4.6.2.2
Adaptive PCC Anchoring Procedure.

If the PCell load status of a candidate PCell changes, it takes several seconds for
the new load status to be exchanged between BBPs or eNodeBs for inter-BBP or
inter-eNodeB CA. If multiple UEs access the candidate PCell within a short time,
the eNodeB may make an incorrect decision on the load status before the status
exchange is complete.

This function results in more time being spent on inter-frequency measurements

during PCell selection. Therefore, performance statistics indicate a decrease in the
number of UEs that are using CA.

4.6.2.1 CA-Group-based PCC Anchoring Procedure

This function introduces the following special handling to the basic CA-group-
based PCC anchoring procedure: The eNodeB can acquire the load status of
candidate PCells in advance and therefore instructs the UE to measure only the
low-load candidate PCells. If all candidate PCells are in the high load state, the
eNodeB performs CA-group-based PCC anchoring for the UE without considering
candidate cell loads.

4.6.2.2 Adaptive PCC Anchoring Procedure

This function introduces special handling to the basic adaptive PCC anchoring
procedure. The special handling varies depending on PCC priorities and cell loads:
● The carrier that the CA UE is camping on has the highest PCC priority, and the
current serving cell of the UE is in the high load state.
The eNodeB checks whether there are candidate PCCs that have the same
PCC priority (specified by the PccFreqCfg.PreferredPccPriority parameter) as
the current carrier.

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– If there are such candidate PCCs, the eNodeB delivers the A5

measurement configuration, instructing the UE to measure them (at
most three candidates in a single configuration). After receiving a
measurement report from the UE, the eNodeB checks whether there are
low-load cells on the candidate PCCs.

▪ If there is a low-load cell among cells on the candidate PCCs, the

eNodeB hands over the UE to this inter-frequency cell. If there are
multiple low-load cells, the eNodeB randomly selects one and hands
over the UE to it.

▪ If there are no such cells, no further adaptive PCC anchoring will

occur.
– If there are no such candidate PCCs, no further adaptive PCC anchoring
will occur.
● The carrier that the CA UE is camping on has the highest PCC priority, and the
current serving cell of the UE is in the low load state.
The eNodeB does not perform the subsequent adaptive PCC anchoring
procedure.
● A candidate PCC has a higher PCC priority than the carrier that the CA UE is
camping on, or multiple candidate PCCs have an identical PCC priority that is
higher than the priority of the current serving carrier.
The eNodeB delivers the A5 measurement configuration to the UE, instructing
the UE to measure the top-priority candidate PCCs (at most three candidates
in a single configuration). After receiving a measurement report from the UE,
the eNodeB checks whether there are low-load cells on the candidate PCCs.
– If there is a low-load cell among cells on the candidate PCCs, the eNodeB
hands over the UE to this inter-frequency cell. If there are multiple low-
load cells, the eNodeB randomly selects one and hands over the UE to it.
– If there are no low-load cells on the top-priority candidate PCCs, the
eNodeB delivers another A5 measurement configuration to the UE,
instructing the UE to measure the next-priority candidate PCCs. The
eNodeB repeats the preceding actions until it has tried all candidate PCCs
with priorities at least as high as the current serving carrier.

4.6.3 SCell Management

SCell management includes SCell configuration, change, activation, deactivation,
and removal.
● SCell configuration is triggered when a CA UE initiates RRC connection setup
during initial access, an incoming RRC connection reestablishment, or an
incoming handover. For SCell configuration procedures, see 4.6.3.1 SCell
Configuration and 4.6.3.2 SCell Configuration Enhancement.
SCell configuration enhancement refers to load-based SCell configuration.
With this function, intra- or inter-eNodeB cells with routes set up between
them exchange their load status, and the eNodeB selects low-load candidate
cells as SCells for a UE. (A cell not in the high load state is considered to be in
the low load state.)
● After an SCell is configured, it may be changed, activated, deactivated, or
removed. For details about these procedures, see 4.6.3.3 SCell Change,

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4.6.3.4 SCell Activation, 4.6.3.5 SCell Deactivation, and 4.6.3.6 SCell

Removal.
Figure 4-6 shows the transitions between the SCell states.

Figure 4-6 SCell state transitions

4.6.3.1 SCell Configuration

To prioritize certain cells or frequencies as SCells or SCCs, an operator can set high
SCell priorities or SCC priorities so that, by SCell configuration, the eNodeB will
select the highest-priority cell as an SCell for a CA UE. The SCell priorities are
specified by the CaGroupSCellCfg.SCellPriority parameter and are required in CA-
group-based configuration mode. The SCC priorities are specified by the
SccFreqCfg.SccPriority parameter and are required in adaptive configuration
mode.
For the triggering conditions of this function, see 4.6.3.1.1 Triggering Conditions.
For the procedure of this function, see 4.6.3.1.2 CA-Group-based SCell
Configuration Procedure and 4.6.3.1.3 Adaptive SCell Configuration Procedure.

4.6.3.1.1 Triggering Conditions

An eNodeB starts SCell configuration for a CA UE if all the following conditions
are met:
● The RRC connection of the UE has been set up in any of the following
scenarios:
– Initial access
– Incoming RRC connection reestablishment
– Incoming handover
● Signaling radio bearer 2 (SRB2) and the default data radio bearer (DRB) have
been set up.
● The number of SCells for the UE has not reached the maximum allowed
value.

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● The UE is not running an emergency call.

● The UE is not engaged in a CS fallback procedure.
The triggering of the SCell configuration procedure is dependent on the following
factors:
● Setting of CaTrafficTriggerSwitch
This switch is an option of the ENodeBAlgoSwitch.CaAlgoSwitch parameter.
– Selected
The SCell configuration procedure is triggered only when the traffic
volume of the CA UE meets the SCell activation conditions described in
4.6.3.4 SCell Activation. That means blind SCell configuration does not
take effect in this case.
– Deselected
The SCell configuration procedure is triggered when either an RRC
connection is set up or the traffic volume meets the SCell activation
conditions described in 4.6.3.4 SCell Activation.
● Maximum permissible number of PCell-served UEs in the cell
Figure 4-7 illustrates the control procedure.

Figure 4-7 Control of the maximum permissible number of PCell-served UEs

over SCell configuration

After a CA UE accesses a cell (during initial access, an incoming RRC

connection reestablishment, or an incoming handover) and reports its CA
capabilities to the eNodeB, the eNodeB checks whether the number of PCell-
served UEs in the cell has reached the threshold specified by the
CaMgtCfg.CellMaxPccNumber parameter.
– If the number has not reached the threshold, the eNodeB allows SCell
configuration for this UE.

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– If the number has reached the threshold, the eNodeB prohibits SCell
configuration for this UE.
If a CA UE reverts to the single carrier state after the number of PCell-
served UEs reaches the threshold, the eNodeB does not immediately
allow SCell configuration for other UEs. Instead, the eNodeB allows SCell
configuration for other UEs only when the number of PCell-served UEs
falls below 90% of the threshold.
NOTE

● When comparing the number of UEs with the value of

CaMgtCfg.CellMaxPccNumber, the eNodeB does not consider the number of UEs
that treat the cell as their SCell.
● When the value of CaMgtCfg.CellMaxPccNumber is decreased to less than the
number of PCell-served UEs that have been configured with SCells, the eNodeB
does not take the initiative to remove the SCells for the UEs.
● When the eNodeB configures an SCell for a CA UE, the cell radio network
temporary identifier (C-RNTI) of the UE may have been used by another UE in this
cell. If that is the case, a C-RNTI collision occurs. For either of the UEs, the eNodeB
automatically initiates an intra-cell handover to change the C-RNTI of this UE. As a
result, the cell that this UE accesses will produce a larger value of the
L.HHO.IntraCell.ExecAttOut counter.
● If automatic management of neighboring E-UTRAN frequency measurement flags
is enabled and such a flag (that is, the FREQ_MEAS_FLAG option of the
EutranInterNFreq.AggregationAttribute parameter) is deselected for a
neighboring E-UTRAN frequency, the eNodeB does not select this frequency as a
candidate frequency during SCell configuration.
Automatic management of neighboring E-UTRAN frequency measurement flags is
controlled by the LTE_NFREQ_MEAS_MGMT_SW option of the
CellAlgoExtSwitch.AnrOptSwitch parameter. For details about this function, see
ANR Management.

A UE enters the SCell configuration procedure after the procedure is triggered. For
details about the SCell configuration procedure, see 4.6.3.1.2 CA-Group-based
SCell Configuration Procedure and 4.6.3.1.3 Adaptive SCell Configuration
Procedure.
The CPU usage of the main control board and that of the BBP have the impacts
listed in Table 4-7 and Table 4-8 on the SCell configuration procedure.

Table 4-7 Impacts of the CPU usage of the main control board on the SCell
configuration procedure
CPU Usage of Impact on the SCell Configuration Procedure
the Main
Control Board
(Unit: %)

[0,70) No impact

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CPU Usage of Impact on the SCell Configuration Procedure

the Main
Control Board
(Unit: %)

[70,80) There are two possible scenarios:

● The CPU usage of the main control board has never
reached 80%.
There is no impact.
● The CPU usage of the main control board reached 80%
on one occasion.
The target SCell configuration success rate is 95%.

[80,81) The target SCell configuration success rate is 80%.

[81,82) The target SCell configuration success rate is 60%.

[82,83) The target SCell configuration success rate is 40%.

[83,84) The target SCell configuration success rate is 20%.

[84,85) The target SCell configuration success rate is 10%.

[85,100] SCell configuration is not performed.

Table 4-8 Impacts of the CPU usage of the BBP on the SCell configuration
procedure
CPU Usage of Impact on the SCell Configuration Procedure
the BBP (Unit:
%)

[0,70) No impact

[70,90) SCell configuration is not allowed for CA UEs that access the
network through initial access, incoming handovers, or
incoming RRC connection reestablishments.

[90,100] SCell configuration is not allowed for any CA UE.

Network configuration modifications (for example, addition, removal, or

modification of CA groups or PCC/SCC frequencies, and cell activation) do not take
effect immediately for CA UEs that entered the RRC_CONNECTED state before the
modifications are made. The modifications take effect for these CA UEs only when
another SCell configuration procedure is triggered for them.
Assume that the CA-group-based configuration mode is used and a cell in the CA
group is deactivated. After this cell is re-activated, it can be configured as an SCell
for a CA UE only when the UE re-accesses the network.

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4.6.3.1.2 CA-Group-based SCell Configuration Procedure

CA-group-based SCell configuration can be used for uplink 2CC aggregation and
for downlink 2CC, 3CC, 4CC, or 5CC aggregation.
Uplink 2CC aggregation and downlink 2CC aggregation use the same SCell
configuration procedure. With both uplink and downlink 2CC aggregation enabled,
in a single procedure, the eNodeB configures an SCell for a CA UE for both uplink
and downlink transmission. This SCell is the first SCell configured if there are more
CCs in the downlink than in the uplink.
Figure 4-8 uses uplink/downlink 2CC aggregation as an example to describe an
SCell configuration procedure. For downlink nCC aggregation, there are (n–1)
candidate SCells in a selection.
For aggregation of any number of CCs, if the number of successfully configured
SCells is less than the required number after all candidates have been tried, the
SCell configuration procedure ends. The eNodeB then periodically evaluates
whether the downlink or uplink traffic volume of the UE meets the SCell
activation conditions, which are described in 4.6.3.4 SCell Activation. If the SCell
activation conditions are met, the eNodeB performs an SCell configuration
procedure again, attempting to configure SCells. This periodic configuration
process continues until the number of successfully configured SCells reaches the
required number. The period is specified by the CaMgtCfg.SccCfgInterval
parameter.

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Figure 4-8 CA-group-based SCell configuration procedure for uplink/downlink 2CC aggregation

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Operator-list-based UE filtering is supported in CA-group-based SCell

configuration. The operator list is specified by the CaGroup.CnOperatorList
parameter.
● If the CaGroup.CnOperatorList parameter is set for the CA group to which
the PCell of a CA UE belongs, the eNodeB checks whether the operator of the
CA UE is on the list specified by this parameter.
– If the operator of the CA UE is not on the list specified by the
CaGroup.CnOperatorList parameter,
SCell configuration is not allowed for the CA UE.
– If the operator of the CA UE is on the list specified by the
CaGroup.CnOperatorList parameter,
The eNodeB treats any cell that meets all the following conditions as a
candidate SCell for the PCell of the CA UE:

▪ The cell is in the same CA group as the PCell.

▪ The cell has not been configured as an SCell for the UE.

▪ The cell belongs to the public land mobile network (PLMN) serving
the UE, or to an equivalent PLMN.
● If the CaGroup.CnOperatorList parameter is not set for the CA group to
which the PCell of a CA UE belongs, the eNodeB treats any cell that meets all
the following conditions as a candidate SCell for the PCell of the CA UE:
– The cell is in the same CA group as the PCell.
– The cell has not been configured as an SCell for the UE.
– The cell belongs to the PLMN serving the UE, or to an equivalent PLMN.
The eNodeB arranges all candidate SCells in descending order of SCell priority
(specified by the CaGroupSCellCfg.SCellPriority parameter) and attempts to
select a candidate SCell as an SCell for the UE. Cells with the priority value of 0
cannot be configured as SCells.
The SCell configuration procedure varies depending on the parameter settings
related to blind SCell configuration.
● The SccBlindCfgSwitch option of the ENodeBAlgoSwitch.CaAlgoSwitch
parameter is selected, and the CaGroupSCellCfg.SCellBlindCfgFlag
parameter is set to TRUE for a top-priority candidate SCell.
The eNodeB does not send the A4 measurement configuration related to the
operating frequency of this candidate SCell. Instead, the eNodeB directly
delivers an RRC Connection Reconfiguration message to configure this
candidate cell as an SCell for the UE. If multiple candidate SCells have the
same top SCell priority and have their blind configuration flag set to TRUE,
the eNodeB randomly selects one cell from these candidate SCells and
attempts to configure this cell as an SCell for the UE in a blind manner.
– If the SCell is configured successfully, the SCell configuration procedure
ends.
– If the SCell fails to be configured, the eNodeB evaluates next-priority
candidate SCells in the same way.
It is recommended that blind SCell configuration be enabled to have SCells
quickly configured.

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● The SccBlindCfgSwitch option of the ENodeBAlgoSwitch.CaAlgoSwitch

parameter is deselected. Alternatively, the SccBlindCfgSwitch option is
selected, but the CaGroupSCellCfg.SCellBlindCfgFlag parameter is set to
FALSE for all top-priority candidate SCells.
The eNodeB does not support blind SCell configuration. In this situation, the
eNodeB delivers the A4 measurement configuration related to the operating
frequencies of top-priority candidate SCells. After receiving an A4
measurement report from the UE, the eNodeB determines whether to
configure the reported candidate cell as an SCell for the UE.
Entering condition for event A4: (Mn + Ofn + Ocn – Hys > Thresh) is true
throughout a period specified by TimeToTrig.
In the formula:
– Mn is the measurement result of a neighboring cell.
– For details about Ofn, Ocn, and TimeToTrig, see Mobility Management in
Connected Mode.
– Hys is fixed at 1 dB.
– Thresh is the threshold for event A4. This threshold is equal to the sum of
the CaMgtCfg.CarrAggrA4ThdRsrp and
CaGroupSCellCfg.SCellA4Offset parameter values configured on the
PCell side.
The configuration procedure is as follows:
a. The eNodeB delivers the A4 measurement configuration, instructing the
UE to measure all top-priority candidate SCells. In the measurement
configuration, the eNodeB may set up measurement gaps for the UE,
depending on the inter-frequency measurement capabilities reported by
the UE.

▪ The UE requires measurement gaps.

○ If a bearer with a QCI of 1 has been established for the UE, then:
The procedure goes as described in 17.7 VoLTE.
○ If a bearer with a QCI of 65 has been established for the UE and:
If the McpttVoiceCaSwitch option of the
CaMgtCfg.CellCaAlgoSwitch parameter is deselected, the SCell
configuration procedure ends.
If the McpttVoiceCaSwitch option of the
CaMgtCfg.CellCaAlgoSwitch parameter is selected, the eNodeB
sets up measurement gaps in the measurement configuration.

▪ The UE does not require measurement gaps.

The eNodeB does not set up measurement gaps in the measurement
configuration.
The AutoGapSwitch option of the ENodeBAlgoSwitch.HoModeSwitch
parameter affects the decision process of the inter-frequency
measurement gap setup.

▪ If this option is selected, the eNodeB determines whether to set up

the gaps based on the reported UE capabilities.

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▪ If this option is deselected, the eNodeB sets up the gaps, without

considering UE capabilities.
It is recommended that this option be deselected to ensure that only cells
with satisfactory signal quality can be configured as SCells.
After delivering the A4 measurement configuration related to candidate
SCells to the UE, the eNodeB may receive an A2 measurement report,
indicating unsatisfactory signal quality of the PCell, for an inter-frequency
or inter-RAT handover. In such a case, the eNodeB will not configure any
candidate cell as an SCell for the UE, even if the eNodeB later receives an
A4 measurement report that contains the candidate cell.
b. After receiving an A4 measurement report from the UE, the eNodeB
checks the cells contained in the report.
If the report contains a candidate SCell, the eNodeB sends an RRC
Connection Reconfiguration message to configure the cell as an SCell for
the UE. If the SCell is configured successfully, the procedure ends.
If the eNodeB does not receive a report that contains a candidate SCell or
the SCell fails to be configured, the eNodeB continues to evaluate next-
priority candidate SCells.
NOTE

For UEs that support NSA DC, if any New Radio (NR) cell is defined as a blind-configurable
candidate SCell on the eNodeB, the eNodeB preferentially configures the NR cell as an SCell
in a blind manner. After the NR SCell is configured, the eNodeB then performs blind E-
UTRA SCell configuration.

4.6.3.1.3 Adaptive SCell Configuration Procedure

Adaptive SCell configuration can be used for uplink 2CC aggregation and for
downlink 2CC, 3CC, 4CC, 5CC, or 6CC–8CC aggregation.
Uplink 2CC aggregation and downlink 2CC aggregation use the same SCell
configuration procedure. With both uplink and downlink 2CC aggregation enabled,
in a single procedure, the eNodeB configures an SCell for a CA UE for both uplink
and downlink transmission. This SCell is the first configured one among SCells in
case the number of CCs in the downlink is greater than that in the uplink.
Figure 4-9 uses uplink/downlink 2CC aggregation as an example to describe an
SCell configuration procedure. For downlink nCC aggregation, there are (n–1)
candidate SCells in a selection.
For aggregation of any number of CCs, if the number of successfully configured
SCells is less than the required number after all candidates have been tried, the
SCell configuration procedure ends. The eNodeB then periodically evaluates
whether the downlink or uplink traffic volume of the UE meets the SCell
activation conditions, which are described in 4.6.3.4 SCell Activation. If the SCell
activation conditions are met, the eNodeB performs an SCell configuration
procedure again, attempting to configure SCells. This periodic configuration
process continues until the number of successfully configured SCells reaches the
required number. The period is specified by the CaMgtCfg.SccCfgInterval
parameter.

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Figure 4-9 Adaptive SCell configuration procedure for uplink/downlink 2CC

aggregation

From the carriers defined in the SccFreqCfg MOs for the PCC of a CA UE, the
eNodeB selects carriers depending on whether operator information has been
specified:
● Operator information has been specified (by the SccFreqCfg.CnOperatorList
parameter) for any of these carriers.

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The eNodeB selects the carriers used by the operator that is serving the UE.
Among the selected carriers, the eNodeB treats those that have not been
configured as SCCs for the UE and are supported by the UE for CA as
candidate SCCs. The eNodeB then arranges all candidate SCCs in descending
order of SCC priority (specified by the SccFreqCfg.SccPriority parameter) and
attempts to select a cell on a candidate SCC as an SCell for the UE, as
described in the follow-up procedure.
● No operator information has been specified for any of these carriers.
The eNodeB treats those that have not been configured as SCCs for the UE
and are supported by the UE for CA as candidate SCCs. The eNodeB then
arranges all candidate SCCs in descending order of SCC priority and attempts
to select a cell on a candidate SCC as an SCell for the UE, as described in the
follow-up procedure.
1. The eNodeB checks whether a blind-configurable candidate cell (with
CaGroupSCellCfg.SCellBlindCfgFlag set to TRUE) on the top-priority
candidate SCC has been specified for the PCell of the UE.
– Such a cell has been specified.
The eNodeB delivers an RRC Connection Reconfiguration message to
configure this cell as an SCell for the UE, without delivering measurement
configurations.
NOTE

If there are multiple blind-configurable candidate SCells on different candidate

SCCs, the eNodeB randomly selects one to configure as an SCell.
For UEs that support NSA DC, if any NR cell is defined as a blind-configurable
candidate SCell on the eNodeB, the eNodeB preferentially configures the NR cell
as an SCell in a blind manner. After the NR SCell is configured, the eNodeB then
performs blind E-UTRA SCell configuration.
– No such cell has been specified or the blind configuration fails.
The eNodeB delivers the A4 measurement configuration to the UE. The
entering condition for event A4 is as follows: (Mn + Ofn + Ocn – Hys >
Thresh) is true throughout a period specified by TimeToTrig. If multiple
candidate SCCs have the same priority, the eNodeB will perform the
subsequent steps on all candidates.
In the formula:

▪ Mn is the measurement result of a neighboring cell.

▪ For details about Ofn, Ocn, and TimeToTrig, see Mobility

Management in Connected Mode.
▪ Hys is fixed at 1 dB.

▪ Thresh is the threshold for event A4.

If the SCell configuration is performed for the UE during initial
access, an incoming handover, or an incoming RRC connection
reestablishment, the threshold for event A4 is equal to the sum of
the CaMgtCfg.CarrAggrA4ThdRsrp, SccFreqCfg.SccA4Offset, and
SccFreqCfg.SccA2RsrpThldExtendedOfs parameter values
configured on the PCell side.
If the SCell configuration is periodically triggered for the UE based on
the traffic volume, the threshold for event A4 is equal to the sum of

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CaMgtCfg.CarrAggrA4ThdRsrp and SccFreqCfg.SccA4Offset

parameter values configured on the PCell side.
2. The eNodeB delivers the A4 measurement configuration, instructing the UE to
measure the candidate SCC. In addition, the eNodeB may set up
measurement gaps for the UE, depending on the inter-frequency
measurement capabilities reported by the UE.
– The UE requires measurement gaps.

▪ If a bearer with a QCI of 1 has been established for the UE, then:
The procedure goes as described in 17.7 VoLTE.

▪ If a bearer with a QCI of 65 has been established for the UE and:

If the McpttVoiceCaSwitch option of the
CaMgtCfg.CellCaAlgoSwitch parameter is deselected, the SCell
configuration procedure ends.
If the McpttVoiceCaSwitch option of the
CaMgtCfg.CellCaAlgoSwitch parameter is selected, the eNodeB sets
up measurement gaps in the measurement configuration.
NOTE

● If no neighboring cell has been configured on the candidate SCC, the

eNodeB sets up measurement gaps in the measurement configuration
only if all the following options are selected: CaBasedEventAnrSwitch
and IntraRatEventAnrSwitch options of the
ENodeBAlgoSwitch.AnrSwitch parameter, CaAnrGapOptSwitch option
of the ENodeBAlgoSwitch.CaAlgoExtSwitch parameter, and
INTRA_RAT_ANR_SW option of the CellAlgoSwitch.AnrFunctionSwitch
parameter.
● For adaptive configuration of inter-eNodeB SCells in a relaxed backhaul
scenario, during initial configuration at the local eNodeB, the control-
plane link and user-plane path are set up and checked for the eX2 or X2
interface between the eNodeBs and information is exchanged between
the PCell and the candidate SCell. This takes a longer time than intra-
eNodeB CA. Furthermore, the SCell cannot be configured using a single
round of gap-assisted measurements. Therefore, the eNodeB instructs
this UE to perform two rounds of gap-assisted measurements.
The first round is used for eX2 or X2 setup and check as well as
information exchange between the PCell and the candidate SCell. The
second round is used for SCell configuration. The interval between the
two rounds is determined by the CaMgtCfg.SccCfgInterval parameter.
After the eX2 or X2 interface is set up, the eNodeB sets a default delay,
which is less than 4 ms. It takes 8s to finish the measurement of the
actual delay. If the actual delay is longer than the default delay, there is
no traffic of the UE in the SCell during delay measurement. The SCell
traffic of the UE will return to normal after the delay measurement.
After the eX2 or X2 interface is set up, the eNodeB instructs subsequent
CA UEs to perform only one round of gap-assisted measurements during
SCell configuration.
– The UE does not require measurement gaps.
The eNodeB does not set up measurement gaps in the measurement
configuration.
The AutoGapSwitch option of the ENodeBAlgoSwitch.HoModeSwitch
parameter affects the decision process of the inter-frequency measurement
gap setup.

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– If this option is selected, the eNodeB determines whether to set up the

gaps based on the reported UE capabilities.
– If this option is deselected, the eNodeB sets up the gaps, without
considering UE capabilities.
It is recommended that this option be deselected to ensure that only cells
with satisfactory signal quality can be configured as SCells.
After delivering the A4 measurement configuration related to the candidate
SCC to the UE, the eNodeB may receive an A2 measurement report, indicating
unsatisfactory signal quality of the PCell, for an inter-frequency or inter-RAT
handover. In such a case, the eNodeB will not configure any cell on the
candidate SCC as an SCell for the UE, even if the eNodeB later receives an A4
measurement report containing that cell.
3. After receiving an A4 measurement report that contains cells on the
candidate SCC, the eNodeB selects the reported cells that belong to the
serving PLMN of the UE or an equivalent PLMN as candidate SCells. The
eNodeB then arranges the candidate SCells in descending order of RSRP and
acts as follows:
– If the PCell can set up a data link to the top-priority candidate SCell, the
eNodeB sends an RRC Connection Reconfiguration message to configure
the candidate cell as an SCell for the UE. If the SCell is configured
successfully, the procedure ends. If the SCell fails to be configured, the
eNodeB tries the next-priority candidate SCell.
– If the PCell cannot set up a data link to the top-priority candidate SCell,
the eNodeB tries the next-priority candidate SCell.
– If none of the candidate SCells can be configured as an SCell for the UE,
the subsequent procedure depends on the MultiCarrierFlexCaSwitch
option setting of the CaMgtCfg.CellCaAlgoSwitch parameter.

▪ If this option is selected, the eNodeB evaluates the next-priority

candidate SCC.

▪ If this option is deselected, the SCell configuration procedure ends.

4.6.3.2 SCell Configuration Enhancement

This section describes an enhancement to SCell configuration: load-based SCell
configuration. With this function, intra- or inter-eNodeB cells with routes set up
between them exchange their load status, and the eNodeB selects low-load
candidate cells as SCells for a UE. (A cell not in the high load state is considered to
be in the low load state.)

This function is recommended when there are more operating frequencies on a

network than the number of frequencies to be aggregated and at least two of
those frequencies have the same priority.

This function is activated if the SccSmartCfgSwitch option of the

ENodeBAlgoSwitch.CaAlgoSwitch parameter is selected.

For inter-eNodeB CA, this option must be selected only for the serving eNodeB of
the PCell.

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The evaluation of load status indicators for candidate SCells varies depending on
the setting of CellMLB.MlbTriggerMode. It is recommended that the following
parameters be set consistently for all of the cells on the network.
● Set to PRB_ONLY
– High-load entering condition: physical resource block (PRB) usage ≥
CellMLB.InterFreqMlbThd + CellMLB.InterFreqOffloadOffset
throughout 5s
– Low load condition: before the cell enters the high load state or after it
exits the high load state
High-load leaving condition: PRB usage < CellMLB.InterFreqMlbThd +
CellMLB.InterFreqOffloadOffset – CellMLB.LoadOffset throughout 5s
● Set to UE_NUMBER_ONLY
– High-load entering condition: Number of UEs in the cell ≥
CellMLB.InterFreqMlbUeNumThd +
CellMLB.InterFrqUeNumOffloadOffset throughout 5s
For the definition of the number of UEs in a cell, see Intra-RAT Mobility
Load Balancing.
– Low load condition: before the cell enters the high load state or after it
exits the high load state
High-load leaving condition: Number of UEs in the cell <
CellMLB.InterFreqMlbUeNumThd +
CellMLB.InterFrqUeNumOffloadOffset – CellMLB.MlbUeNumOffset
throughout 5s
● Set to PRB_OR_UE_NUMBER
– A cell enters the high load state if it meets either of the following
conditions throughout 5s:

▪ PRB usage ≥ CellMLB.InterFreqMlbThd +

CellMLB.InterFreqOffloadOffset

▪ Number of UEs in the cell ≥ CellMLB.InterFreqMlbUeNumThd +

CellMLB.InterFrqUeNumOffloadOffset
– The cell is in the low load state if both of the following conditions are
met:

▪ The cell meets the low load condition used when this parameter is
set to PRB_ONLY.

▪ The cell meets the low load condition used when this parameter is
set to UE_NUMBER_ONLY.
Load-based SCell configuration introduces special handling to the basic procedures
described in 4.6.3.1.2 CA-Group-based SCell Configuration Procedure and
4.6.3.1.3 Adaptive SCell Configuration Procedure. The special handling varies
depending on whether blind-configurable candidate SCells have been set for the
PCell of the CA UE:
● Blind-configurable candidate SCells have been set.
Blind SCell configuration takes place.
– If the number of blind-configurable candidate SCells under a given
priority is greater than the number of SCells to be configured, the

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eNodeB checks the load status indicator of each candidate and delivers
an RRC Connection Reconfiguration message to preferentially configure
low-load cells as SCells. If the candidates are in the same load state
(either high or low), the eNodeB randomly selects cells from them as
SCells.
– If the number of blind-configurable candidate SCells under a given
priority is less than or equal to the number of SCells to be configured, the
eNodeB starts SCell configuration without comparing the load states of
the candidates.
● Blind-configurable candidate SCells have not been set.
When there are multiple candidate SCells with the same priority, the eNodeB
acts differently depending on the number of these candidates:
– The number of these candidates is greater than the number of SCells to
be configured.
The eNodeB collects the measurement reports about all these candidates.
(If the eNodeB does not receive measurement reports about any cell on a
frequency within 3s, it considers the UE to be outside of the coverage
area of the frequency and instructs the UE to stop the measurements.)
The eNodeB then checks the load status indicator of each candidate.
Based on the load status indicators, the eNodeB delivers an RRC
Connection Reconfiguration message to preferentially configure low-load
cells as SCells for the UE. This measurement-based SCell configuration
procedure has a longer delay than the blind SCell configuration
procedure. If the candidates are in the same load state (either high or
low), the eNodeB selects the cells with the greatest RSRP values as SCells.
– The number of these candidates is less than or equal to the number of
SCells to be configured.
The eNodeB does not check the load status indicators of candidates.
Instead, it starts configuring SCells upon receiving measurement reports.

4.6.3.3 SCell Change

If a CA UE whose SCells have been configured receives better signal quality from
an intra-frequency neighboring cell of an SCell than from that SCell, the serving
eNodeB of the PCell can change the SCell without changing the PCell. Figure 4-10
illustrates this function.

Figure 4-10 SCell change

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This function is controlled by the SccModA6Switch option of the

ENodeBAlgoSwitch.CaAlgoSwitch parameter.

It is recommended that this function be always activated.

For FDD, eNodeBs do not consider the load status indicators of candidate SCells
during A6-based SCell changes. For details about the load status indicators for
candidate SCells, see 4.6.3.2 SCell Configuration Enhancement.

CA-Group-based SCell Change

If the SCell change function has been activated and cells on the same frequency
are included in a CA group, the eNodeB sends an RRC Connection Reconfiguration
message to a CA UE after configuring one of the cells as an SCell for that UE. This
message contains an A6 measurement configuration related to this SCell. The
offset for event A6 is specified by the CaMgtCfg.CarrAggrA6Offset parameter
configured on the PCell side.

After receiving an A6 measurement report from the CA UE, the eNodeB evaluates
the reported cells in the CA group and selects the one with the highest RSRP
value. The eNodeB then sends an RRC Connection Reconfiguration message to
change the SCell to the selected cell. If the SCell change fails, the eNodeB selects
the cell with the next highest RSRP value among the reported cells and makes
another SCell change attempt.

Adaptive SCell Change

If the SCell change function has been activated, the eNodeB sends an RRC
Connection Reconfiguration message to a CA UE after configuring SCells for the
UE. The message contains an A6 measurement configuration related to each SCC
of the UE. The offset for event A6 is specified by the CaMgtCfg.CarrAggrA6Offset
parameter configured on the PCell side.

After receiving an A6 measurement report related to an SCell (for example, cell 1)

from the UE, the eNodeB arranges the reported candidate SCells in descending
order of RSRP and proceeds as follows:

● If the PCell can set up a data link to the top-priority candidate SCell (for
example, cell 2), the eNodeB sends an RRC Connection Reconfiguration
message to change the SCell from cell 1 to cell 2 for the UE.
● If the PCell cannot set up a data link to cell 2, the eNodeB tries the next-
priority candidate SCell.

If the PCell cannot set up a data link to any candidate SCell, the eNodeB does not
change the SCell for the UE.

4.6.3.4 SCell Activation

In accordance with section 6.1.3.8 "Activation/Deactivation MAC Control Element"
in 3GPP TS 36.321 V11.1.0, the eNodeB delivers a MAC CE to activate a configured
SCell as long as either uplink or downlink traffic volume meets the activation
conditions. The CCs are not actually aggregated for the UE until the SCell is
activated. Figure 4-11 illustrates SCell activation.

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Figure 4-11 SCell activation

If the CaInstantlyJudgeSwitch option of the CaMgtCfg.CellCaAlgoSwitch

parameter is selected, the eNodeB uses instantaneous, millisecond-level values to
evaluate traffic volume conditions for SCell activation. If this option is deselected,
the eNodeB uses filtered second-level values to evaluate the traffic volume
conditions for SCell activation.

● When a CA UE is configured with only downlink CCs, the eNodeB evaluates

only downlink traffic volume.
The eNodeB determines that the CA UE has met the downlink traffic volume
requirements when both of the following conditions are fulfilled:
– Data volume buffered at the RLC layer > max (Uu data rate at the RLC
layer x CaMgtCfg.ActiveBufferDelayThd,
CaMgtCfg.ActiveBufferLenThd)
– Delay of the first RLC protocol data unit (PDU) >
CaMgtCfg.ActiveBufferDelayThd
● When a CA UE is configured with uplink CCs, the eNodeB evaluates both
uplink and downlink traffic volume.
The eNodeB determines that the CA UE has met the uplink traffic volume
requirements when both of the following conditions are fulfilled:
– The reported uplink buffer status is greater than the threshold specified
by the CaMgtCfg.ActiveBufferLenThd parameter throughout the period
specified by the CaMgtCfg.UlCaActiveTimeToTrigger parameter.
– Transmission time interval (TTI) bundling does not take effect for the CA
UE in the uplink.
If uplink (instead of downlink) traffic volume meets the activation conditions,
the eNodeB activates only the SCell that has been configured for the uplink.
SCells configured only for the downlink are not activated in this situation.

If the CaMgtCfg.ActiveBufferLenThd parameter is set to 0:

● If an SCell has been configured for a CA UE, the eNodeB activates the SCell as
long as the eNodeB prepares to send data to the CA UE. However, if the
traffic volume of the UE is low, the eNodeB deactivates the SCell (because the
deactivation condition is met) immediately after it activates the SCell for the
UE. The number of UEs with SCells activated on the affected BBP increases,
and the BBP is likely to enter flow control due to heavy load. This affects LTE
UE access or other LTE services.
● If no SCell has been configured for a CA UE, the eNodeB repeatedly attempts
to configure an SCell without considering CaMgtCfg.SccCfgInterval when the

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eNodeB prepares to send data to the UE. This consumes a large amount of
radio resources.

For NSA UEs, the CaMgtCfg.ActiveBufferLenThd and

CaMgtCfg.ActiveBufferDelayThd parameters in the preceding information need
to be replaced with the NsaDcMgmtConfig.NsaDcLteScellActBfrLenThld and
NsaDcMgmtConfig.NsaDcLteScellActBfrDelThld parameters, respectively.

To ensure synchronization between the UE and the eNodeB, SCells are activated
on the UE and eNodeB sides simultaneously. If the eNodeB sends a MAC CE for
SCell activation to the UE in subframe n, then the SCell is activated on the UE and
eNodeB sides in subframe (n + x). The value of x is stipulated by physical layer
protocols.
● For FDD, x is equal to 8.

When cells are heavily loaded, SCell activation can be prohibited to ensure user
experience. This prohibition function is enabled when the
CaMgtCfg.ScellNoActivationUeNumThld parameter is set to a non-zero value.
This parameter specifies the threshold for determining heavy cell load.

● If the number of UEs in a cell exceeds the value of this parameter, the eNodeB
determines that the cell is heavily loaded. If the cell is heavily loaded, new
SCell activation quotas will not be provided for CA UEs. When the existing
SCell activation quota is reached (that is, the number of UEs that have this
cell activated as their SCell has reached the quota), the activation quota
becomes 0 and this cell will no longer be activated as an SCell for any CA UE.
● If the number of UEs in a cell is a little smaller than the value of this
parameter, simultaneous SCell activation for a number of CA UEs will cause
the number of UEs in the cell to exceed the value of this parameter even if no
UEs are admitted to the cell through initial access, incoming RRC connection
reestablishments, or incoming handovers.

The eNodeB measures the number of UEs in each cell every second.

The following UEs are counted into the number of UEs in a cell:

● Non-CA UEs
● CA UEs that treat the cell as their PCell
● CA UEs for which the cell has been activated as an SCell

For FDD, it is recommended that this function be enabled when the cell
bandwidth is 1.4 MHz, 3 MHz, or 5 MHz.

This function is not compatible with LBBPc boards.

4.6.3.5 SCell Deactivation

SCell deactivation for CA UEs, as illustrated in Figure 4-12, can be triggered by:
● Traffic volume
● Channel quality
● Residual block errors

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Figure 4-12 SCell deactivation

Traffic Volume–triggered SCell Deactivation

This function takes effect when the CaMgtCfg.CarrierMgtSwitch parameter is set
to ON on the PCell side.
With this function enabled:
● For a UE with SCells activated in the downlink:
The eNodeB delivers a MAC CE to deactivate all these SCells when each E-
UTRAN radio access bearer (E-RAB) of the UE meets both of the following
downlink traffic volume conditions:
– Uu data rate at the RLC layer ≤ CaMgtCfg.DeactiveThroughputThd
– Data volume buffered at the RLC layer ≤
CaMgtCfg.DeactiveBufferLenThd
● For a UE with an SCell activated in the uplink:
The eNodeB delivers a MAC CE to deactivate the SCell only when both the
uplink and downlink traffic volumes meet their respective conditions. When
only the downlink traffic volume meets the deactivation conditions, the
eNodeB sends a MAC CE to deactivate all downlink-only SCells for the UE.
The following are the uplink traffic volume conditions, which must be both
fulfilled:
– Data size indicated in the buffer status report (BSR) from the CA UE ≤
CaMgtCfg.DeactiveBufferLenThd
– Uplink Uu data rate of the UE at the RLC layer ≤
CaMgtCfg.DeactiveThroughputThd
It is recommended that CaMgtCfg.DeactiveBufferLenThd be less than
CaMgtCfg.ActiveBufferLenThd.
If the CaTrafficTriggerSwitch option of the ENodeBAlgoSwitch.CaAlgoSwitch
parameter is selected for the serving eNodeB of the PCell, the eNodeB sends an
RRC Connection Reconfiguration message to remove SCells immediately after
deactivating these SCells based on the traffic volume.
If the NsaDcMgmtConfig.ScgAdditionBufferLenThld parameter is set to 0, the
eNodeB does not remove SCells for NSA CA UEs based on traffic volume.

Channel Quality–triggered SCell Deactivation

This function is recommended when blind SCell configuration is enabled or A2
measurement is disabled. In such scenarios, the channel quality indicator (CQI) for

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SCells will be low when CA UEs are located in weak coverage areas or are
experiencing strong interference. The low CQI will cause a decrease in Cell
Downlink Average Throughput and an increase in the number of RRC connection
reestablishments, the uplink and downlink initial block error rate (IBLER) values,
the packet loss rate, and the service drop rate.

This function takes effect when the CaMgtCfg.CarrierMgtSwitch parameter is set

to ON on the PCell side.

Before enabling this function, ensure that the CaSccSuspendSwitch option of the
ENodeBAlgoSwitch.CaAlgoSwitch parameter has been deselected.

With this function enabled:

● In a non-relaxed backhaul scenario:
The eNodeB sends a MAC CE to deactivate an SCell for a CA UE when the
spectral efficiency corresponding to the SCell's CQI reported by the UE falls
below the Release 8 spectral efficiency corresponding to the
CaMgtCfg.SccDeactCqiThd parameter value specified for the SCell in single-
codeword transmission.
If CaMgtCfg.SccDeactCqiThd is set to 0 for the SCell, the serving eNodeB of
the PCell does not deactivate the SCell based on channel quality.
● In a relaxed backhaul scenario:
The eNodeB sends a MAC CE to deactivate an SCell for a CA UE when the
spectral efficiency corresponding to the SCell's CQI reported by the UE falls
below the Release 8 spectral efficiency corresponding to the
CaMgtCfg.RelaxedBHSccDeactCqiThd parameter value specified for the
SCell in single-codeword transmission.
If CaMgtCfg.RelaxedBHSccDeactCqiThd is set to 0 for the SCell, the serving
eNodeB of the PCell does not deactivate the SCell based on channel quality.

After an SCell is deactivated based on channel quality, the CA UE no longer

reports the SCell's CQI to the eNodeB. The eNodeB may subsequently activate the
SCell based on traffic volume. The CaMgtCfg.SccReactivationTime parameter
can be used to prevent excessively frequent SCell activation and deactivation. This
parameter specifies the minimum interval between SCell deactivation and traffic-
volume-based reactivation. This parameter is PCell-specific. It takes effect in the
PCell, which makes activation decisions.

After deactivating an SCell based on channel quality, the serving eNodeB of the
PCell does not immediately remove this SCell, regardless of whether the
CaTrafficTriggerSwitch option of the ENodeBAlgoSwitch.CaAlgoSwitch
parameter is selected.

Residual Block Error–triggered SCell Deactivation

● In the downlink:
The processing of residual block error–triggered SCell deactivation depends on
the setting of the CaMgtCfg.SccQuietTime parameter.
– CaMgtCfg.SccQuietTime set to 0
When the eNodeB detects downlink residual block errors in an SCell for a
CA UE for 10 consecutive times, the eNodeB immediately delivers a MAC
CE to deactivate the SCell.

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– CaMgtCfg.SccQuietTime set to a value other than 0

When the eNodeB detects downlink residual block errors in an SCell for a
CA UE for 10 consecutive times, the eNodeB does not deliver a MAC CE
to deactivate the SCell within the period specified by the
CaMgtCfg.SccQuietTime parameter.
The eNodeB stops scheduling the UE in the SCell and periodically sends a
1-byte packet to detect the SCell.

▪ ACK returned
The eNodeB resumes the scheduling of the UE in the SCell.

▪ NACK returned
The eNodeB adjusts the CQI and then continues the detection. The
CQI adjustment varies with the setting of the
CaMgtCfg.SccDetectCqiDecreaseStep parameter.
○ CaMgtCfg.SccDetectCqiDecreaseStep set to 0
The eNodeB decreases the CQI by the basic adjustment value.
○ CaMgtCfg.SccDetectCqiDecreaseStep set to a value other than
0
The eNodeB decreases the CQI by the sum of the basic
adjustment value and the CaMgtCfg.SccDetectCqiDecreaseStep
parameter value.
If the number of detection failures reaches the maximum, the
eNodeB delivers a MAC CE to deactivate the SCell.
● In the uplink:
The processing of residual block error–triggered SCell deactivation depends on
the setting of the CaMgtCfg.SccQuietTime parameter and the
SccDeactByUlDtxSwitch option setting of the
ENodeBAlgoSwitch.CaAlgoExtSwitch parameter.
– CaMgtCfg.SccQuietTime set to 0

▪ If the SccDeactByUlDtxSwitch option of the

ENodeBAlgoSwitch.CaAlgoExtSwitch parameter is deselected, the
eNodeB immediately delivers a MAC CE to deactivate an SCell for a
CA UE when it detects uplink residual block errors in the SCell for 40
consecutive times.

▪ If the SccDeactByUlDtxSwitch option of the

ENodeBAlgoSwitch.CaAlgoExtSwitch parameter is selected, the
eNodeB delivers a MAC CE to deactivate an SCell for a CA UE when it
detects uplink residual block errors in the SCell for 40 consecutive
times or detects that the eNodeB-maintained SCell activation status
is different from the actual status.
– CaMgtCfg.SccQuietTime set to a value other than 0
This function does not take effect. That is, the eNodeB does not initiate
the SCell deactivation procedure based on uplink residual block errors in
SCells.

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NOTE

● To enable eNodeBs to detect the actual SCell activation status, operators

must select the SccDeactByUlDtxSwitch option for each eNodeB involved in
CA. If operators select this option only for the serving eNodeB of the PCell or
an SCell, the probability of successfully detecting activation status
inconsistency decreases.
● Operators are advised to select the SccDeactByUlDtxSwitch option in
scenarios other than high uplink load. If this option is selected in high uplink
load scenarios, the data rates in SCells will drop.

4.6.3.6 SCell Removal

To have SCells removed when their signal quality degrades, enable the SCell
removal function.

This function is controlled by the SccA2RmvSwitch option of the

ENodeBAlgoSwitch.CaAlgoSwitch parameter.

When an SCell meets the triggering conditions for event A2, the eNodeB removes
the SCell. If the eNodeB removes n SCells for a CA UE in the uplink or downlink
mCC aggregation state, the UE will be served by (m–n) carriers.

NOTE

When a bearer for an emergency call or with QCI 1, 65, 66, or an enhanced extended QCI is
set up for a CA UE whose SCells have been configured, the eNodeB does not remove the
SCells.

SCell removal is performed by the eNodeBs serving the PCells of CA UEs. Figure
4-13 illustrates this function.

Figure 4-13 SCell removal

SCell removal works in CA-group-based mode and in adaptive mode, as described

in CA-Group-based SCell Removal and Adaptive SCell Removal.

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In either mode, SCells can be removed for CA UEs to relieve UE overheating, as

described in SCell Removal for CA UE Overheating Protection.

CA-Group-based SCell Removal

With this function enabled:
● The eNodeB delivers the A2 measurement configuration to a CA UE after
configuring an SCell for the UE based on A4 measurements. After receiving an
A2 measurement report that contains the SCell, the eNodeB sends an RRC
Connection Reconfiguration message to remove the SCell.
Entering condition for event A2: (Ms + Hys < Thresh) is true throughout a
period specified by TimeToTrig.
In the formula:
– Ms is the measurement result of the serving cell.
– Hys is fixed at 1 dB.
– Thresh is the threshold for event A2. The threshold is equal to the sum of
the CaMgtCfg.CarrAggrA2ThdRsrp and
CaGroupSCellCfg.SCellA2Offset parameters configured on the PCell
side.
– For details about TimeToTrig, see Mobility Management in Connected
Mode.
● If an SCell has been configured for a CA UE in a blind manner, the eNodeB
checks the SCellBlindA2Switch setting of the
GlobalProcSwitch.ProtocolCompatibilitySw parameter before making a
measurement configuration delivery decision. The eNodeB sends the A2
measurement configuration to the UE only if the SCellBlindA2Switch option
is selected. The threshold for event A2 takes the 3GPP-defined minimum
value –140 dBm. After receiving an A2 measurement report that contains the
SCell, the eNodeB sends an RRC Connection Reconfiguration message to
remove the SCell.

NOTE

In CA-group-based configuration mode, the following setting constraint applies: The

threshold for event A4 must be higher than the threshold for event A2. In addition, only the
values in the range of [–143, –43] take effect for both thresholds.

Adaptive SCell Removal

If this function is enabled, the eNodeB delivers the A2 measurement configuration
to a CA UE after configuring an SCell for the UE based on A4 measurements or in
a blind manner. After receiving an A2 measurement report that contains the SCell,
the eNodeB sends an RRC Connection Reconfiguration message to remove the
SCell. The entering conditions for events A4 and A2 are as follows:

● For details about the entering condition for event A4, see 4.6.3.1.3 Adaptive
SCell Configuration Procedure.
● Entering condition for event A2: (Ms + Hys < Thresh) is true throughout a
period specified by TimeToTrig.
In the formula:

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– Ms is the measurement result of the serving cell.

– Hys is fixed at 1 dB.
– Thresh is the actually effective threshold for CA event A2.
The actually effective threshold for CA event A2 is equal to the sum of
the CaMgtCfg.CarrAggrA2ThdRsrp, SccFreqCfg.SccA2Offset, and
SccFreqCfg.SccA2RsrpThldExtendedOfs parameters configured on the
PCell side.
If the sum is greater than –43 dBm or less than –140 dBm, the threshold
takes the value –43 dBm or –140 dBm, respectively.
– For details about TimeToTrig, see Mobility Management in Connected
Mode.
The threshold for event A4 must be higher than the threshold for event A2. If the
threshold for event A4 is not higher than that for event A2 and the
SccA2RmvSwitch option of the ENodeBAlgoSwitch.CaAlgoSwitch parameter is
selected, the eNodeB will remove an SCell for a CA UE based on event A2
immediately after having configured it. Then, if the traffic volume of the UE meets
the SCell activation conditions throughout a certain period of time, the eNodeB
configures the same SCell again. The SCell is configured and removed repeatedly.
If the CaSmartSelectionSwitch option of the ENodeBAlgoSwitch.CaAlgoSwitch
parameter is selected and the CaMgtCfg.FastScellSelAftScellRmvSw parameter is
set to ON, the eNodeB performs an SCell configuration procedure immediately
after all SCells are removed for a CA UE based on coverage conditions, increasing
the CA UE throughput. This procedure is the same as the adaptive SCell
configuration procedure that occurs when the CaSmartSelectionSwitch option of
the ENodeBAlgoSwitch.CaAlgoSwitch parameter is selected.

SCell Removal for CA UE Overheating Protection

The downlink data rates of CA UEs increase with the number of carriers, leading
to a rise in CPU load and a higher risk in heat dissipation. After a UE has been
continuously running at a high speed, it is likely to experience a service drop
because of overheating. This affects user experience.
To resolve this issue, 3GPP Release 14 proposed a CA UE overheating protection
mechanism. Upon overheating, a CA UE reports overheating assistance
information (conveyed by the OverheatingAssistance IE) to the eNodeB, so as to
inform the eNodeB of the overheating and request assistance from the eNodeB.
For details about the OverheatingAssistance IE, see section 5.6.10.3 "Actions
related to transmission of UEAssistanceInformation message" in 3GPP TS 36.331
V15.4.0.
This function is controlled by the OverheatingProtectionSwitch option of the
GlobalProcSwitch.ProtocolSupportSwitch parameter.
With this function enabled, the eNodeB includes the OverheatingAssistanceConfig
IE in the RRCConnectionReconfiguration message used to configure SCells for a CA
UE for the first time during initial access, an incoming RRC connection
reestablishment, or an incoming necessary handover of the UE. This IE is used to
activate reporting of overheating assistance information from the UE.
● When the UE becomes overheated, it reports the OverheatingAssistance IE to
the eNodeB. This IE contains the reducedMaxCCs IE, indicating the temporary

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maximum number of carriers supported by the UE. After receiving the IE, the
eNodeB removes all the SCells of the UE and saves the reducedMaxCCs IE
reported by the UE. The number of SCells to be configured for the UE will not
exceed the value of reducedMaxCCs.
● When the UE recovers from overheating, it reports the OverheatingAssistance
IE to the eNodeB again. However, this IE no longer contains the
reducedMaxCCs IE. The eNodeB removes the reducedMaxCCs IE from its
storage space and continues to configure SCells for the UE.

With this function, CA UEs that support overheating protection can exit the CA
state or have fewer SCells configured when they experience overheating. As a
result, the throughput of the CA UEs and the number of their SCells decrease.

This function requires that CA UEs be capable of reporting overheating assistance

information. This capability is indicated by the overheatingInd-r14 IE in the UE-
EUTRA-Capability IE of the UECapabilityInformation message sent from the UEs.

4.7 Carrier Management for RRC_IDLE UEs

If the IdleModePccAnchorSwitch option of the
ENodeBAlgoSwitch.CaAlgoSwitch parameter is selected, the eNodeB performs
the procedure of PCC anchoring for RRC_IDLE UEs when the RRC connections of
CA UEs are released normally. (This does not occur at abnormal RRC connection
releases, for example, due to S1 faults, an eNodeB overload, or an MME overload.)

The procedure varies with priority settings:

● SPID- or operator-specific cell-reselection priorities are configured.
The eNodeB includes the configured priorities in the
idleModeMobilityControlInfo IE of the RRC Connection Release message.
● Neither SPID- nor operator-specific cell-reselection priorities are configured.
– If both PCell/PCC priorities and common cell-reselection priorities are
specified, the eNodeB performs PCC anchoring as follows:
i. The eNodeB generates a PCC anchor frequency list for an RRC
connection release. This list is based on the band combinations
supported by the CA UE and PCell/PCC priorities. In the list, these
band combinations are arranged in descending order of PCell/PCC
priority.
If duplex-mode-based PCC anchoring is enabled, duplex mode
priorities take precedence over PCell/PCC priorities when the eNodeB
arranges the band combinations in the list.
ii. The eNodeB includes the list in the idleModeMobilityControlInfo IE of
an RRC Connection Release message and, in that message, sets the
length of timer T320 to a fixed value of 180 minutes.
iii. The eNodeB sends the message to the UE, instructing the UE to
camp in the specified frequency band.
In case certain frequencies with common cell-reselection priorities are not
assigned PCell/PCC priorities by operators, these frequencies are
appended to those with PCell/PCC priorities and arranged in descending
order of common cell-reselection priority.

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For the parameters that specify common cell-reselection priorities, see

Idle Mode Management.
– If only PCell/PCC priorities or common cell-reselection priorities are
specified, the eNodeB performs the preceding PCC anchoring procedure
with the PCC anchor frequency list including only the candidate
frequencies assigned the priorities and supported by the UE.
– If neither PCell/PCC priorities nor common cell-reselection priorities are
specified, or if the UE does not support any candidate frequencies, the
eNodeB does not perform the preceding PCC anchoring procedure.

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Carrier Aggregation Feature Parameter Description 5 Downlink 2CC Aggregation

5 Downlink 2CC Aggregation

5.1 Principles
This function aggregates two intra- or inter-band carriers, as shown in Figure 5-1,
to provide higher bandwidth.

Figure 5-1 Downlink 2CC aggregation

This function works between intra-eNodeB cells, between inter-eNodeB cells in

eNodeB coordination scenarios, and between inter-eNodeB cells in relaxed
backhaul scenarios.

The switch control over this function varies, as described in Table 5-1.

Table 5-1 Switch setting requirements of downlink 2CC aggregation

Configuration Mode Max. Downlink CaDl2CCExtSwitch

Bandwidth of Two CCs Option of the
CaMgtCfg.CellCaAlgoS
witch Parameter
CA-group-based (FDD) Up to 20 MHz No requirements

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Carrier Aggregation Feature Parameter Description 5 Downlink 2CC Aggregation

Configuration Mode Max. Downlink CaDl2CCExtSwitch

Bandwidth of Two CCs Option of the
CaMgtCfg.CellCaAlgoS
witch Parameter
CA-group-based (FDD) 20 MHz < Bandwidth ≤ 40 No requirements
MHz

Adaptive (FDD) Up to 20 MHz No requirements

Adaptive (FDD) 20 MHz < Bandwidth ≤ 40 Select this option.

MHz

5.2 Network Analysis

5.2.1 Benefits
This function enables CA UEs to reach higher downlink peak data rates.
Table 5-2 lists the theoretical peak data rates that a CA UE can reach using
downlink 2CC aggregation.
For FDD, these values assume a TBS suitable for the 20 MHz cell bandwidth
(equivalent to 100 RBs in the frequency domain).

Table 5-2 Theoretical peak data rates for downlink 2CC aggregation (unit: Mbit/s)
RAT 2x2 MIMO 2x2 MIMO 4x4 MIMO 4x4 MIMO
+ 64QAM + 256QAM + 64QAM + 256QAM

FDD 299.6 391.6 599.7 783.3

The peak data rate that CA can achieve for a CA UE is subject to:
● Peak data rate capability of the board where the PCell for the CA UE is
located
For example, if the PCell of a CA UE is served by an LBBPd1 board that
supports a downlink peak data rate of 450 Mbit/s, the peak data rate that CA
can achieve for the CA UE will not exceed 450 Mbit/s in the downlink.
● Capability of the CA UE
If the UE capability is limited, the actual peak data rates will be lower than
the theoretical values. The UE capability is indicated by ue-categoryDL. For
details about this IE, see section 4.1A "ue-CategoryDL and ue-CategoryUL" in
3GPP TS 36.306 V15.2.0.

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5.2.2 Impacts

Network Impacts
This function has the following impacts on the network:
● System capacity
A CA UE with SCells configured has only one RRC connection to the network.
It consumes one sales unit of the license for the number of RRC_CONNECTED
UEs. However, the CA UE consumes a hardware resource unit in each of its
serving cells. In an extreme case with nCC aggregation for all UEs on the
network, the maximum number of UEs that can access the network decreases
to 1/n (n is an integer.) When all hardware resources are used, the eNodeB
preferentially releases CA UEs in their SCells to maximize the number of UEs
that can access the network.
● Resource usage
– Physical resource block (PRB) usage

▪ Overall PRB usage of the entire network

In commercial networks, most services on CA UEs are burst services,
and there is little probability that PRBs in all CCs of a UE will be
exhausted simultaneously. When CA is enabled, cell load can be
rapidly balanced through carrier management and scheduling,
utilizing idle resources and increasing the overall PRB usage of the
network.

▪ PRB usage of SCells

If the Dl2CCAckResShareSw option of the
CellAlgoSwitch.PucchAlgoSwitch parameter is selected, more UEs
on the network enter the CA state but the user-perceived data rates
of CA UEs decrease. In addition, due to possible errors in the
estimated scheduling priorities of CA UEs, the PRBs in SCells for the
UEs may not be fully utilized when the SCells are each serving a
small number of non-CA UEs and the non-CA UE traffic is light.
– SRI period
It is recommended that the SriPeriodCfgOptSW option of the
CellPucchAlgo.SriAlgoSwitch parameter be selected. If it is deselected,
the SRI period may be prolonged, and the RAB setup success rate and the
service drop rate may deteriorate.
– PUCCH, physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH), and physical downlink
control channel (PDCCH) overheads
Each CA UE sends the acknowledgement/negative acknowledgement
(ACK/NACK) and channel state information (CSI) related to its SCells in
its PCell. When the PUSCH is not scheduled, the UE sends the information
over the PUCCH. When the PUSCH is scheduled, the UE sends the
information over the PUSCH. Therefore, PUCCH overhead or PUSCH
associated signaling overhead increases. For UEs in the CA state, there
will be more NACKs/DTXs among HARQ feedback, and therefore PDCCH
overhead increases.
– CPU usage of the main control board and BBPs

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The CPU usage of the main control board and BBPs may change as the
number of SCCs increases.
● Network performance
– Overall throughput in the entire network
CA does not directly affect network capacity. However, when resources on
a network have not been exhausted, CA increases the resource usage and
overall network throughput.
– Number of CQI reports
In accordance with section 10.1.1 "PUCCH format information" of 3GPP
TS 36.213 V10.10.0, CA UEs cannot send CSI reports together with ACK/
NACK over the PUCCH with format 1b. The UEs discard CSI reports as
stipulated by 3GPP specifications. CSI reports include periodic CQI reports.
As a result, the number of CQI reports from CA UEs decreases, as
indicated by the values of the L.ChMeas.CQI.DL.0 to L.ChMeas.CQI.DL.
15 counters, after CA is enabled.
When the number of CQI reports from CA UEs decreases, the total
number of CQI reports in the entire network may decrease, increase, or
remain unchanged, depending on the radio conditions of the CA UEs and
the ratio of CA UEs to all UEs. For example, if CA UEs are located in cell
centers and account for a large proportion of all UEs, the total number of
CQI reports may also decrease. If CA UEs are not located in cell centers or
they account for a small proportion, the total number of CQI reports may
increase or remain unchanged.
– Downlink cell performance
The downlink IBLER of a cell will fluctuate if the 2CCDlCaEnhanceSwitch
option of the CaMgtCfg.CellCaAlgoSwitch parameter is selected.
– Key performance indicator (KPI) fluctuation
The PCell and SCells of each CA UE may not have the same channel
quality. Therefore, CQIs fluctuate after SCells are configured for CA UEs.
If the CaMgtCfg.ScellNoActivationUeNumThld parameter is set to a
non-zero value, SCell activation prohibition upon heavy cell load is
enabled. This parameter specifies the threshold for determining heavy cell
load. When the number of UEs in a cell exceeds the value of this
parameter, the eNodeB determines that the cell is heavily loaded. If the
heavy load state persists, the eNodeB will not activate this cell as an SCell
for CA UEs. This prohibition function helps increase the average downlink
perceived data rates of non-CA UEs in the cell, especially those at the cell
edge, but it decreases the average downlink perceived data rates of CA
UEs that treat the cell as their SCell. In addition, the overall average
downlink data rate of the network decreases.
● Data rates of CA UEs
– When resources on a network have not been exhausted, CA in the
network increases the data rates of CA UEs.
– When resources on a network have been exhausted, the data rates of CA
UEs are dependent on scheduling policies (described in 17.5.1
Scheduling) and UE locations.
In the full load situation, activating an SCell may result in a decrease in
the overall throughput of this cell if the UE is located at the edge of this
cell.

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– If the CaMgtCfg.CaMimoPriorityStrategySw parameter is set to

MIMO_PRIOR, the user-perceived data rates of CA UEs may decrease
because of the low probability of using rank 3 or 4 on commercial
networks.
● VoLTE UEs
After CA takes effect, the mode of ACK feedback for downlink transmissions
changes. As a result, more bits are transmitted over the PUSCH. The
demodulation performance of uplink data on the PUSCH deteriorates to a
certain extent. This impact is relatively noticeable for VoLTE services, which
use small packets. To minimize the impact on uplink data demodulation,
eNodeBs reduce MCS indexes so that IBLER values converge on the target
value. However, the reduction in MCS indexes causes more RBs to be occupied
by cell-edge VoLTE UEs.

Function Impacts
● Functions in the category "RAN functions"
RAT Function Function Reference Description
Name Switch

FDD User- InterFreqMl Intra-RAT If CA UE transfer is

number- bSwitch Mobility disabled (by
based option of the Load deselecting the
connected CellAlgoSwi Balancing CaUserLoadTrans-
mode load tch.MlbAlgo ferSw option of the
equalization Switch CellAlgoSwitch.Enh
parameter ancedMlbAlgoSwitc
UE_NUMBER h parameter), the
_ONLY eNodeB filters out
option of the CA UEs that treat
CellMLB.Mlb the source cell as
TriggerMod their PCell or SCell,
e parameter when the eNodeB
selects UEs for UE-
Synchronize number-based
dUE option connected mode
of the load equalization.
CellMLB.Inte
rFreqUeTrsf
Type
parameter

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Carrier Aggregation Feature Parameter Description 5 Downlink 2CC Aggregation

RAT Function Function Reference Description

Name Switch

FDD CSPC CspcAlgoPar CSPC CSPC in centralized

a.CspcAlgoS Cloud BB scenarios
witch requires a centralized
controller, which is a
process deployed on
a BBP in each
eNodeB. The
centralized controller
increases the
average throughput
of cells on the
affected frequency
and the cell edge UE
throughput in the
network. However, it
has a negative
impact on the high-
throughput UEs that
cause co-channel
interference on the
cell edge UEs. If
basic scheduling is
used with CA, the
data rate of a CA UE
(a variable used to
calculate the
scheduling priority)
is defined as the
total data rate of the
UE on all the
aggregated carriers.
It is typically higher
than the data rate of
a non-CA UE. As a
result, CA UEs
encounter a lower
probability of being
scheduled and a
lower data rate in
CSPC scenarios.

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Carrier Aggregation Feature Parameter Description 5 Downlink 2CC Aggregation

RAT Function Function Reference Description

Name Switch

FDD Zero Guard CONTIG_INT FDD: Contiguous intra-

Band RA_BAND_C Seamless band CA does not
Between ARR_SW Intra-Band take effect in cells
Contiguous option of the Carrier with Zero Guard
Intra-Band ContigIntraB Joining Band Between
Carriers andCarr.Con (FDD) Contiguous Intra-
tigIntraBand Band Carriers
CarrSw enabled.
parameter Contiguous intra-
band CA is
controlled by the
ContigIntraBand-
CaSwitch option of
the
ENodeBAlgoSwitch.
CaAlgoExtSwitch
parameter.

FDD Short TTI SHORT_TTI_ Short TTI CA does not take

SW option of (FDD) effect for UEs that
the support short TTI
CellShortTti according to their
Algo.SttiAlg reported capabilities.
oSwitch
parameter

FDD Superior CellAlgoExtS Superior UEs under enhanced

uplink witch.UlCov Uplink coverage do not
coverage erageEnhan Coverage support downlink
cementSw (FDD) CA.

FDD DL CoMP Tm9JtSwitch DL CoMP Joint transmission

with TM9 option of the (FDD) (JT) based on TM9
CellAlgoSwi can be configured
tch.DlCompS for DL CoMP in both
witch the PCells and SCells
parameter of UEs in the intra-
BBU CA state.
TM9 JT in SCells can
take effect only after
TM9 JT is configured
in the corresponding
PCells.

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RAT Function Function Reference Description

Name Switch

FDD DL CoMP FDDHomNet DL CoMP DL CoMP with TM10

with TM10 DlCompSwit (FDD) can be configured in
ch and both the PCells and
FDDHetNet SCells of UEs in the
DlCompSwit intra-BBU CA state.
ch options of
the
CellAlgoSwi
tch.DlCompS
witch
parameter

FDD Adaptive CellAlgoSwi SFN Adaptive single

SFN/SDMA tch.SfnUlSch frequency network
Switch (SFN) requires UEs
CellAlgoSwi to report SRSs, based
tch.SfnDlSch on which eNodeBs
Switch select remote radio
units (RRUs) for
independent
scheduling of the
UEs. If an adaptive
SFN cell is
configured as an
SCell for a CA UE
only in the downlink,
only joint scheduling
can be used in this
SCell. If the adaptive
SFN cell is also
configured as an
SCell in the uplink,
independent
scheduling can be
used in the cell.

FDD Network- CellAlgoSwi Network For CA UEs, this cell-

assisted CRS tch.CrsIcSwi Assisted specific reference
interference tch Interference signal interference
cancellation Cancellation cancellation (CRS-IC)
function takes effect
only in PCells.

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RAT Function Function Reference Description

Name Switch

FDD Dynamic DYNAMIC TDM eICIC CA UEs do not

TDM eICIC option of the (FDD) support the two
CellAlgoSwi types of CSI
tch.EicicSwit measurements for
ch eICIC in SCells and
parameter therefore do not
support dynamic
time-domain
enhanced inter-cell
interference
coordination (TDM
eICIC) or further
enhanced inter-cell
interference
coordination (FeICIC)
in SCells.

FDD FeICIC ABS option TDM eICIC CA UEs do not

of the (FDD) support the two
CellAlgoSwi types of CSI
tch.FeicicSwi measurements for
tch eICIC in SCells and
parameter therefore do not
support dynamic
time-domain
enhanced inter-cell
interference
coordination (TDM
eICIC) or further
enhanced inter-cell
interference
coordination (FeICIC)
in SCells.

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RAT Function Function Reference Description

Name Switch

FDD Terminal AbnormalUe Terminal Carrier management

Awareness HandleSwitc Awareness for CA or NSA DC
Differentiatio h option of Differentiatio does not work on
n the n some CA UEs or NSA
GlobalProcS UEs due to their
witch.UeCo software or
mpatSwitch hardware defects. To
parameter prevent UE
incompatibility issues
from affecting
network
performance, enable
Terminal Awareness
Differentiation with
the UEs blacklisted
and the
CA_SWITCH_OFF
option of the
UeCompat.BlkLstCtr
lSwitch parameter
selected. With these
settings, eNodeBs
will not perform PCC
anchoring, SCell
configuration, or
SCG addition for
these UEs. For
details about carrier
management for
NSA DC, see NSA
Networking based
on EPC.
FDD Flexible DdCellGroup Flexible It is not
bandwidth .DdBandwid Bandwidth recommended that
based on th based on cells with punctured
overlapping Overlap RBs act as PCells for
carriers Carriers CA.
(FDD)
FDD Compact Cell.Customi Compact It is not
bandwidth zedBandWid Bandwidth recommended that
thCfgInd (FDD) cells with punctured
RBs act as PCells for
CA.

● Functions related to RAN services

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RAT Function Function Reference Description

Name Switch

FDD Emergency None Emergency When a CA UE is

call Call running an
emergency call
service, the eNodeB
does not start SCell
configuration for the
UE, which prevents
RRC signaling from
affecting the service
quality of the
ongoing emergency
call.
After the emergency
call service is
finished, the eNodeB
attempts to
configure SCells for
the UE if the UE
traffic volume and
SCell configuration
interval conditions
are fulfilled.

FDD VoIP semi- SpsSchSwitc VoLTE As stipulated in

persistent h option of 3GPP TS 36.321,
scheduling the semi-persistent
CellAlgoSwi scheduling takes
tch.UlSchSw effect only in the
itch PCells for CA UEs.
parameter
SpsSchSwitc
h option of
the
CellAlgoSwi
tch.DlSchSw
itch
parameter

FDD CS fallback None CS Fallback To prevent

unnecessary RRC
signaling exchange,
the eNodeB does not
start the SCell
configuration
procedure for CA
UEs that are
engaged in CS
fallback procedures.

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RAT Function Function Reference Description

Name Switch

FDD Specified Cell.Specifie WBB The following

service dCellFlag restriction applies to
carrier wireless broadband
(WBB) and mobile
broadband (MBB)
UEs: CA does not
allow WBB-service-
specified cells to be
used as SCells for
MBB UEs, or MBB-
service-prioritized
cells to be used as
SCells for WBB UEs.
If both CA and
specified service
carrier are enabled,
CA service
experience of these
UEs or related KPIs
may be affected.

FDD eMBMS CellMBMSCf eMBMS When this function is

g.MBMSSwit enabled, CA UEs can
ch receive Multimedia
Broadcast multicast
service Single
Frequency Network
(MBSFN) subframes
in their PCells but
not in their SCells.
Therefore, this
function works for
CA UEs only in
PCells.

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RAT Function Function Reference Description

Name Switch

FDD LCS ENodeBAlgo LCS Reference signal

Switch.LcsS time difference
witch (RSTD)
measurements,
which are used for
positioning based on
Observed Time
Difference Of Arrival
(OTDOA), increase
the ACK/NACK loss
rate. A higher ACK/
NACK loss rate
results in scheduling
performance
deterioration, which
may affect user
experience with CA.

FDD Out-of-band CellAlgoSwi Relay In out-of-band relay

relay tch.RelaySwi scenarios, RRNs
tch support downlink
2CC aggregation and
uplink 2CC
aggregation if the
Dl2CCAckResShareS
w option of the
CellAlgoSwitch.Pucc
hAlgoSwitch
parameter is
deselected, and do
not support them if
this option is
selected.

● Functions related to CIoT

RAT Function Function Reference Description

Name Switch

FDD Dynamic PRB_DYNAM Dynamic LTE cells do not use

multi-carrier IC_MGMT_S Multi-Carrier shared PRBs for
management W option of Management preallocation.
the (FDD)
NbPrbDyna
micMgmt.N
bPrbDynMg
mtAlgoSw
parameter

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● Functions related to CloudAIR

RAT Function Function Reference Description
Name Switch

FDD LTE FDD and SpectrumCl LTE FDD and This function reduces
NR Flash oud.Spectru NR Spectrum the number of
Dynamic mCloudSwit Sharing downlink RBs
Spectrum ch available for LTE.
Sharing parameter Therefore, the
set to throughput of UEs in
LTE_NR_SPE the downlink FDD
CTRUM_SHR CA state decreases.

FDD GSM and LTE SpectrumCl GSM and LTE Cells with 5 MHz
spectrum oud.Spectru Spectrum bandwidth are not
concurrency mCloudSwit Concurrency recommended as
ch PCells. If these cells
parameter act as PCells, the
set to PUCCH overhead is
GL_SPECTRU so large that SRSs
M_CONCUR cannot be
RENCY configured.

FDD Centralized LTE_CENTRA Dynamic The longer the

power L_POWER_S Power duration in which
sharing HARING_SW Sharing cells in a centralized
option of the Between LTE power sharing group
CellDynPow Carriers work for CA, the
erSharing.D lower the proportion
ynamicPowe of duration in which
rSharingSwi centralized power
tch sharing takes effect.
parameter Proportion of
duration in which
the function takes
effect = Number of
TTIs in which power
sharing takes effect/
Total number of TTIs
in which scheduling
is performed

● Functions related to network infrastructure

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RAT Function Function Switch Referenc Description

Name e

FDD Intra-RAT Event-triggered ANR During fast or event-

ANR ANR: Manage triggered automatic
IntraRatEventA ment neighbor relation
nrSwitch option (ANR), the eNodeB
of the determines whether
ENodeBAlgoSwi to select CA UEs to
tch.AnrSwitch perform
parameter measurements based
Fast ANR: on the
IntraRatFastAnr ANR.CaUeChoseMo
Switch option of de parameter
the setting.
ENodeBAlgoSwi
tch.AnrSwitch
parameter

FDD Inter-RAT ● GERAN: ANR During fast or event-

ANR GeranFastAnr Manage triggered automatic
Switch and ment neighbor relation
GeranEventA (ANR), the eNodeB
nrSwitch determines whether
options of the to select CA UEs to
ENodeBAlgoS perform
witch.AnrSwi measurements based
tch parameter on the
● UTRAN: ANR.CaUeChoseMo
UtranFastAnr de parameter
Switch and setting.
UtranEventA
nrSwitch
options of the
ENodeBAlgoS
witch.AnrSwi
tch parameter

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RAT Function Function Switch Referenc Description

Name e

FDD Intelligent CellShutdown.C Energy Capacity cells in the

power-off of ellShutdownSwi Conserva intelligent power-off
carriers in tch set to ON tion and of carriers in the
the same Emission same coverage state
coverage Reductio do not participate in
n carrier aggregation.
In CA-group-based
configuration mode,
after such a capacity
cell in a CA group
exits this power
saving state, this cell
cannot be configured
as an SCell for an
existing CA UE until
the UE accesses the
network again.

FDD Dynamic CARRIER_DYN_S Energy A capacity cell in the

carrier HUTDOWN_SW Conserva dynamic carrier
shutdown option of the tion and shutdown state can
CellShutdown.C Emission be configured as an
arrierShutdown Reductio SCell only for UEs in
EnhancedSw n the neighboring
parameter basic cell for
dynamic carrier
shutdown.

FDD Multi-carrier CellShutdown.C Energy Capacity cells in the

coordinated ellShutdownSwi Conserva multi-carrier
energy tch set to tion and coordinated energy
saving ON_MULTI_CAR Emission saving state do not
RIER_HIER_SHU Reductio participate in carrier
TDOWN n aggregation.
In CA-group-based
configuration mode,
after such a capacity
cell in a CA group
exits this power
saving state, this cell
cannot be configured
as an SCell for an
existing CA UE until
the UE accesses the
network again.

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RAT Function Function Switch Referenc Description

Name e

FDD RF module eNodeBAutoPo Energy Cells that are shut

regular time werOff.AutoPo Conserva down due to RF
sleep mode werOffSwitch tion and module regular time
set to ON Emission sleep mode do not
Reductio participate in carrier
n aggregation.
In CA-group-based
configuration mode,
after such a cell in a
CA group exits this
power saving state,
this cell cannot be
configured as an
SCell for an existing
CA UE until the UE
accesses the network
again.

FDD Automatic CellAutoShutdo Energy Cells in the

cell wn.CellAutoShu Conserva automatic cell
shutdown tdownSwitch tion and shutdown state do
set to ON Emission not participate in
Reductio carrier aggregation.
n In CA-group-based
configuration mode,
after such a cell in a
CA group exits this
power saving state,
this cell cannot be
configured as an
SCell for an existing
CA UE until the UE
accesses the network
again.

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RAT Function Function Switch Referenc Description

Name e

FDD Low power CellLowPower.L Energy Cells that are shut

consumption owPwrSwitch Conserva down due to low
mode set to ON tion and power consumption
Emission mode do not
Reductio participate in carrier
n aggregation.
In CA-group-based
configuration mode,
after such a cell in a
CA group exits this
power saving state,
this cell cannot be
configured as an
SCell for an existing
CA UE until the UE
accesses the network
again.

FDD Intelligent InterRatCellShu Energy LTE cells that are

power-off of tdown.ForceShu Conserva shut down due to
carriers in tdownSwitch tion and intelligent power-off
the same set to ON Emission of carriers in the
coverage as Reductio same coverage as
UMTS n UMTS networks do
networks not participate in
carrier aggregation.
In CA-group-based
configuration mode,
after such a cell in a
CA group exits this
power saving state,
this cell cannot be
configured as an
SCell for an existing
CA UE until the UE
accesses the network
again.

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RAT Function Function Switch Referenc Description

Name e

FDD pRRU deep ● RRU.DORMA Energy Cells in the power

dormancy NCYSW set to Conserva saving state due to
ON tion and pRRU deep
● EnodebMpru Emission dormancy do not
Es.MpruDorm Reductio participate in carrier
ancyDlEarfcn n aggregation.
set to a value In CA-group-based
other than -1 configuration mode,
● UE_DET_PRR after such a cell in a
U_DEEP_DOR CA group exits this
MANCY_SW power saving state,
option of the this cell cannot be
EnodebMpru configured as an
Es.Dormancy SCell for an existing
AlgoSwitch CA UE until the UE
parameter accesses the network
selected again.

FDD Multi-RAT ● InterRatCellS Multi- LTE cells that are

Carrier Joint hutdown.Forc RAT shut down due to
Shutdown eShutdownS Carrier Multi-RAT Carrier
witch set to Joint Joint Shutdown do
ON Shutdow not participate in
● InterRatCellS n carrier aggregation.
hutdown.Shu In CA-group-based
tDownType configuration mode,
set to after such a cell in a
BY_UTRAN_ CA group exits this
WITH_LOAD power saving state,
this cell cannot be
configured as an
SCell for an existing
CA UE until the UE
accesses the network
again.

FDD Cell switch- CellShutdown.C Cell Carrier aggregation

off based on ellShutdownSwi Switch- cannot be performed
automatic tch parameter off Based for capacity cells in
co-coverage set to on the intelligent
identification ON_CO_COV_A Automati power-off of carriers
UTO_IDENT c Co- mode.
coverage
Identifica
tion

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RAT Function Function Switch Referenc Description

Name e

FDD UL CellRfShutdown Multi- If carrier aggregation

Coordinated .MultiRatJointC RAT is enabled after
Channel hnShutdownSw Coordina Multi-RAT
Shutdown ted Coordinated Channel
Channel Shutdown takes
Shutdow effect, the cell is
n likely to exit the RF
channel shutdown
state. As a result, the
energy saving time
and energy saving
gains decrease.

5.3 Requirements

5.3.1 Licenses (FDD)

Each FDD cell involved in downlink 2CC aggregation has the following license
requirements:
● If the aggregated bandwidth does not exceed 20 MHz, each FDD cell requires
one sales unit of the following feature:
– LAOFD-001001 LTE-A Introduction
● If the aggregated bandwidth exceeds 20 MHz but does not exceed 40 MHz,
each FDD cell requires one sales unit for each of the following features:
– LAOFD-001001 LTE-A Introduction
– LAOFD-001002 Carrier Aggregation for Downlink 2CC in 40MHz
Table 5-3 lists the license models and sales units for these features.

Table 5-3 License models and sales units

Feature ID Feature Name Model Sales Unit

LAOFD-001001 LTE-A LT1SA020CA00 per cell

Introduction

LAOFD-001002 Carrier LT1SA040CA00 per cell

Aggregation
for Downlink
2CC in 40MHz

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5.3.2 Software
Before activating this function, ensure that its prerequisite functions have been
activated and mutually exclusive functions have been deactivated. For detailed
operations, see the relevant feature documents.

Prerequisite Functions
None

Mutually Exclusive Functions

RAT Function Function Switch Reference
Name

FDD Super SuperCombCellSwitch option of the Super

combined cell CellAlgoSwitch.SfnAlgoSwitch Combined
parameter Cell (FDD)
FDD Cell radius None Extended Cell
greater than Range
100 km

FDD In-band relay InBandRelayDeNbSwitch option of Relay

the CellAlgoSwitch.RelaySwitch
parameter, InBandRelayReNbSwitch
option selected on the relay BTS
(ReBTS)

5.3.3 Hardware

Base Station Models

No requirements

Boards
CA works between intra- or inter-BBP cells.

CA has the following requirements for board models and slots:

● Board model requirements

Use cells on LBBPd and UBBP boards as PCells for UEs. LBBPd and UBBP have
larger UE capacities and better processing capabilities than LBBPc. Cells on
LBBPc boards cannot act as PCells.
– Inter-BBP CA

▪ Use a combination of LBBPd boards, a combination of UBBP boards,

or any combination of two out of three types of BBPs: LBBPc, LBBPd,
and UBBP.

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▪ In adaptive configuration mode, a UBBP, an LBBPd, and an LBBPc can

work with a maximum of 26, 16, and 3 other LBBPs or UBBPs for CA,
respectively.
To ensure normal CA operation, operators must select the
EnhancedPccAnchorSwitch option of the ENodeBAlgoSwitch.CaAlgoSwitch
parameter and set lower PCell priorities (specified by
CaGroupCell.PreferredPCellPriority) or PCC priorities (specified by
PccFreqCfg.PreferredPccPriority) for cells on LBBPc boards than for cells on
LBBPd or UBBP boards.
When an eNodeB is restarted, all served cells are reactivated and may be
randomly distributed on BBPs. Inter-frequency cells for CA may all be
reestablished on LBBPc boards. If this happens, CA will not work between
these cells. To prevent this, operators are advised to use a fixed binding
between cells and slots. The procedure is as follows:
a. Run the LST EUCELLSECTOREQM command on a macro eNodeB or the
LST EUSECTOREQMGROUP command on a LampSite eNodeB to check
the existing cell binding configuration.

▪ If the baseband equipment ID in the command output is a value in

the range of 0 to 23, the specified cell has been bound to the
specified baseband equipment. No further action is required.

▪ If the baseband equipment ID is 255, the specified cell has not been
bound to any baseband equipment. In this case, proceed to the next
step.
b. Run the ADD BASEBANDEQM command to add baseband equipment.
The baseband equipment ID must be different from any other assigned
IDs.
c. Run the MOD EUCELLSECTOREQM command on the macro eNodeB or
the MOD EUSECTOREQMGROUP command on the LampSite eNodeB to
bind the cell to the new baseband equipment.
The cell will then be reestablished, and then the new binding takes effect.
● Slot requirements
– Intra-BBP CA

▪ If the LTE BBP is installed in a BBU3900, it can be deployed in any

slot (0 to 5) of the BBU. To facilitate future capacity expansion, it is
recommended that the LTE BBP be deployed in slot 2 or 3 and be an
LBBPd or UBBP.

▪ If the BBP is installed in a BBU3910, BBU5900, or BBU5900A, there

are no special requirements.
– Inter-BBP CA
The BBPs are deployed in a single BBU.

▪ If the BBPs are installed within a BBU3900, the BBPs must be

installed in the following slots:
An LBBPd or LTE UBBP must be installed in slot 2 or 3 and
configured by running the ADD BRD command. This ensures
successful setup of SRIO routes between the BBPs.

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Whether the SRIO routes can be successfully set up between the

BBPs is irrelevant to the following factors:
○ No cell is deployed on the LBBPd or UBBP.
○ Cells have been deployed on the LBBPd or UBBP and belong to
the same operator.
○ Cells have been deployed on the LBBP or UBBP and belong to
different operators.
To maximize the number of cells where CA can take effect, it is
recommended that LBBPd or UBBP boards be deployed in both slots
2 and 3.

▪ If the BBPs are installed within a BBU3910, the UBBPg must be

installed in slots 0 to 3.

▪ If the BBPs are installed in a BBU5900 or BBU5900A, there are no

special requirements.

RF Modules
To meet the time alignment requirements (see 5.3.4 Networking), intra-band CA
requires one of the following radio frequency (RF) module configurations:
● One multi-carrier RF module
● Multiple active antenna units (AAUs) of the same product model
● Multiple RRUs of the same product model
● Multiple radio frequency units (RFUs) with the same hardware version
number
For example, the two RFUs are a combination of MRFU V6 and MRFUd V6.
The hardware version number (such as V1, V2, or V6) can be observed on the
RFU panel.

Inter-band CA has no special requirements for RF modules.

NOTE

RRU3702 is incompatible with CA.

5.3.4 Networking
Frequencies
● There must be at least two frequencies on the live network.
● The channel spacing between the center frequencies of two intra-band
contiguous CCs must meet the following requirement:

BWChannel(1) and BWChannel(2) are the bandwidths of two carriers.

For example, the channel spacing between two contiguous 20 MHz CCs could
be 19.8 MHz, and that between two contiguous CCs with a bandwidth
combination of 20 MHz and 10 MHz could be 14.4 MHz.

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Coverage
The coverage areas provided by the cells to be aggregated must overlap. The areas
where CA takes effect are dependent on the overlapping ranges. The smaller the
overlapping range, the smaller the CA area.

Cells
● Any cells possible for CA must have the same cyclic prefix (CP) length: either
normal or extended.
● Candidate SCells must be inter-frequency neighboring cells of PCells.
There is one exception: After a CA UE reports its CA capabilities during initial
access, the eNodeB sends an RRC Connection Reconfiguration message to
configure a blind-configurable candidate SCell, if any, as an SCell to work with
the PCell. This candidate SCell is not necessarily an inter-frequency
neighboring cell of the PCell. However, in any subsequent SCell configuration
procedure for this UE, the candidate SCells must be inter-frequency
neighboring cells of the PCell.
● Intra-frequency cell requirements
– Inter-BBP data exchange for this function is bandwidth-consuming. If this
function is activated together with CoMP or SFN, the available backplane
bandwidth may be insufficient. To prevent this, it is recommended that
intra-frequency cells be configured on the same BBP.
– Network planning must mitigate physical cell identifier (PCI) conflicts.
When the PCI of a candidate SCell conflicts with the PCI of an intra-
frequency neighboring cell, the eNodeB will configure this candidate cell
as an SCell only if all of the following options have been selected:

▪ CaBasedEventAnrSwitch and IntraRatEventAnrSwitch options of

the ENodeBAlgoSwitch.AnrSwitch parameter

▪ INTRA_RAT_ANR_SW option of the

CellAlgoSwitch.AnrFunctionSwitch parameter

5.3.5 Others
● UEs
UEs must comply with 3GPP Release 10 or later and support the frequency
bands of the carriers to be aggregated and their bandwidths. UEs must also
support the peak data rates that CA can achieve.
NOTE

As stipulated in 3GPP TS 36.306, CA UEs must report the supportedBandCombination

IE, which contains the UE-supported band combinations and bandwidth classes for
eNodeBs to perform CA.
● EPC
For this function to reach its theoretical peak data rate described in 5.2.1
Benefits, the maximum bit rate that each UE subscribes to in the EPC cannot
be lower than this theoretical value.

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5.4 Operation and Maintenance

5.4.1 Data Configuration

5.4.1.1 Data Preparation

5.4.1.1.1 CA-Group-based Configuration Mode

Table 5-4 describes the parameters used for function activation. For the
parameters used for function optimization, see both Table 5-5 and 5.4.1.1.3
Common Parameters.

Table 5-4 Parameters for activating downlink 2CC aggregation (CA-group-based)

Parameter Name Parameter ID Setting Notes

CA Algorithm ENodeBAlgoSwit Deselect the FreqCfgSwitch option.

Switch ch.CaAlgoSwitch

CA Group Identity CaGroup.CaGrou Set this parameter based on site

pId conditions.

CA Group Type CaGroup.CaGrou Set this parameter based on site

Indication pTypeInd conditions.

CA Group Identity CaGroupCell.CaG Set this parameter based on site

roupId conditions.

eNodeB ID CaGroupCell.eNo Set this parameter based on site

deBId conditions.

Local Cell ID CaGroupCell.Loca Set this parameter based on site

lCellId conditions.

Table 5-5 Parameters for optimizing downlink 2CC aggregation (CA-group-based)

Parameter Name Parameter ID Setting Notes

CA Algorithm ENodeBAlgoSwit Select the SccBlindCfgSwitch option

Switch ch.CaAlgoSwitch only if operators intend to use blind
SCell configuration.

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Parameter Name Parameter ID Setting Notes

Preferred PCell CaGroupCell.Pref This parameter specifies the PCell

Priority erredPCellPriori- priority of a cell.
ty ● The greater the value is, the higher
the probability that CA UEs treat
the cell as their PCell. To raise this
probability, increase the value of
this parameter.
● The smaller the value is, the lower
the probability that CA UEs treat
the cell as their PCell.

PCell A4 RSRP CaGroupCell.PCel This parameter specifies the RSRP

Threshold lA4RsrpThd threshold for CA event A4 during PCC
anchoring. If the measured RSRP of an
inter-frequency neighboring cell is
greater than this parameter value, the
CA UE reports event A4.
● The greater the value, the lower the
probability of an inter-frequency
handover for PCC anchoring. To
narrow the coverage area where
the cell is the PCC anchor, increase
the value of this parameter.
● The smaller the value, the higher
the probability of an inter-
frequency handover for PCC
anchoring. However, if the value is
too small, the handover may fail.

PCell A4 RSRQ CaGroupCell.PCel This parameter specifies the RSRQ

Threshold lA4RsrqThd threshold for CA event A4 during PCC
anchoring. If the measured RSRQ of an
inter-frequency neighboring cell is
greater than this parameter value, the
CA UE reports event A4.
● The greater the value, the lower the
probability of an inter-frequency
handover for PCC anchoring. To
narrow the coverage area where
the cell is the PCC anchor, increase
the value of this parameter.
● The smaller the value, the higher
the probability of an inter-
frequency handover for PCC
anchoring. However, if the value is
too small, the handover may fail.

SCell Local Cell ID CaGroupSCellCfg. This parameter specifies the local ID of

SCellLocalCellId a candidate SCell.

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Parameter Name Parameter ID Setting Notes

SCell eNodeB ID CaGroupSCellCfg. This parameter specifies the eNodeB

SCelleNodeBId ID of the candidate SCell.

SCell Priority CaGroupSCellCfg. This parameter specifies the priority of

SCellPriority the candidate SCell.
● The greater the value is, the higher
the probability that the cell is
configured as an SCell that
accompanies the specified PCell.
● The smaller the value is, the lower
the probability that the cell is
configured as an SCell that
accompanies the specified PCell.
The value 0 indicates that the cell
cannot be configured as an SCell.

SCell Blind CaGroupSCellCfg. To enable blind SCell configuration, set

Configuration SCellBlindCfgFla this parameter to TRUE.
Flag g

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Parameter Name Parameter ID Setting Notes

SCell A4 Offset CaGroupSCellCfg. This parameter specifies the offset

SCellA4Offset used to calculate the RSRP threshold
for CA event A4 related to SCell
measurements. This threshold is equal
to the sum of the
CaMgtCfg.CarrAggrA4ThdRsrp,
CaGroupSCellCfg.SCellA4Offset, and
SccFreqCfg.SccA2RsrpThldExtende-
dOfs parameter values configured on
the PCell side. When the cell specified
by the LocalCellId parameter is acting
as the PCell, event A4 is triggered if
the candidate SCell specified by the
SCelleNodeBId and SCellLocalCellId
parameters meets the event triggering
condition.
● The greater the value of the
CaGroupSCellCfg.SCellA4Offset
parameter, the higher the threshold
for CA event A4, and the lower the
probability of configuring an SCell.
● The smaller the value of the
CaGroupSCellCfg.SCellA4Offset
parameter, the lower the threshold
for CA event A4, and the higher the
probability of configuring an SCell.
To adjust the CA event A4 threshold
for different SCells, set the
CaGroupSCellCfg.SCellA4Offset
parameter according to operators'
policies.

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Parameter Name Parameter ID Setting Notes

SCell A2 Offset CaGroupSCellCfg. This parameter specifies the offset

SCellA2Offset used to calculate the RSRP threshold
for CA event A2 related to SCell
measurements. This threshold is equal
to the sum of the
CaMgtCfg.CarrAggrA2ThdRsrp,
CaGroupSCellCfg.SCellA2Offset, and
SccFreqCfg.SccA2RsrpThldExtende-
dOfs parameter values configured on
the PCell side. When the cell specified
by the LocalCellId parameter is acting
as the PCell, event A2 is triggered if
the SCell specified by the
SCelleNodeBId and SCellLocalCellId
parameters meets the event triggering
condition.
● The greater the value, the higher
the threshold for CA event A2, and
the higher the probability of
removing an SCell.
● The smaller the value, the lower the
threshold for CA event A2, and the
lower the probability of removing
an SCell.
To adjust the CA event A2 threshold
for different SCells, set this parameter
according to operators' policies.

Moreover, take the following necessary actions for this function to take effect:
● Prepare data as described in 15.4.1.1 Data Preparation if downlink 2CC
aggregation is to be deployed in a relaxed backhaul scenario.
● Prepare data as described in 16.4.1.1 Data Preparation if downlink 2CC
aggregation is to be deployed in an eNodeB coordination scenario.

5.4.1.1.2 Adaptive Configuration Mode

Table 5-6 describes the parameters used for function activation. For the
parameters used for function optimization, see both Table 5-7 and 5.4.1.1.3
Common Parameters.

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Table 5-6 Parameters for activating downlink 2CC aggregation (adaptive)

Parameter Parameter ID Option Setting Notes
Name

CA Algorithm ENodeBAlgoS FreqCfgSwitch Select this option.

Switch witch.CaAlgo
Switch
CA Algorithm ENodeBAlgoS AdpCaSwitch Select this option.
Switch witch.CaAlgo
Switch
Cell Level CA CaMgtCfg.Ce CaDl2CCExtS Select this option for each
Algorithm llCaAlgoSwit witch possible pair of PCell and SCell
Switch ch on carriers that meet either of
the following conditions:
● For FDD: 20 MHz <
aggregated bandwidth of
two FDD carriers ≤ 40 MHz

CA Algorithm ENodeBAlgoS FreqBaseCaLic Select this option.

Extend Switch witch.CaAlgo AlarmSwitch
ExtSwitch
PCC Downlink PccFreqCfg.P None Set this parameter based on
EARFCN ccDlEarfcn site conditions.

PCC Downlink SccFreqCfg.Pc None Set this parameter based on

EARFCN cDlEarfcn site conditions.

SCC Downlink SccFreqCfg.Sc None Set this parameter based on

EARFCN cDlEarfcn site conditions.

Table 5-7 Parameters for optimizing downlink 2CC aggregation (adaptive)

Parameter Name Parameter ID Setting Notes

Preferred PCC PccFreqCfg.Prefer This parameter specifies the priority of

Priority redPccPriority a candidate PCC.
● The greater the value is, the higher
the probability that CA UEs treat
the carrier as their PCC.
● The smaller the value is, the lower
the probability that CA UEs treat
the carrier as their PCC.

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Parameter Name Parameter ID Setting Notes

PCC A4 RSRP PccFreqCfg.PccA4 This parameter specifies the RSRP

Threshold RsrpThd threshold for CA event A4 during PCC
anchoring. If the measured RSRP of an
inter-frequency neighboring cell is
greater than this parameter value, the
CA UE reports event A4.
● The greater the value, the lower the
probability of an inter-frequency
handover for PCC anchoring. To
narrow the area where the carrier is
the PCC anchor, increase the value
of this parameter.
● The smaller the value, the higher
the probability of an inter-
frequency handover for PCC
anchoring. However, if the value is
too small, the handover may fail.
It is recommended that this parameter
be set to a value greater than
InterFreqHoGroup.InterFreqHoA4Thd
Rsrp to prevent a decrease in the
handover success rate.

PCC A4 RSRQ PccFreqCfg.PccA4 This parameter specifies the RSRQ

Threshold RsrqThd threshold for CA event A4 during PCC
anchoring. If the measured RSRQ of an
inter-frequency neighboring cell is
greater than this parameter value, the
CA UE reports event A4.
● The greater the value, the lower the
probability of an inter-frequency
handover for PCC anchoring. To
narrow the area where the carrier is
the PCC anchor, increase the value
of this parameter.
● The smaller the value, the higher
the probability of an inter-
frequency handover for PCC
anchoring. However, if the value is
too small, the handover may fail.

PCC Downlink SccFreqCfg.PccDl This parameter specifies the downlink

EARFCN Earfcn EARFCN of a PCC. Set this parameter
based on the network plan.

SCC Downlink SccFreqCfg.SccDl This parameter specifies the downlink

EARFCN Earfcn EARFCN of a candidate SCC. Set this
parameter based on the network plan.

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Parameter Name Parameter ID Setting Notes

SCC Priority SccFreqCfg.SccPri This parameter specifies the priority

ority with which the candidate SCC
identified by SccDlEarfcn acts as an
SCC for the PCC identified by
PccDlEarfcn.
● The greater the value, the higher
the priority level. To raise the
probability that CA UEs treat the
carrier as their SCC, increase the
value of this parameter.
● The smaller the value, the lower the
priority level.

SCC A2 Offset SccFreqCfg.SccA2 This parameter specifies the offset of

Offset the threshold for CA event A2 relative
to the CarrAggrA2ThdRsrp parameter
value in the CaMgtCfg MO. If the sum
of the offset and CarrAggrA2ThdRsrp
is greater than –43 dBm or less than –
140 dBm, the threshold for CA event
A2 takes the value –43 dBm or –140
dBm, respectively.
● The greater the value, the higher
the threshold for CA event A2, and
the higher the probability of
removing an SCell.
● The smaller the value, the lower the
threshold for CA event A2, and the
lower the probability of removing
an SCell.
To adjust the CA event A2 threshold
for different SCCs, set this parameter
according to operators' policies.

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Parameter Name Parameter ID Setting Notes

SCC A4 Offset SccFreqCfg.SccA4 This parameter specifies the offset

Offset used to calculate the RSRP threshold
for CA event A4 related to SCC
measurements.
If SCell configuration is performed for
a CA UE during initial access, an
incoming handover, or an incoming
RRC connection reestablishment, the
actually effective RSRP threshold for
triggering CA event A4 is equal to the
sum of the
CaMgtCfg.CarrAggrA4ThdRsrp,
SccFreqCfg.SccA4Offset, and
SccFreqCfg.SccA2RsrpThldExtende-
dOfs parameters configured on the
PCell side.
If SCell configuration is periodically
triggered for a CA UE based on the
traffic volume, the actually effective
RSRP threshold for triggering CA event
A4 is equal to the sum of the
CaMgtCfg.CarrAggrA4ThdRsrp and
SccFreqCfg.SccA4Offset parameters
configured on the PCell side.
● The greater the value of the
SccFreqCfg.SccA4Offset parameter,
the higher the threshold for CA
event A4, and the lower the
probability of configuring an SCell.
● The smaller the value of the
SccFreqCfg.SccA4Offset parameter,
the lower the threshold for CA
event A4, and the higher the
probability of configuring an SCell.
To adjust the CA event A4 threshold
for different SCCs, set the
SccFreqCfg.SccA4Offset parameter
according to operators' policies.

CN Operator List SccFreqCfg.CnOp This parameter specifies the operators

eratorList that use an SCC.

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Parameter Name Parameter ID Setting Notes

SCell Aging Time CaMgtCfg.SCellA This parameter specifies the aging

gingTime time for SCells that have been
dynamically configured for CA. If
carrier aggregation does not occur
between a pair of cells throughout the
aging time, the eNodeB cancels the CA
relationship between the cells.
● The greater the value, the lower the
probability of canceling the CA
relationship. To reduce the number
of outdated SCells that were
dynamically configured, increase
the value of this parameter.
● The smaller the value, the higher
the probability of canceling the CA
relationship.
If the value of this parameter is
decreased, the SCells whose aging
time has exceeded the new value
before the change will be removed
soon.

SCell Blind CaGroupSCellCfg. To enable blind SCell configuration, set

Configuration SCellBlindCfgFla this parameter to TRUE.
Flag g This parameter can also be
automatically set by the function of
Auto Neighbor Group Configuration
(ANGC) for CA. For details, see Auto
Neighbor Group Configuration.

Moreover, take the following necessary actions for this function to take effect:
● Prepare data as described in 15.4.1.1 Data Preparation if downlink 2CC
aggregation is to be deployed in a relaxed backhaul scenario.
● Prepare data as described in 16.4.1.1 Data Preparation if downlink 2CC
aggregation is to be deployed in an eNodeB coordination scenario.

5.4.1.1.3 Common Parameters

Before activating CA in either configuration mode (CA-group-based or adaptive),
operators can optimize the settings of the parameters described in this section
based on the network plan to achieve better network performance.

eNodeB-Level Algorithm Switches

Set parameters in the ENodeBAlgoSwitch MO.

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Parameter Parameter ID Option Setting Notes

Name

CA Algorithm ENodeBAlgoS EnhancedPcc Select this option.

Switch witch.CaAlgo AnchorSwitch
Switch
CA Algorithm ENodeBAlgoS PccAnchorSwi This option can be deselected,
Switch witch.CaAlgo tch as the EnhancedPccAnchorS-
Switch witch option is the
recommended switch that
controls PCC anchoring.

CA Algorithm ENodeBAlgoS SccA2RmvSwi Select this option if operators

Switch witch.CaAlgo tch intend to allow the eNodeB to
Switch deliver the A2 measurement
configurations for SCells that
have been configured based
on A4 measurements.

CA Algorithm ENodeBAlgoS CaTrafficTrigg Select this option if operators

Switch witch.CaAlgo erSwitch intend to allow the eNodeB to
Switch configure and remove SCells
based on the traffic volume of
UEs.

CA Algorithm ENodeBAlgoS HoWithSccCfg Select this option if operators

Switch witch.CaAlgo Switch intend to allow SCells to be
Switch configured for CA UEs during
their handovers.

CA Algorithm ENodeBAlgoS SccModA6Swi Select this option if operators

Switch witch.CaAlgo tch intend to have SCells changed
Switch to better intra-frequency
neighboring cells.

CA Algorithm ENodeBAlgoS PccSmartCfgS Select this option if operators

Switch witch.CaAlgo witch require the eNodeB to
Switch consider the load status
indicators of candidate cells
when configuring PCells.
Before selecting this option,
select the PccAnchorSwitch
or EnhancedPccAnchorSwitch
option of the
ENodeBAlgoSwitch.CaAlgoS
witch parameter.
CA Algorithm ENodeBAlgoS SccSmartCfgS Select this option if operators
Switch witch.CaAlgo witch intend to allow the eNodeB to
Switch consider the load status
indicators of candidate cells
when configuring SCells.

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Parameter Parameter ID Option Setting Notes

Name

CA Algorithm ENodeBAlgoS IdleModePccA Select this option if operators

Switch witch.CaAlgo nchorSwitch intend to use PCC anchoring
Switch for RRC_IDLE UEs.

CA Algorithm ENodeBAlgoS CaAdpPreSchS Select this option only if

Switch witch.CaAlgo witch operators intend to use
Switch adaptive preallocation to
increase the single-CA-UE
throughput in the following
scenarios:
● Inter-eNodeB CA based on
relaxed backhaul
● Inter-eNodeB CA based on
distributed eNodeB
coordination (FDD)
● Inter-eNodeB CA based on
hybrid eNodeB
coordination (FDD)
The default status of this
option has been changed to
on since eRAN12.1.

CA Algorithm ENodeBAlgoS RelaxedBHCa Select this option if operators

Switch witch.CaAlgo ArqSelectSwit intend to increase the single-
Switch ch CA-UE throughput by enabling
ARQ selection in inter-eNodeB
CA based on relaxed backhaul.

CA Algorithm ENodeBAlgoS CaRlcPreAlloc Select this option if operators

Switch witch.CaAlgo Switch intend to solve the problem of
Switch UE throughput decreases
caused by RLC send window
suspending in inter-eNodeB
CA based on relaxed backhaul.

CA Algorithm ENodeBAlgoS MtaAlgSwitch Select this option if operators

Switch witch.CaAlgo intend to use multiple timing
Switch advance groups (TAGs) in
uplink CA scenarios.

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Parameter Parameter ID Option Setting Notes

Name

Handover ENodeBAlgoS ServiceReqInt Select this option if operators

Signaling witch.HoSign erFreqBlindHo intend to enable blind
Optimized alingOptSwit Sw handovers (and SCell
Switch ch configuration during the blind
handovers, if allowed by the
data configurations at target
cells) for service-request-
based inter-frequency
handovers of TDD+FDD CA
UEs from their TDD PCells to
their FDD SCells.

CA Algorithm ENodeBAlgoS FTMtaAlgSwit Select this option if operators

Extend Switch witch.CaAlgo ch intend to use multiple TAGs in
ExtSwitch uplink FDD+TDD CA scenarios.

CA Algorithm ENodeBAlgoS SmartCaFastS Select this option if operators

Extend Switch witch.CaAlgo ccCfgSwitch intend to accelerate the
ExtSwitch process of entering CA for UEs
by trying blind SCell
configuration during
intelligent selection of serving
cell combinations.

CA Algorithm ENodeBAlgoS CaAnrGapOpt Select this option if operators

Extend Switch witch.CaAlgo Switch require UEs to perform inter-
ExtSwitch frequency measurements on
candidate SCCs where no
neighboring cells have been
configured.

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Parameter Parameter ID Option Setting Notes

Name

CA Algorithm ENodeBAlgoS CaEnhancedPr Select this option if operators

Extend Switch witch.CaAlgo eAllocSwitch intend to enable the eNodeB
ExtSwitch to dynamically distribute
traffic to the CCs of each CA
UE based on the real-time
traffic volume and scheduling
capabilities of the CCs.
Selecting this option has the
following impacts on the
network:
● The average user-perceived
downlink data rate of CA
UEs increases.
L.Thrp.bits.DL.CAUser/
L.Thrp.Time.DL.CAUser
● The average user-perceived
downlink data rate of all
UEs increases.
L.Thrp.bits.DL/
L.Thrp.Time.DL
● The value of the
L.Thrp.bits.DL.LastTTI.CAU
ser counter may increase.
It is recommended that this
option be selected on a
moderately- or lightly-loaded
mobile broadband (MBB)
network where the
Dl2CCAckResShareSw option
of the
CellAlgoSwitch.PucchAlgoSw
itch parameter has been
selected. Otherwise, there
might be a negative impact.
This option cannot be selected
if the DlCaLbAlgoSwitch
option of the
ENodeBAlgoSwitch.CaLbAlgo
Switch parameter or the
CaLoadBalancePreAllocS-
witch option of the
ENodeBAlgoSwitch.CaAlgoS
witch parameter has been
selected.
The following constraints
apply to the
CaEnhancedPreAllocSwitch
option:

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Parameter Parameter ID Option Setting Notes

Name

● In FDD, this option does

not take effect for inter-
eNodeB CA based on
relaxed backhaul.

CA Load ENodeBAlgoS DlCaLbAlgoS Select this option if operators

Balancing witch.CaLbAl witch intend to use inter-CC load
Algorithm goSwitch transfer triggered by cell load.
Switch

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Parameter Parameter ID Option Setting Notes

Name

TRM switch ENodeBAlgoS CoOverbookin Select this option when the

witch.TrmSwi gSwitch value of
tch L.CA.SccAddFail.PhyLinkFail.
Dur is not zero.
With this option selected,
more CA services can be
admitted and flow control
takes effect based on real-
time traffic volume, so that
the bandwidth for
coordination can be
dynamically shared by CA
services.
If the value of
L.CA.SccAddFail.PhyLinkFail.
Dur becomes zero, this option
has taken effect.
If the CoOverbookingSwitch
option is selected when the
AdpCaSwitch or
FreqCfgSwitch option of the
ENodeBAlgoSwitch.CaAlgoS
witch parameter has been
selected, the AdpCaSwitch or
FreqCfgSwitch option must
be deselected and then
selected again so that the
setting of
CoOverbookingSwitch takes
effect immediately. CA services
are unavailable during the
interval between the time the
AdpCaSwitch or
FreqCfgSwitch option is
deselected and the time it is
selected again. Therefore, it is
recommended that these
parameters be set when traffic
is low, for example, at 2:00
a.m.
In eNodeB coordination
scenarios, CA requires that the
setting of this option be the
same for all eNodeBs.

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Cell and System Information Mapping

Set parameters in the CellSiMap MO.

Parameter Parameter ID Option Setting Notes

Name

Cell System CellSiMap.SiS ForbidCellSiS Select this option if operators

Information witch witch intend to configure a cell as a
Switch dedicated SCell. In this case,
the cell cannot act as a PCell
and UEs cannot camp on,
access, or be handed over to
the cell.

Cell-Level Algorithm Switches

Set parameters in the CellAlgoSwitch MO.

Parameter Parameter ID Option Setting Notes

Name

Cell Level CA CaMgtCfg.Ce UlScellForbidS The uplink of cells in band 38

Algorithm llCaAlgoSwit witch experiences downlink
Switch ch interference from cells in band
7. To allow cells in band 38 to
be configured as dedicated
SCells only for the downlink
(not for the uplink), select this
option.
This option takes effect only
when the ForbidCellSiSwitch
option of the
CellSiMap.SiSwitch
parameter is selected.

Carrier Management Parameters

Set parameters in the CaMgtCfg MO.

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Parameter Name Parameter ID Setting Notes

Cell Level CA CaMgtCfg.CellCa ● Select the CaInstantlyJudgeSwitch

Algorithm Switch AlgoSwitch option if operators intend to enable
the eNodeB to activate SCells more
quickly for small-packet services,
such as web browsing and small-
sized file transmission, and
accelerate the UE throughput boost.
If this option is selected, the
eNodeB uses instantaneous
millisecond-level traffic volume
values to evaluate SCell activation.
The proportion of UEs in the CA
state may rise drastically, resulting
in fluctuations in KPIs such as
downlink IBLER and residual block
error rate (RBLER).
● Deselect this option if operators
intend to allow the eNodeB to
activate SCells for CA UEs when the
UEs are downloading large files. If
this option is deselected, the
eNodeB uses filtered second-level
traffic volume values to evaluate
SCell activation.

Cell Level CA CaMgtCfg.CellCa Select the 2CCDlCaEnhanceSwitch

Algorithm Switch AlgoSwitch option if operators require the eNodeB
to configure PUCCH format 3 for CA
UEs that support this format and are
working in the downlink 2CC
aggregation state.
With this option selected, the eNodeB
allocates:
● Two RBs to PUCCH format 3 for
cells with a bandwidth of 10 MHz
or higher.
● One RB to PUCCH format 3 for cells
with a bandwidth of 5 MHz or
lower.

Cell Level CA CaMgtCfg.CellCa Select the RcvA2CfgSccSwitch option

Algorithm Switch AlgoSwitch if operators intend to allow SCell
configuration after the serving eNodeB
of the PCell receives handover-related
event A2 reports from a CA UE.

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Parameter Name Parameter ID Setting Notes

Cell Level CA CaMgtCfg.CellCa Select the VolteSupportCaInterFreq-

Algorithm Switch AlgoSwitch MeasSw option if operators require
gap-assisted inter-frequency
measurements before SCells can be
configured for UEs with concurrent
VoLTE and data services.

Cell Level CA CaMgtCfg.CellCa Select the CaEnhAperiodicCqiRptS-

Algorithm Switch AlgoSwitch witch option if operators require that
CA UEs with SCells activated use
aperiodic CQI reporting to promptly
send accurate precoding matrix
indications (PMIs) and CQIs in closed-
loop multiple-input multiple-output
(MIMO) scenarios.

Carrier CaMgtCfg.CarrAg This parameter specifies the RSRP

Aggregation A2 grA2ThdRsrp threshold for event A2 used to
RSRP threshold evaluate SCell removal.
● The greater the value, the higher
the probability of removing SCells.
To apply CA to UEs that are not
located at the cell edge, increase
the value of this parameter.
● The smaller the value, the lower the
probability of removing SCells.

Carrier CaMgtCfg.CarrAg This parameter specifies the RSRP

Aggregation A4 grA4ThdRsrp threshold for event A4 used to
RSRP threshold evaluate SCell configuration.
● The greater the value, the lower the
probability of configuring SCells. To
apply CA to UEs that are not
located at the cell edge, increase
the value of this parameter.
● The smaller the value, the higher
the probability of configuring
SCells.
The value of this parameter must be
greater than the value of
CaMgtCfg.CarrAggrA2ThdRsrp.

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Parameter Name Parameter ID Setting Notes

Carrier CaMgtCfg.Carrier This parameter specifies the carrier

Management MgtSwitch management switch.
Switch ● If this parameter is set to ON, the
eNodeB deactivates SCells for a CA
UE when the traffic volume of the
UE is low or the channel quality of
the SCells is unsatisfactory.
● If this parameter is set to OFF, the
eNodeB does not deactivate SCells
unless they experience radio link
failures.

CA Active Buffer CaMgtCfg.Active This parameter specifies the buffer

Delay Threshold BufferDelayThd delay threshold used to evaluate SCell
activation.
● The greater the value, the less likely
SCells are to be activated.
● The smaller the value, the more
likely SCells are to be activated. To
raise the probability of SCell
activation, reduce the value of this
parameter.

CA Active Buffer CaMgtCfg.Active This parameter specifies the buffer

Length Threshold BufferLenThd length threshold used to evaluate SCell
activation.
● The greater the value, the less likely
SCells are to be activated.
● The smaller the value, the more
likely SCells are to be activated. To
raise the probability of SCell
activation, reduce the value of this
parameter.
It is not recommended that this
parameter be set to 0. If it is set to 0,
the eNodeB activates a configured
SCell as long as the eNodeB intends to
send data to the CA UE.

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Parameter Name Parameter ID Setting Notes

CA Deactive CaMgtCfg.Deacti This parameter specifies the data rate

Throughput veThroughputTh threshold used to evaluate SCell
Threshold d deactivation.
● The greater the value, the more
likely SCells are to be deactivated.
To raise the probability of SCell
deactivation, increase the value of
this parameter.
● The smaller the value, the less likely
SCells are to be deactivated.

CA Deactive CaMgtCfg.Deacti This parameter specifies the buffer

Buffer Length veBufferLenThd length threshold used to evaluate SCell
Threshold deactivation.
● The greater the value, the more
likely SCells are to be deactivated.
To raise the probability of SCell
deactivation, increase the value of
this parameter.
● The smaller the value, the less likely
SCells are to be deactivated.

SCC Deactive CQI CaMgtCfg.SccDe This parameter specifies the CQI

Threshold actCqiThd threshold used to evaluate SCell
deactivation based on channel quality.
If the channel quality of an SCell for a
CA UE is lower than the channel
quality corresponding to the CQI
threshold in single-codeword
transmission, the eNodeB deactivates
the SCell.
If this parameter is set to 0, the
eNodeB does not deactivate SCells
based on channel quality.
The value 5 is recommended.
● The greater the value, the more
likely SCells are to be deactivated.
To maintain active SCells only when
channel quality is high, increase the
value of this parameter.
● The smaller the value, the less likely
SCells are to be deactivated.

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Parameter Name Parameter ID Setting Notes

SCC Configuration CaMgtCfg.SccCfg This parameter specifies the minimum

Interval Interval interval after which the eNodeB will
attempt to configure an SCell again
for a CA UE whose previous SCell
configuration failed. The eNodeB
makes the attempt only if the traffic
volume of the UE always meets the
SCell activation condition throughout a
period.
● A larger value results in less
frequent SCell configurations and
fewer RRC Connection
Reconfiguration messages
transmitted to configure SCells. It
also results in a smaller decrease in
cell throughput if the eNodeB
configures SCells based on A4
measurements and the UE requires
inter-frequency measurement gaps.
● A smaller value results in more
frequent SCell configurations and
more RRC Connection
Reconfiguration messages
transmitted to configure SCells. It
also results in a greater decrease in
cell throughput if the eNodeB
configures SCells based on A4
measurements and the UE requires
inter-frequency measurement gaps.
To accelerate SCell configuration,
reduce the value of this parameter.

Carrier CaMgtCfg.CarrAg This parameter specifies the offset for

Aggregation A6 grA6Offset CA event A6, which is triggered when
Offset the signal quality of a neighboring cell
is higher than that of an SCell.
● The greater the value, the lower the
probability of changing the SCell
based on event A6. To raise the
signal quality requirement for SCell
changes, increase the value of this
parameter.
● The smaller the value, the higher
the probability of changing the
SCell based on event A6.

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Parameter Name Parameter ID Setting Notes

CA A6 Report CaMgtCfg.CaA6R This parameter specifies the number of

Amount eportAmount periodic measurement reports sent
after CA event A6 is triggered.
● The greater the value, the higher
the UE power consumption.
However, if this parameter is set to
a large value, the eNodeB can
monitor the radio signal condition
of the SCell's intra-frequency
neighboring cells. When the signal
quality in the SCell is poor, the
eNodeB can change the SCell in a
timely manner to prevent a
decrease in the SCell transmission
efficiency. To raise the probability of
changing the SCell, increase the
value of this parameter.
● The smaller the value, the lower the
UE power consumption. However, if
this parameter is set to a small
value, the eNodeB may not know
the radio signal condition of the
SCell's intra-frequency neighboring
cells. When the signal quality in the
SCell is poor, the eNodeB may not
change the SCell in a timely
manner, which in turn lowers the
SCell transmission efficiency.

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Parameter Name Parameter ID Setting Notes

CA A6 Report CaMgtCfg.CaA6R This parameter specifies the interval

Interval eportInterval between periodic measurement
reports that are sent after CA event A6
is triggered.
● The greater the value is, the less
frequently each CA UE sends A6
measurement reports, and the
lower the UE power consumption is.
However, if this parameter is set too
large, the eNodeB may not learn
the radio signal condition of the
SCell's intra-frequency neighboring
cells. When the signal quality in the
SCell is poor, the eNodeB may not
change the SCell in a timely
manner and the SCell transmission
efficiency will decrease.
● The smaller the value is, the more
frequently each CA UE sends A6
measurement reports, and the more
power the UE consumes. However,
if this parameter is set to a small
value, the eNodeB can monitor the
radio signal condition of the SCell's
intra-frequency neighboring cells.
When the signal quality in the SCell
is poor, the eNodeB can change the
SCell in a timely manner to prevent
a decrease in the SCell transmission
efficiency. To accelerate SCell
changes for CA UEs whose PCell
remains unchanged, reduce the
value of this parameter.

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Parameter Name Parameter ID Setting Notes

Cell Maximum CaMgtCfg.CellM This parameter specifies the maximum

PCC Number axPccNumber permissible number of PCell-served
UEs in the cell. If the number of PCell-
served UEs in the cell has reached the
value of this parameter, the eNodeB
prohibits SCell configuration for any
other UEs in the cell that have not
entered the CA state.
If this parameter is set to 0, no UEs are
allowed to treat the cell as their PCell,
but UEs can still treat the cell as their
SCell.
● If this parameter is set to a larger
value, more UEs are allowed to
treat the cell as their PCell. To allow
more UEs to treat the cell as their
PCell, increase the value of this
parameter. If the sum of the values
of this parameter for all cells on a
board exceeds the board capacity,
the number of UEs that can treat a
cell as their PCell is preferentially
subject to the board capacity.
● If this parameter is set to a smaller
value, fewer UEs are allowed to
treat the cell as their PCell.

Relaxed Backhaul CaMgtCfg.Relaxe This parameter specifies the CQI

SCC Deactive CQI dBHSccDeactCqiT threshold used to evaluate SCell
Threshold hd deactivation based on channel quality
in relaxed backhaul scenarios. If the
channel quality of an SCell for a CA UE
is lower than the channel quality
corresponding to the CQI threshold in
single-codeword transmission, the
eNodeB deactivates the SCell.
If this parameter is set to 0, the
eNodeB does not deactivate SCells
based on channel quality.
The value 5 is recommended.
● The greater the value, the more
likely SCells are to be deactivated.
To maintain active SCells only when
channel quality is high, increase the
value of this parameter.
● The smaller the value, the less likely
SCells are to be deactivated.

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Parameter Name Parameter ID Setting Notes

Measurement CaMgtCfg.MeasC This parameter specifies the sampling

Cycle of SCell ycleSCell period of the radio resource
measurement on an SCell by a CA UE
when the SCell is deactivated.
● A larger value of this parameter
indicates a longer sampling period.
It causes the CA UE to measure the
radio resources of the SCell less
frequently. However, this decreases
the UE power consumption.
● A smaller value of this parameter
indicates a shorter sampling period.
It causes the CA UE to measure the
radio resources of the SCell more
frequently. However, this also
increases the UE power
consumption.
If this parameter is set to NOT_CFG,
the measurement configuration
messages that the eNodeB sends to
CA UEs do not contain the
measCycleSCell IE. In this case, if no
compatibility protection is applied to
the UEs, the UE behavior is
unpredictable.

Anchor Policy for CaMgtCfg.FTCA This parameter specifies whether the

FDD and TDD MultiCCAnchorP eNodeB preferentially selects FDD or
Multi CC olicy TDD carriers for PCC anchoring in
aggregation of three or more carriers
for FDD+TDD CA.
● To prioritize FDD carriers, set this
parameter to FDD.
● To prioritize TDD carriers, set this
parameter to TDD.
● If there is no duplex mode
preference, set this parameter to
NULL.

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Parameter Name Parameter ID Setting Notes

Anchor Policy for CaMgtCfg.FTCA2 This parameter specifies whether the

FDD and TDD 2CC CCAnchorPolicy eNodeB preferentially selects FDD or
TDD carriers for PCC anchoring in FDD
+TDD 2CC aggregation.
● To prioritize FDD carriers, set this
parameter to FDD.
● To prioritize TDD carriers, set this
parameter to TDD.
● If there is no duplex mode
preference, set this parameter to
NULL.

A1 RSRP CaMgtCfg.Enhan This parameter specifies the RSRP

Threshold for cedSccSelA1Thld threshold for event A1 used in
Enhanced SCC Rsrp enhanced SCell selection. If the
Selection measured RSRP value exceeds this
threshold, an event A1 report will be
sent.
● The greater the value, the lower the
probability of triggering inter-
frequency measurements of high-
priority candidate SCells.
● The smaller the value, the higher
the probability of triggering inter-
frequency measurements of high-
priority candidate SCells.
It is recommended that this parameter
be used in multi-band same-coverage
scenarios and that this A1 threshold be
lower than the A1 threshold for PCC
anchoring.
The value -40 indicates that enhanced
SCell selection is disabled.

Fast SCell CaMgtCfg.FastSc Select this option if operators intend to

Selection After ellSelAftScellRm accelerate SCell configuration after all
SCell Removal vSw SCells of a CA UE are removed.

VoLTE CA A2 CaMgtCfg.VolteC This parameter specifies the RSRP

RSRP Thld aA2RsrpThld threshold for event A2 of PCells for
VoLTE UEs.

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Parameter Name Parameter ID Setting Notes

SCC Detection CaMgtCfg.SccDet This parameter specifies the CQI

CQI Decrease Step ectCqiDecreaseSt decrease step used during SCell
ep deactivation evaluation. If UE-reported
CQIs are falsely high, the eNodeB may
inaccurately select MCSs, causing a
sharp increase in the BLER in SCells. As
a result, the SCells are deactivated,
and the throughput of the CA UEs
decreases. This parameter is used to
resolve this problem.
The CaMgtCfg.SccDetectCqiDecrea-
seStep parameter takes effect when
the CaMgtCfg.SccQuietTime
parameter is set to a value other than
0.
● If the
CaMgtCfg.SccDetectCqiDecrease-
Step parameter is set to a value
other than 0, the outer-loop CQI
adjustment value for CQI decrease
is further extended by the value of
this parameter.
– A smaller value of this
parameter results in a slower
decrease in CQIs during SCell
deactivation evaluation and
therefore a lower probability of
resuming scheduling in the
SCells for UEs that have reported
falsely high CQIs.
– A larger value of this parameter
results in a faster decrease in
CQIs during SCell deactivation
evaluation and therefore a
higher probability of resuming
scheduling in the SCells for UEs
that have reported falsely high
CQIs.
● If the
CaMgtCfg.SccDetectCqiDecrease-
Step parameter is set to 0, the
preceding function does not take
effect.
LBBPc is not compatible with this
function.

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Cell Downlink Scheduling Parameters

Set parameters in the CellDlschAlgo MO.

Parameter Name Parameter ID Setting Notes

Downlink CA CellDlschAlgo.Ca To treat CA UEs as VIP users, set this

Schedule Strategy SchStrategy parameter to DIFF_SCHEDULE.
Otherwise, set this parameter to
BASIC_SCHEDULE.
The scheduling method must be
consistent between serving cells to
prevent data transmission exceptions.

Ca Scc Doppler CellDlschAlgo.Ca To use frequency-selective scheduling

Measurement SccDopMeas in SCells, set this parameter to
FROMPCC. Otherwise, set this
parameter to FROMSCC.

CA Scheduling CellDlschAlgo.Ca This parameter specifies the

Weight Factor SchWeight differentiated scheduling factor for CA
UEs.
● The greater the value, the greater
the effect of differentiated
scheduling for CA and non-CA UEs.
● The smaller the value, the fairer the
scheduling between CA and non-CA
UEs.

RLC/PDCP Parameters
Set parameters in the RlcPdcpParaGroup MO.

Parameter Name Parameter ID Setting Notes

CA UE RLC RlcPdcpParaGrou Set this parameter to 10.

Parameter p.CaUeRlcParaAd
Adaptive ptiveThd
Threshold

CA UE Reordering RlcPdcpParaGrou Set this parameter to

Timer(ms) p.CaUeReorderin Treordering_m20.
gTimer
CA UE Status RlcPdcpParaGrou Set this parameter to m20.
Prohibit p.CaUeStatProhTi
Timer(ms) mer

Frame Offset
Set parameters in the ENodeBFrameOffset MO.

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Parameter Name Parameter ID Setting Notes

FDD Frame Offset ENodeBFrameOff This parameter specifies the offset of

set.FddFrameOff the frame start time for all LTE FDD
set cells served by the eNodeB relative to
the time of the reference clock.
FDD CA and FDD+TDD CA require
time synchronization between the cells
involved. An identical frame offset
must be set for all the cells. Otherwise,
FDD CA and FDD+TDD CA do not
work.
Set this parameter based on the
network plan.

TDD Frame Offset ENodeBFrameOff This parameter specifies the offset of

set.TddFrameOff the frame start time for all LTE TDD
set cells served by the eNodeB relative to
the time of the reference clock.
If uplink and downlink timeslots are
not aligned between TDD systems,
inter-system interference may occur.
Operators can adjust this parameter to
minimize the error in timeslot
alignment between the TDD systems.
Set this parameter based on the
network plan.

Set parameters in the CellFrameOffset MO.

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Parameter Name Parameter ID Setting Notes

Frame Offset CellFrameOffset. This parameter specifies the type of

Mode FrameOffsetMod the frame offset for the cell. There are
e three options:
● CustomFrameOffset: indicates a
user-defined frame offset. This is
the only value that applies to FDD
cells.
● TL_FrameOffset: indicates the
frame offset automatically
determined based on the subframe
configuration in a TD-SCDMA + LTE
TDD dual-RAT network.
● TL_FrameOffset_SA2_SSP5:
indicates the frame offset
automatically determined based on
uplink-downlink configuration 2
and special subframe configuration
5 in a TD-SCDMA + LTE TDD dual-
RAT network.
Set this parameter based on the
network plan.

Frame Offset CellFrameOffset. This parameter specifies the offset of

FrameOffset the frame start time for the cell
relative to the time of the reference
clock.
Set this parameter based on the
network plan.

Compatibility Parameters
Set parameters in the GlobalProcSwitch MO.

Parameter Parameter ID Option Setting Notes

Name

Protocol GlobalProcS CaGapMeasPr Select this option if there are a

Compatibility witch.Protoc iOffSwitch large number of Samsung
Switch olCompatibili Galaxy S4 UEs on the network
tySw and blind SCell configuration
is disabled.

Protocol GlobalProcS CaHoReqWith Select this option if the

Compatibility witch.Protoc R9ConfigSwitc network equipment is
Switch olCompatibili h provided by different vendors.
tySw

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Set parameters in the UeCompat MO.

Parameter Parameter ID Option Setting Notes

Name

Black List UeCompat.Bl CA_SWITCH_ Select this option if some CA

Control kLstCtrlSwitc OFF UEs or NSA UEs do not
Switch h support carrier management
for CA or NSA DC because of
their software or hardware
defects. With this option
selected, these UEs are
blacklisted so that the eNodeB
will not perform PCC
anchoring, SCell configuration,
or SCG addition for them,
preventing the UE
incompatibility issue from
affecting network
performance. For details about
carrier management for NSA
DC, see NSA Networking
based on EPC.
White List UeCompat.W None This parameter specifies
Private CA hiteLstCaCo whether individual operator-
Band mbSwitch defined band combinations
Combination take effect only for whitelisted
UEs.
● If an option is selected, the
specified band combination
takes effect only for
whitelisted UEs. For
example, if
PRIVATECACOMBID_0 is
selected, the operator-
defined CA band
combination with an ID of
0 takes effect only for
whitelisted UEs.
● If an option is deselected,
the specified band
combination takes effect
for all UEs.

Set parameters in the ENodeBAlgoSwitch MO.

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Parameter Parameter ID Option Setting Notes

Name

Compatibility ENodeBAlgoS ApCqiRptAbn Select this option to mitigate

Control witch.Compa ormalCtrlSwit failures of UEs to report
Switch tibilityCtrlSw ch aperiodic CQIs.
itch
Compatibility ENodeBAlgoS FddTddCaPcel Select this option if some CA
Control witch.Compa lDuplexFdd UEs report band combinations
Switch tibilityCtrlSw for FDD+TDD CA but do not
itch report PCell capability fields as
stipulated in 3GPP
specifications.

Compatibility ENodeBAlgoS FddTddCaPcel Select this option if some CA

Control witch.Compa lDuplexTdd UEs report band combinations
Switch tibilityCtrlSw for FDD+TDD CA but do not
itch report PCell capability fields as
stipulated in 3GPP
specifications.

CA Algorithm ENodeBAlgoS PdcchOverlap Deselect this option if most CA

Switch witch.CaAlgo SrchSpcSwitch UEs on the network do not
Switch comply with 3GPP TS 36.213
V10.9.0 or later specifications.
This compliance violation is
indicated by RRC connection
reconfiguration failures at a
large number of UEs. Select
this option if most CA UEs
comply with these
specifications.

Set parameters in the CellSrlte MO.

Parameter Name Parameter ID Setting Notes

SRLTE Switch CellSrlte.SrlteSwi Set this parameter to ON and set the

tch CaMgtCfg.SccQuietTime parameter
properly to mitigate CA UE throughput
decreases caused by SCell deactivation
for Single Radio LTE (SRLTE) or
Simultaneous LTE (SLTE) UEs. These
UEs periodically check for signals from
an inter-RAT system. During the check,
the UEs do not receive signals from
their SCells, causing sharp block error
rate (BLER) increases in the SCells and
then SCell deactivation.

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Cell-specific WTTx Parameters

Set parameters in the CellWttxParaCfg MO.

Parameter Parameter ID Option Setting Notes

Name

WBB CellWttxPara DL_CA_SCC_C With this option selected, the

Performance Cfg.WbbPerf ONFIG_ACT_ eNodeB determines whether
Optimization ormanceOpt OPT_SW to allow the massive MIMO
Switch Switch cell to be configured and
activated as an SCell for CA
UEs based on the uplink CA
capabilities of the UEs.
● The massive MIMO cell
cannot be configured or
activated as an SCell for
any CA UE that does not
support uplink CA.
● The massive MIMO cell can
be configured and
activated as an SCell for CA
UEs that support uplink CA.

Parameters Related to Cells in Special Bands

● Cells in bands 29, 32, 67, 69, 75, and 76
These cells are DL_ONLY cells, which transmit only downlink data. UEs can
neither camp on the cells in idle mode nor access or be handed over to the
cells in connected mode. These cells can serve only as SCells for CA UEs.
Cells and sector equipment in each of these bands must be configured as
follows:
– Cell.WorkMode must be set to DL_ONLY, Cell.FreqBand must be set to
29 (take band 29 as an example), and Cell.UlEarfcn must be left
unconfigured. In addition, SECTOREQM.ANTTYPE1 (and
SECTOREQM.ANTTYPE2, if two antennas are configured) must be set to
TX_MODE.
– EutranInterNFreq.AnrInd must be set to NOT_ALLOWED for frequencies
in the band so that cells on these frequencies will not be managed by
ANR. Therefore, for CA to take effect, operators must manually configure
cells in the band as inter-frequency neighboring cells of candidate PCells
that can operate with this band for CA.
– EutranInterNFreq.MlbTargetInd must be set to NOT_ALLOWED for
frequencies in the band so that they will not be treated as targets for
MLB.

5.4.1.2 Using MML Commands

Before setting CA parameters, perform the following steps:

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//Adding neighboring E-UTRA frequencies

ADD EUTRANINTERNFREQ: LocalCellId=0, DlEarfcn=37900, UlEarfcnCfgInd=NOT_CFG,
CellReselPriorityCfgInd=NOT_CFG, SpeedDependSPCfgInd=NOT_CFG, MeasBandWidth=MBW100,
PmaxCfgInd=NOT_CFG, QqualMinCfgInd=NOT_CFG;
ADD EUTRANINTERNFREQ: LocalCellId=1, DlEarfcn=38098, UlEarfcnCfgInd=NOT_CFG,
CellReselPriorityCfgInd=NOT_CFG, SpeedDependSPCfgInd=NOT_CFG, MeasBandWidth=MBW100,
PmaxCfgInd=NOT_CFG, QqualMinCfgInd=NOT_CFG;
//Setting up inter-frequency neighbor relationships. In this step, set No remove indicator to
FORBID_RMV_ENUM. Otherwise, ANR may automatically remove neighbor relationships, in which case CA
does not work.
ADD EUTRANINTERFREQNCELL: LocalCellId=0, Mcc="460", Mnc="20", eNodeBId=1234, CellId=1,
NoRmvFlag=FORBID_RMV_ENUM;
ADD EUTRANINTERFREQNCELL: LocalCellId=1, Mcc="460", Mnc="20", eNodeBId=1234, CellId=0,
NoRmvFlag=FORBID_RMV_ENUM;
//Setting up intra-frequency neighbor relationships
ADD EUTRANINTRAFREQNCELL: LocalCellId=0, Mcc="460", Mnc="20", eNodeBId=1234, CellId=2;
ADD EUTRANINTRAFREQNCELL: LocalCellId=2, Mcc="460", Mnc="20", eNodeBId=1234, CellId=0;

5.4.1.2.1 CA-Group-based Configuration Mode (FDD)

Activation Command Examples

//Setting the options of the CA algorithm switch
MOD ENODEBALGOSWITCH:
CaAlgoSwitch=SccBlindCfgSwitch-1&FreqCfgSwitch-0&SccA2RmvSwitch-1&HoWithSccCfgSwitch-0&SccModA
6Switch-0&EnhancedPccAnchorSwitch-1;
//Adding a CA group and setting its attribute
ADD CAGROUP: CaGroupId=0, CaGroupTypeInd=FDD;
//Adding cells to the CA group
ADD CAGROUPCELL: CaGroupId=0, LocalCellId=0, eNodeBId=1234, PreferredPCellPriority=2,
PCellA4RsrpThd=-100, PCellA4RsrqThd=-18;
ADD CAGROUPCELL: CaGroupId=0, LocalCellId=1, eNodeBId=1234, PreferredPCellPriority=1,
PCellA4RsrpThd=-60, PCellA4RsrqThd=-10;
//Configuring candidate SCells for the CA group. Ensure that each candidate SCell has been configured as
an inter-frequency neighboring cell of the corresponding PCell.
ADD CAGROUPSCELLCFG: LocalCellId=0, SCelleNodeBId=1234, SCellLocalCellId=1, SCellBlindCfgFlag=TRUE,
SCellPriority=2, SCellA4Offset=10, SCellA2Offset=-10;
ADD CAGROUPSCELLCFG: LocalCellId=1, SCelleNodeBId=1234, SCellLocalCellId=0, SCellBlindCfgFlag=TRUE,
SCellPriority=3, SCellA4Offset=20, SCellA2Offset=-15;
//Activating the cells
ACT CELL: LocalCellId=0;
ACT CELL: LocalCellId=1;

Deactivation Command Examples

//Turning off the subordinate switches of the CA algorithm switch
MOD ENODEBALGOSWITCH:
CaAlgoSwitch=SccBlindCfgSwitch-0&FreqCfgSwitch-0&SccA2RmvSwitch-0&HoWithSccCfgSwitch-0&SccModA
6Switch-0&EnhancedPccAnchorSwitch-0;
//Removing cells from the CA group
RMV CAGROUPCELL: CaGroupId=0, LocalCellId=0, eNodeBId=1234;
RMV CAGROUPCELL: CaGroupId=0, LocalCellId=1, eNodeBId=1234;
//Removing the CA group
RMV CAGROUP: CaGroupId=0;

5.4.1.2.2 Adaptive Configuration Mode (FDD)

Activation Command Examples

//Setting the options of the CA algorithm switch
MOD ENODEBALGOSWITCH:
CaAlgoSwitch=SccBlindCfgSwitch-0&FreqCfgSwitch-1&SccA2RmvSwitch-1&HoWithSccCfgSwitch-0&SccModA
6Switch-1&AdpCaSwitch-1&EnhancedPccAnchorSwitch-1;
//Adding candidate PCCs and setting their attributes
ADD PCCFREQCFG: PccDlEarfcn=123, PreferredPccPriority=1, PccA4RsrpThd=-100, PccA4RsrqThd=-40;
ADD PCCFREQCFG: PccDlEarfcn=456, PreferredPccPriority=2, PccA4RsrpThd=-130, PccA4RsrqThd=-30;
//Adding a candidate SCC for each candidate PCC and setting SCC attributes

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ADD SCCFREQCFG: PccDlEarfcn=123, SccDlEarfcn=567, SccPriority=2, SccA2Offset=-10, SccA4Offset=-5;

ADD SCCFREQCFG: PccDlEarfcn=456, SccDlEarfcn=789, SccPriority=3, SccA2Offset=-20, SccA4Offset=-10;
//(Optional) Setting the blind SCell configuration flag
ADD CAGROUPSCELLCFG: LocalCellId=0, SCelleNodeBId=1234, SCellLocalCellId=1, SCellBlindCfgFlag=TRUE;
ADD CAGROUPSCELLCFG: LocalCellId=1, SCelleNodeBId=1234, SCellLocalCellId=0, SCellBlindCfgFlag=TRUE;
//Turning on FreqBaseCaLicAlarmSwitch
MOD ENODEBALGOSWITCH: CaAlgoExtSwitch=FreqBaseCaLicAlarmSwitch-1;
//(Optional) Turning on CaDl2CCExtSwitch for any pair of cells on two possible CCs if the aggregated
bandwidth of the two cells is between 20 MHz and 40 MHz (inclusive)
MOD CAMGTCFG: LocalCellId=0, CellCaAlgoSwitch=CaDl2CCExtSwitch-1;
MOD CAMGTCFG: LocalCellId=1, CellCaAlgoSwitch=CaDl2CCExtSwitch-1;
//Activating the cells
ACT CELL: LocalCellId=0;
ACT CELL: LocalCellId=1;
//(Optional) Enabling adaptive handling of CA for MU beamforming. If a candidate SCell is a high-load
massive MIMO cell and a CA UE cannot participate in pairing in this candidate SCell, the massive MIMO
cell cannot be configured as an SCell for the UE.
MOD ENODEBALGOSWITCH:
CaAlgoSwitch=FreqCfgSwitch-1&AdpCaSwitch-1&CaSmartSelectionSwitch-0,CaAlgoExtSwitch=CaMubfPairin
gAdaptOptSwitch-1;
MOD CAMGTCFG: LocalCellId=0, HLUeCntThldForScellConfig=100,
HighLoadCellTypeNotAsScell=MASSIVE_MIMO_CELL;
//(Optional) Enabling adaptive handling of CA for MU beamforming. If a candidate SCell is a high-load
normal cell, the cell cannot be configured as an SCell for CA UEs.
MOD ENODEBALGOSWITCH: CaAlgoSwitch=FreqCfgSwitch-1&AdpCaSwitch-1&CaSmartSelectionSwitch-0,
CaAlgoExtSwitch=CaMubfPairingAdaptOptSwitch-1;
MOD CAMGTCFG: LocalCellId=0, HLUeCntThldForScellConfig=100,
HighLoadCellTypeNotAsScell=NORMAL_CELL;

Deactivation Command Examples

//Turning off the subordinate switches of the CA algorithm switch
MOD ENODEBALGOSWITCH:
CaAlgoSwitch=SccBlindCfgSwitch-0&FreqCfgSwitch-0&SccA2RmvSwitch-0&HoWithSccCfgSwitch-0&SccModA
6Switch-0&AdpCaSwitch-0&EnhancedPccAnchorSwitch-0;
//Removing SCC configurations
RMV SCCFREQCFG: PccDlEarfcn=123, SccDlEarfcn=567;
RMV SCCFREQCFG: PccDlEarfcn=456, SccDlEarfcn=789;
//Removing PCC configurations
RMV PCCFREQCFG: PccDlEarfcn=123;
RMV PCCFREQCFG: PccDlEarfcn=456;

5.4.1.3 Using the MAE-Deployment

● Fast batch activation
This function can be batch activated using the Feature Operation and
Maintenance function of the MAE-Deployment. For detailed operations, see
the following section in the MAE-Deployment product documentation or
online help: MAE-Deployment Management > MAE-Deployment
Guidelines > Enhanced Feature Management > Feature Operation and
Maintenance.
● Single/Batch configuration
This function can be activated for a single base station or a batch of base
stations on the MAE-Deployment. For detailed operations, see Feature
Configuration Using the MAE-Deployment.

5.4.2 Activation Verification

Counter Observation
If the counters listed in Table 5-8 produce non-zero values on a network that is
serving CA UEs, downlink 2CC aggregation has taken effect in the network.

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Carrier Aggregation Feature Parameter Description 5 Downlink 2CC Aggregation

Table 5-8 Counters used to verify activation of downlink 2CC aggregation

Counter ID Counter Name

1526728426 L.Traffic.User.PCell.DL.Avg

1526728427 L.Traffic.User.SCell.DL.Avg

1526728424 L.ChMeas.PRB.DL.PCell.Used.Avg

1526728425 L.ChMeas.PRB.DL.SCell.Used.Avg

Message Tracing
After a CA UE accesses a cell, the eNodeB configures a cell that meets CA
conditions as an SCell for the UE. When traffic conditions are met, the eNodeB
activates this SCell.
You can use the MAE-Access or MML commands to verify SCell configuration and
activation:
● MAE-Access
– Observe the RRC_CONN_RECFG message traced on the Uu interface.

▪ If the RRC_CONN_RECFG message contains the sCellToAddModList or

SCellToAddModListExt IE, the SCell has been configured.

▪ If the RRC_CONN_RECFG message contains the sCellToReleaseList or

SCellToReleaseListExt IE, the SCell has been removed.
– Observe the number of RBs and total TBS for the CA UE in the PCell and
SCell. If the numbers are not zero, the SCell has been activated.
● MML commands
Run the DSP UEONLINEINFO command to check the SCell configuration
status of the CA UE and the cause of the last SCell configuration failure.

5.4.3 Network Monitoring

Performance Counters
● Monitoring in scenarios other than multi-operator core network (MOCN)
Monitor the counters listed in Table 5-9 and compare the results with the
network plan to evaluate network performance.
Specifically:
– Monitor the L.ChMeas.PRB.DL.Used.Avg counter value before and after
CA is enabled, to evaluate the impact of CA on the overall resource
usage.
– Calculate the average data rate of CA UEs by using the following formula:
(L.Thrp.bits.DL.CAUser – L.Thrp.bits.DL.LastTTI.CAUser)/
L.Thrp.Time.DL.RmvLastTTI.CAUser. Then, compare this value with the
data rate of non-CA UEs.
– Calculate the downlink throughput of UEs in the downlink 2CC
aggregation state in a cell by using the following formula:

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Carrier Aggregation Feature Parameter Description 5 Downlink 2CC Aggregation

Throughput of UEs in the downlink 2CC aggregation state in a cell =

Total downlink PDCP-layer traffic volume of CA UEs that treat the local
cell as their PCell and have one SCell activated for downlink 2CC
aggregation/Total downlink PDCP-layer data transmission duration for CA
UEs that have one SCell activated for downlink 2CC aggregation in the
cell
In the formula:

▪ Total downlink PDCP-layer traffic volume of CA UEs that treat the

local cell as their PCell and have one SCell activated for downlink
2CC aggregation = Total downlink PDCP-layer traffic volume of all
CA UEs that treat the local cell as their PCell and have one or more
SCells activated – Total downlink PDCP-layer traffic volume of CA
UEs that treat the local cell as their PCell and have more than one
SCell activated

▪ Total downlink PDCP-layer data transmission duration for CA UEs

that have one SCell activated for downlink 2CC aggregation in the
cell = Total downlink PDCP-layer data transmission duration for all
CA UEs that have one or more SCells activated for downlink CA in
the cell – Total downlink PDCP-layer data transmission duration for
CA UEs that have more than one SCell activated for downlink CA in
the cell
For example, if only downlink 2CC aggregation and downlink 3CC
aggregation are enabled in a cell, calculate the throughput of UEs in the
downlink 2CC aggregation state in the cell using the following formula:
(L.Thrp.bits.DL.CAUser – L.Thrp.bits.DL.3CC.CAUser)/
(L.Thrp.Time.DL.CAUser – L.Thrp.Time.DL.3CC.CAUser)
– Calculate the service drop rate of CA UEs by using the following formula:
L.E-RAB.AbnormRel.CAUser/(L.E-RAB.AbnormRel.CAUser + L.E-
RAB.NormRel.CAUser) x 100%.
– Calculate the handover success rate of CA UEs by using the following
formula: L.HHO.ExecSuccOut.CAUser.PCC/
L.HHO.ExecAttOut.CAUser.PCC x 100%.
– Calculate the success rate of handovers from LTE FDD to LTE TDD for
PCell changes of CA UEs by using the following formula:
L.HHO.InterFddTdd.ExecSuccOut.CAUser.PCC/
L.HHO.InterFddTdd.ExecAttOut.CAUser.PCC x 100%.

Table 5-9 Counters used to monitor performance of downlink 2CC

aggregation (non-MOCN)

Counter ID Counter Name

1526726740 L.ChMeas.PRB.DL.Used.Avg

1526728516 L.Traffic.User.PCell.DL.Max

1526728426 L.Traffic.User.PCell.DL.Avg

1526728517 L.Traffic.User.SCell.DL.Max

1526728427 L.Traffic.User.SCell.DL.Avg

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Carrier Aggregation Feature Parameter Description 5 Downlink 2CC Aggregation

Counter ID Counter Name

1526728424 L.ChMeas.PRB.DL.PCell.Used.Avg

1526728425 L.ChMeas.PRB.DL.SCell.Used.Avg

1526728564 L.Thrp.bits.DL.CAUser

1526728565 L.Thrp.Time.DL.CAUser

1526728514 L.E-RAB.AbnormRel.CAUser

1526728515 L.E-RAB.NormRel.CAUser

1526728520 L.HHO.ExecSuccOut.CAUser.PCC

1526728519 L.HHO.ExecAttOut.CAUser.PCC

1526728518 L.HHO.PrepAttOut.CAUser.PCC

1526729602 L.HHO.InterFddTdd.PrepAttOut.CA
User.PCC

1526729603 L.HHO.InterFddTdd.ExecAttOut.CA
User.PCC

1526729604 L.HHO.InterFddTdd.ExecSuccOut.C
AUser.PCC

1526729045 L.CA.DLSCell.Add.Att

1526729046 L.CA.DLSCell.Add.Succ

1526729047 L.CA.DLSCell.Rmv.Att

1526729048 L.CA.DLSCell.Rmv.Succ

1526730592 L.CA.DLSCell.Add.Meas.Att

1526730593 L.CA.DLSCell.Add.Meas.Succ

1526730594 L.CA.DLSCell.Rmv.Meas.Att

1526730595 L.CA.DLSCell.Rmv.Meas.Succ

1526730590 L.CA.DLSCell.Add.Blind.Att

1526730591 L.CA.DLSCell.Add.Blind.Succ

1526730596 L.CA.DLSCell.Mod.Att

1526730597 L.CA.DLSCell.Mod.Succ

1526728999 L.CA.DLSCell.Act.Att

1526729000 L.CA.DLSCell.Act.Succ

1526729001 L.CA.DLSCell.Deact.Att

1526729002 L.CA.DLSCell.Deact.Succ

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Carrier Aggregation Feature Parameter Description 5 Downlink 2CC Aggregation

Counter ID Counter Name

1526732658 L.CA.Traffic.bits.DL.PCell

1526729259 L.CA.Traffic.bits.DL.SCell

1526729003 L.CA.DL.PCell.Act.Dur

1526729004 L.CA.DL.SCell.Act.Dur

1526732656 L.Traffic.User.SCell.Active.DL.Avg

1526732657 L.Traffic.User.SCell.Active.DL.Max

In addition, monitor the function subsets listed in Table 5-10, which are
included in "Measurement of Cell Performance (Cell)", to collect CQI, MCS,
and MAC statistics about PCells and SCells.

Table 5-10 Function subsets in "Measurement of Cell Performance (Cell)"

Function Subset Function Subset Name

ChMeas.CQI.CA.PCell PCell CQI Measurement

ChMeas.CQI.CA.SCell SCell CQI Measurement

ChMeas.MCS.CA.PCell PCell MCS Measurement

ChMeas.MCS.CA.SCell SCell MCS Measurement

Traffic.MAC.CA.Cell CA Cell MAC Measurement

● Monitoring in MOCN scenarios

Monitor the counters listed in Table 5-11 and compare the results with the
network plan to evaluate network performance.

Table 5-11 Counters used to monitor performance of downlink 2CC

aggregation (MOCN)

Counter ID Counter Name

1526739796 L.RB.DL.PCell.CAUsed.PLMN

1526739797 L.RB.DL.SCell.CAUsed.PLMN

1526739766 L.Traffic.User.PCell.DL.Avg.PLMN

1526739767 L.Traffic.User.SCell.DL.Avg.PLMN

1526739743 L.Thrp.bits.DL.CAUser.PLMN

1526739744 L.Thrp.Time.DL.CAUser.PLMN

1526739798 L.Traffic.bits.CA.DL.PCell.PLMN

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Carrier Aggregation Feature Parameter Description 5 Downlink 2CC Aggregation

Counter ID Counter Name

1526739799 L.Traffic.bits.CA.DL.SCell.PLMN

1526739800 L.Traffic.bits.DL.PLMN

1526739769 L.E-RAB.AbnormRel.CAUser.PLMN

1526739771 L.E-RAB.NormRel.CAUser.PLMN

1526739773 L.CA.DLSCell.Add.Att.PLMN

1526739774 L.CA.DLSCell.Add.Succ.PLMN

1526739775 L.CA.DLSCell.Rmv.Att.PLMN

1526739776 L.CA.DLSCell.Rmv.Succ.PLMN

Real-Time UE-Level Performance Monitoring on the MAE-Access

Start real-time monitoring tasks on both the PCell and SCell on the MAE-Access to
check the performance of CA UEs. The UE-level monitoring items provided by the
MAE-Access include:
● BLER
● Quality of Channel
● Throughput
● DL Power Control
● MCS Count
● User Common Monitoring

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Carrier Aggregation Feature Parameter Description 6 Downlink 3CC Aggregation

6 Downlink 3CC Aggregation

6.1 Principles
This function aggregates three intra- or inter-band carriers, as shown in Figure
6-1, to provide higher bandwidth.

Figure 6-1 Downlink 3CC aggregation

This function works between intra-eNodeB cells, between inter-eNodeB cells in

eNodeB coordination scenarios, and between inter-eNodeB cells in relaxed
backhaul scenarios.
The switch control over this function varies as described in Table 6-1.

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Carrier Aggregation Feature Parameter Description 6 Downlink 3CC Aggregation

Table 6-1 Switch setting requirements of downlink 3CC aggregation

Configuration Max. Downlink CaDl3CCSwitch CaDl3CCExtSwitc

Mode Bandwidth of Option of the h Option of the
Three CCs CaMgtCfg.CellCa CaMgtCfg.CellCa
AlgoSwitch AlgoSwitch
Parameter Parameter

CA-group-based Up to 60 MHz Select this option. No requirements

Adaptive (FDD) Up to 40 MHz Select this option. No requirements

Adaptive (FDD) 40 MHz < Select this option. Select this option.
Bandwidth ≤ 60
MHz

A UE in the downlink 3CC aggregation state performs simultaneous transmission

of HARQ ACKs/NACKs and periodic CQI report multiplexing for the three CCs if the
CqiAdaptiveCfg.SimulAckNackAndCqiFmt3Sw parameter is set to ON. If this
parameter is set to OFF, the ACKs/NACKs for the three CCs cannot be transmitted
simultaneously with periodic CQI reports for any of the CCs.

6.2 Network Analysis

6.2.1 Benefits
This function enables CA UEs to reach higher downlink peak data rates.

Table 6-2 lists the theoretical peak data rates that a CA UE can reach using
downlink 3CC aggregation.

For FDD, these values assume a TBS suitable for the 20 MHz cell bandwidth
(equivalent to 100 RBs in the frequency domain).

Table 6-2 Theoretical peak data rates for downlink 3CC aggregation (unit: Mbit/s)

RAT 2x2 MIMO 2x2 MIMO 4x4 MIMO 4x4 MIMO

+ 64QAM + 256QAM + 64QAM + 256QAM

FDD 449.3 587.4 899.6 1175.0

The peak data rate that CA can achieve for a CA UE is subject to:
● Peak data rate capability of the board where the PCell for the CA UE is
located
For example, if the PCell of a CA UE is served by an LBBPd1 board that
supports a downlink peak data rate of 450 Mbit/s, the peak data rate that CA
can achieve for the CA UE will not exceed 450 Mbit/s in the downlink.
● Capability of the CA UE

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Carrier Aggregation Feature Parameter Description 6 Downlink 3CC Aggregation

If the UE capability is limited, the actual peak data rates will be lower than
the theoretical values. The UE capability is indicated by ue-categoryDL. For
details about this IE, see section 4.1A "ue-CategoryDL and ue-CategoryUL" in
3GPP TS 36.306 V15.2.0.

6.2.2 Impacts
This section describes the network and function impacts of this function itself.
For the network and function impacts of the prerequisite functions, see the
"Impacts" sections for the prerequisite functions.

Network Impacts
This function requires additional RBs for PUCCH format-3 overhead. Therefore, the
downlink IBLER of the PCell fluctuates. The impact of this function on the PUCCH
overhead varies depending on the setting of the PucchSwitch option of the
CellAlgoSwitch.PucchAlgoSwitch parameter:
● Option selected to enable adaptive allocation of PUCCH resources
The cell spares one RB for PUCCH format-3 overhead. As a result, the number
of RBs available for the PUSCH decreases by at least one. (This number must
be a multiple of 2, 3, or 5. For details, see section 5.3.3 "Transform precoding"
in 3GPP TS 36.211 V10.1.0 (2011-03).) The total uplink throughput decreases.
● Option deselected to use fixed allocation of PUCCH resources
For FDD, the cell changes the usage of one PUCCH RB from periodic CQI
reporting to PUCCH format-3 overhead. As a result, fewer RBs of the cell are
used for periodic CQI reporting, and more UEs have to use aperiodic CQI
reporting. Downlink UE throughput may slightly decrease.

Function Impacts
RAT Function Function Reference Description
Name Switch

FDD UMTS and UMTS_LTE_ZE UMTS and There are fewer

LTE Zero RO_BUFFER_ LTE Zero PUSCH and SRS
Bufferzone ZONE_SW Bufferzone resources in a cell in
option of the the bufferzone than in
ULZeroBuffer a common cell.
Zone.ZeroBuf Therefore, when the
ZoneSwitch LTE bandwidth is 5
parameter MHz or 10 MHz, using
a cell in the
bufferzone as a PCell
for CA is not
recommended. If the
cell is used as a PCell,
CA performance
deteriorates.

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Carrier Aggregation Feature Parameter Description 6 Downlink 3CC Aggregation

RAT Function Function Reference Description

Name Switch

FDD UMTS and SpectrumClo UMTS and Cells with 5 MHz

LTE Spectrum ud.Spectrum LTE Spectrum bandwidth are not
Sharing (LTE CloudSwitch Sharing recommended as
FDD) parameter PCells. If these cells
with the value act as PCells, the
of PUCCH overhead is so
UL_SPECTRU large that SRSs cannot
M_SHARING be configured.

FDD UMTS and SpectrumClo UMTS and Cells with 5 MHz

LTE Spectrum ud.Spectrum LTE Spectrum bandwidth are not
Sharing Based CloudSwitch Sharing Based recommended as
on DC-HSDPA parameter on DC-HSDPA PCells. If these cells
with the value act as PCells, the
of PUCCH overhead is so
DC_HSDPA_B large that SRSs cannot
ASED_UL_SPE be configured.
CTRUM_SHR

6.3 Requirements

6.3.1 Licenses (FDD)

Each FDD cell involved in downlink 3CC aggregation has the following license
requirements:
● If the aggregated bandwidth does not exceed 40 MHz, each FDD cell requires
one sales unit for each of the following features:
– LAOFD-001001 LTE-A Introduction
– LAOFD-080207 Carrier Aggregation for Downlink 3CC in 40MHz
● If the aggregated bandwidth exceeds 40 MHz but does not exceed 60 MHz,
each FDD cell requires one sales unit for each of the following features:
– LAOFD-001001 LTE-A Introduction
– LAOFD-080207 Carrier Aggregation for Downlink 3CC in 40MHz
– LAOFD-080208 Carrier Aggregation for Downlink 3CC in 60MHz
● If the aggregated bandwidth of any two of the three cells exceeds 20 MHz,
each of the two cells also requires one sales unit of the license for
LAOFD-001002 Carrier Aggregation for Downlink 2CC in 40MHz.
Table 6-3 lists the license models and sales units for these features.

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Carrier Aggregation Feature Parameter Description 6 Downlink 3CC Aggregation

Table 6-3 License models and sales units

Feature ID Feature Name Model Sales Unit

LAOFD-001001 LTE-A LT1SA020CA00 per cell

Introduction

LAOFD-001002 Carrier LT1SA040CA00 per cell

Aggregation
for Downlink
2CC in 40MHz

LAOFD-080207 Carrier LT1SCAD40M00 per cell

Aggregation
for Downlink
3CC in 40MHz

LAOFD-080208 Carrier LT1SCAD60M00 per cell

Aggregation
for Downlink
3CC in 60MHz

6.3.2 Software
Before activating this function, ensure that its prerequisite functions have been
activated and mutually exclusive functions have been deactivated. For detailed
operations, see the relevant feature documents.

Prerequisite Functions
RAT Function Function Switch Remarks
Name

FDD Downlink CaDl2CCExtSwitch option (FDD) If the aggregated

2CC of the bandwidth of any two cells
aggregatio CaMgtCfg.CellCaAlgoSwi that participate in 3CC
n tch parameter aggregation exceeds 20 MHz,
turn on this switch.
See 5 Downlink 2CC
Aggregation.

Mutually Exclusive Functions

RAT Function Function Switch Reference
Name

FDD None None None

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Carrier Aggregation Feature Parameter Description 6 Downlink 3CC Aggregation

6.3.3 Hardware
Base Station Models
For FDD, the following base stations are compatible with this function:
● 3900 and 5900 series base stations
● DBS3900 LampSite and DBS5900 LampSite

Boards
For details, see Boards in 5.3.3 Hardware.

RF Modules
For details, see RF Modules in 5.3.3 Hardware.

6.3.4 Networking
For details, see 5.3.4 Networking.

6.3.5 Others
● UEs
UEs must comply with 3GPP Release 12 or later and support the frequency
bands of the carriers to be aggregated and their bandwidths. UEs must also
support the peak data rates that CA can achieve.
● EPC
For this function to reach a theoretical peak data rate described in 6.2.1
Benefits, the maximum bit rate that each UE subscribes to in the EPC cannot
be lower than this theoretical value.

6.4 Operation and Maintenance

6.4.1 Data Configuration (FDD)

6.4.1.1 Data Preparation

This function works in either CA-group-based or adaptive configuration mode.
Prepare basic data as described in 5.4.1.1 Data Preparation.
In addition, for either mode, prepare data as described in Table 6-4 for function
activation.

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Carrier Aggregation Feature Parameter Description 6 Downlink 3CC Aggregation

Table 6-4 Parameters for activating downlink 3CC aggregation

Parameter Parameter ID Option Setting Notes

Name

Cell Level CA CaMgtCfg.Ce CaDl3CCSwitc Select this option.

Algorithm llCaAlgoSwit h
Switch ch

Moreover, for adaptive CA, prepare data as described in Table 6-5 for each
possible set of PCell and SCells on carriers whose aggregated bandwidth is
between 40 MHz and 60 MHz (inclusive).

Table 6-5 Parameters for activating downlink 3CC aggregation

Parameter Parameter ID Option Setting Notes

Name

Cell Level CA CaMgtCfg.Ce CaDl3CCExtS Select this option.

Algorithm llCaAlgoSwit witch
Switch ch

Moreover, take the following necessary actions for this function to take effect:
● Prepare data as described in 15.4.1.1 Data Preparation if downlink 3CC
aggregation is to be deployed in a relaxed backhaul scenario.
● Prepare data as described in 16.4.1.1 Data Preparation if downlink 3CC
aggregation is to be deployed in an eNodeB coordination scenario.

6.4.1.2 Using MML Commands

6.4.1.2.1 CA-Group-based Configuration Mode

Activation Command Examples

Before activating this function, add at least three cells to the CA group and
configure candidate SCells for each candidate PCell according to 5.4.1.2.1 CA-
Group-based Configuration Mode (FDD).

The activation command examples for this function are as follows:

//Turning on CaDl3CCSwitch for each possible PCell
MOD CAMGTCFG: LocalCellId=0, CellCaAlgoSwitch=CaDl3CCSwitch-1;

Deactivation Command Examples

//Turning off CaDl3CCSwitch for each possible PCell
MOD CAMGTCFG: LocalCellId=0, CellCaAlgoSwitch=CaDl3CCSwitch-0;

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Carrier Aggregation Feature Parameter Description 6 Downlink 3CC Aggregation

6.4.1.2.2 Adaptive Configuration Mode

Activation Command Examples

Before activating this function, configure at least two candidate SCCs for each
candidate PCC according to 5.4.1.2.2 Adaptive Configuration Mode (FDD).

The activation command examples for this function are as follows:

//Turning on CaDl3CCSwitch for each possible PCell
MOD CAMGTCFG: LocalCellId=0, CellCaAlgoSwitch=CaDl3CCSwitch-1;
//(Optional) Turning on CaDl3CCExtSwitch for any set of cells on three possible CCs if the aggregated
bandwidth of all these cells is between 40 MHz and 60 MHz (inclusive)
MOD CAMGTCFG: LocalCellId=0, CellCaAlgoSwitch=CaDl3CCExtSwitch-1;
MOD CAMGTCFG: LocalCellId=1, CellCaAlgoSwitch=CaDl3CCExtSwitch-1;
MOD CAMGTCFG: LocalCellId=2, CellCaAlgoSwitch=CaDl3CCExtSwitch-1;

Deactivation Command Examples

//Turning off CaDl3CCSwitch for each possible PCell
MOD CAMGTCFG: LocalCellId=0, CellCaAlgoSwitch=CaDl3CCSwitch-0;

6.4.1.3 Using the MAE-Deployment

● Fast batch activation
This function can be batch activated using the Feature Operation and
Maintenance function of the MAE-Deployment. For detailed operations, see
the following section in the MAE-Deployment product documentation or
online help: MAE-Deployment Management > MAE-Deployment
Guidelines > Enhanced Feature Management > Feature Operation and
Maintenance.
● Single/Batch configuration
This function can be activated for a single base station or a batch of base
stations on the MAE-Deployment. For detailed operations, see Feature
Configuration Using the MAE-Deployment.

6.4.2 Activation Verification

Counter Observation
If the counters listed in Table 6-6 produce non-zero values on a network that is
serving CA UEs capable of downlink 3CC aggregation, downlink 3CC aggregation
has taken effect in the network.

Table 6-6 Counters used to verify activation of downlink 3CC aggregation

Counter ID Counter Name

1526732907 L.Traffic.User.PCell.DL.3CC.Avg

1526732915 L.Traffic.User.PCell.DL.3CC.Active.Avg

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Message Tracing
For the tools and IEs to observe, see Message Tracing in 5.4.2 Activation
Verification.

6.4.3 Network Monitoring

In addition to the counters listed in 5.4.3 Network Monitoring, monitor the
counters in Table 6-7 and compare the results with the network plan to evaluate
network performance.
Calculate the throughput of UEs in the downlink 3CC aggregation state by using
the following formula: L.Thrp.bits.DL.3CC.CAUser/L.Thrp.Time.DL.3CC.CAUser.

Table 6-7 Counters used to monitor performance of downlink 3CC aggregation

Counter ID Counter Name

1526732907 L.Traffic.User.PCell.DL.3CC.Avg

1526732908 L.Traffic.User.PCell.DL.3CC.Max

1526732915 L.Traffic.User.PCell.DL.3CC.Active.Avg

1526732916 L.Traffic.User.PCell.DL.3CC.Active.Max

1526732917 L.CA.DL.PCell.3CC.Act.Dur

1526737809 L.Thrp.Time.DL.3CC.CAUser

1526733012 L.Thrp.bits.DL.3CC.CAUser

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Carrier Aggregation Feature Parameter Description 7 Downlink 4CC Aggregation

7 Downlink 4CC Aggregation

7.1 Principles
This function aggregates four intra- or inter-band carriers, as shown in Figure 7-1,
to provide higher bandwidth.

Figure 7-1 Downlink 4CC aggregation

This function works between intra-eNodeB cells, between inter-eNodeB cells in

eNodeB coordination scenarios, and between inter-eNodeB cells in relaxed
backhaul scenarios.
This function is controlled by the CaDl4CCSwitch option of the
CaMgtCfg.CellCaAlgoSwitch parameter.
A UE in the downlink 4CC aggregation state performs simultaneous transmission
of HARQ ACKs/NACKs and periodic CQI report multiplexing for the four CCs if the

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Carrier Aggregation Feature Parameter Description 7 Downlink 4CC Aggregation

CqiAdaptiveCfg.SimulAckNackAndCqiFmt3Sw parameter is set to ON. If this

parameter is set to OFF, the ACKs/NACKs for the four CCs cannot be transmitted
simultaneously with periodic CQI reports for any of the CCs.

7.2 Network Analysis

7.2.1 Benefits
This function enables CA UEs to reach higher downlink peak data rates.
Table 7-1 lists the theoretical peak data rates that a CA UE can reach using
downlink 4CC aggregation.
For FDD, these values assume a TBS suitable for the 20 MHz cell bandwidth
(equivalent to 100 RBs in the frequency domain).

Table 7-1 Theoretical peak data rates for downlink 4CC aggregation (unit: Mbit/s)
RAT 2x2 MIMO 2x2 MIMO 4x4 MIMO 4x4 MIMO
+ 64QAM + 256QAM + 64QAM + 256QAM

FDD 599.1 783.3 1199.4 1566.6

The peak data rate that CA can achieve for a CA UE is subject to:
● Peak data rate capability of the board where the PCell for the CA UE is
located
For example, if the PCell of a CA UE is served by an LBBPd1 board that
supports a downlink peak data rate of 450 Mbit/s, the peak data rate that CA
can achieve for the CA UE will not exceed 450 Mbit/s in the downlink.
● Capability of the CA UE
If the UE capability is limited, the actual peak data rates will be lower than
the theoretical values. The UE capability is indicated by ue-categoryDL. For
details about this IE, see section 4.1A "ue-CategoryDL and ue-CategoryUL" in
3GPP TS 36.306 V15.2.0.

7.2.2 Impacts
This section describes the network and function impacts of this function itself.
For the network and function impacts of the prerequisite functions, see the
"Impacts" sections for the prerequisite functions.

Network Impacts
This function requires additional RBs for PUCCH format-3 overhead. Therefore, the
downlink IBLER of the PCell fluctuates. The impact of this function on the PUCCH
overhead varies depending on the setting of the PucchSwitch option of the
CellAlgoSwitch.PucchAlgoSwitch parameter:
● Option selected to enable adaptive allocation of PUCCH resources

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The cell spares one RB for PUCCH format-3 overhead. As a result, the number
of RBs available for the PUSCH decreases by at least one. (This number must
be a multiple of 2, 3, or 5. For details, see section 5.3.3 "Transform precoding"
in 3GPP TS 36.211 V10.1.0 (2011-03).) The total uplink throughput decreases.
● Option deselected to use fixed allocation of PUCCH resources
For FDD, the cell changes the usage of one PUCCH RB from periodic CQI
reporting to PUCCH format-3 overhead. As a result, fewer RBs of the cell are
used for periodic CQI reporting, and more UEs have to use aperiodic CQI
reporting. Downlink UE throughput may slightly decrease.

Function Impacts
RAT Function Function Reference Description
Name Switch

FDD UMTS and UMTS_LTE_ZE UMTS and There are fewer

LTE Zero RO_BUFFER_ LTE Zero PUSCH and SRS
Bufferzone ZONE_SW Bufferzone resources in a cell in
option of the the bufferzone than in
ULZeroBuffer a common cell.
Zone.ZeroBuf Therefore, when the
ZoneSwitch LTE bandwidth is 5
parameter MHz or 10 MHz, using
a cell in the
bufferzone as a PCell
for CA is not
recommended. If the
cell is used as a PCell,
CA performance
deteriorates.

FDD UMTS and SpectrumClo UMTS and Cells with 5 MHz

LTE Spectrum ud.Spectrum LTE Spectrum bandwidth are not
Sharing (LTE CloudSwitch Sharing recommended as
FDD) parameter PCells. If these cells
with the value act as PCells, the
of PUCCH overhead is so
UL_SPECTRU large that SRSs cannot
M_SHARING be configured.

FDD UMTS and SpectrumClo UMTS and Cells with 5 MHz

LTE Spectrum ud.Spectrum LTE Spectrum bandwidth are not
Sharing Based CloudSwitch Sharing Based recommended as
on DC-HSDPA parameter on DC-HSDPA PCells. If these cells
with the value act as PCells, the
of PUCCH overhead is so
DC_HSDPA_B large that SRSs cannot
ASED_UL_SPE be configured.
CTRUM_SHR

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Carrier Aggregation Feature Parameter Description 7 Downlink 4CC Aggregation

7.3 Requirements

7.3.1 Licenses (FDD)

Each FDD cell involved in downlink 4CC aggregation has the following license
requirements:
● Each FDD cell requires one sales unit for each of the following features:
– LAOFD-001001 LTE-A Introduction
– LAOFD-080207 Carrier Aggregation for Downlink 3CC in 40MHz
– LEOFD-110303 Carrier Aggregation for Downlink 4CC and 5CC
● If the aggregated bandwidth of any two of the four cells exceeds 20 MHz,
each of the two cells also requires one sales unit of the license for
LAOFD-001002 Carrier Aggregation for Downlink 2CC in 40MHz.
● If the aggregated bandwidth of any three of the four cells exceeds 40 MHz,
each of the three cells also requires one sales unit of the license for
LAOFD-080208 Carrier Aggregation for Downlink 3CC in 60MHz.
Table 7-2 lists the license models and sales units for these features.

Table 7-2 License models and sales units

Feature ID Feature Name Model Sales Unit

LAOFD-001001 LTE-A LT1SA020CA00 per cell

Introduction

LAOFD-001002 Carrier LT1SA040CA00 per cell

Aggregation
for Downlink
2CC in 40MHz

LAOFD-080207 Carrier LT1SCAD40M00 per cell

Aggregation
for Downlink
3CC in 40MHz

LAOFD-080208 Carrier LT1SCAD60M00 per cell

Aggregation
for Downlink
3CC in 60MHz

LEOFD-110303 Carrier LT1SCAD4A5CC per cell

Aggregation
for Downlink
4CC and 5CC

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Carrier Aggregation Feature Parameter Description 7 Downlink 4CC Aggregation

7.3.2 Software
Before activating this function, ensure that its prerequisite functions have been
activated and mutually exclusive functions have been deactivated. For detailed
operations, see the relevant feature documents.

Prerequisite Functions
RAT Function Function Switch Reference
Name

FDD Downlink None 5 Downlink

2CC 2CC
aggregation Aggregation

FDD Downlink FDD: the CaDl3CCSwitch and 6 Downlink

3CC CaDl3CCExtSwitch options of the 3CC
aggregation CaMgtCfg.CellCaAlgoSwitch Aggregation
parameter

Mutually Exclusive Functions

None

7.3.3 Hardware
Base Station Models
For FDD, the following base stations are compatible with this function:
● 3900 and 5900 series base stations
● DBS3900 LampSite and DBS5900 LampSite

Boards
The requirements described in Boards of 5.3.3 Hardware must be fulfilled. In
addition, do not use LBBPc boards, which do not support this function.

RF Modules
For details, see RF Modules in 5.3.3 Hardware.

7.3.4 Networking
For details, see 5.3.4 Networking.

7.3.5 Others
● UEs
UEs must comply with 3GPP Release 12 or later and support the frequency
bands of the carriers to be aggregated and their bandwidths. UEs must also
support the peak data rates that CA can achieve.

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Carrier Aggregation Feature Parameter Description 7 Downlink 4CC Aggregation

● EPC
For this function to reach a theoretical peak data rate described in 7.2.1
Benefits, the maximum bit rate that each UE subscribes to in the EPC cannot
be lower than this theoretical value.

7.4 Operation and Maintenance

7.4.1 Data Configuration

7.4.1.1 Data Preparation

This function works in either CA-group-based or adaptive configuration mode.
Prepare basic data as described in 5.4.1.1 Data Preparation.
In addition, for either mode, prepare data as described in Table 7-3 and Table 7-4
for function activation and optimization.

Table 7-3 Parameters for activating downlink 4CC aggregation

Parameter Parameter ID Option Setting Notes
Name

Cell Level CA CaMgtCfg.Ce CaDl3CCSwitc Select this option.

Algorithm llCaAlgoSwit h
Switch ch
Cell Level CA CaMgtCfg.Ce CaDl4CCSwitc Select this option.
Algorithm llCaAlgoSwit h
Switch ch

Table 7-4 Parameters for optimizing downlink 4CC aggregation

Parameter Name Parameter ID Setting Notes

DL Beyond 3CC RlcPdcpParaGrou Set this parameter to

UE Reordering p.Dl4cc5ccUeReo Treordering_m15.
Timer rderingTimer
DL Beyond 3CC RlcPdcpParaGrou Set this parameter to m15.
UE Status Prohibit p.Dl4cc5ccUeStat
Timer ProhTimer

Moreover, take the following necessary actions for this function to take effect:
● Prepare data as described in 15.4.1.1 Data Preparation if downlink 4CC
aggregation is to be deployed in a relaxed backhaul scenario.
● Prepare data as described in 16.4.1.1 Data Preparation if downlink 4CC
aggregation is to be deployed in an eNodeB coordination scenario.

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Carrier Aggregation Feature Parameter Description 7 Downlink 4CC Aggregation

7.4.1.2 Using MML Commands

Activation Command Examples

Before activating this function, configure cells or frequencies according to 5.4.1.2
Using MML Commands.
● In CA-group-based configuration mode
Add at least four cells to the CA group and configure candidate SCells for
each candidate PCell.
● In adaptive configuration mode
Configure at least three candidate SCCs for each candidate PCC.

The activation command examples for this function are as follows:

//Turning on CaDl3CCSwitch and CaDl4CCSwitch for each possible PCell
MOD CAMGTCFG: LocalCellId=0, CellCaAlgoSwitch=CaDl3CCSwitch-1&CaDl4CCSwitch-1;

Deactivation Command Examples

//Turning off CaDl4CCSwitch for each possible PCell
MOD CAMGTCFG: LocalCellId=0, CellCaAlgoSwitch=CaDl4CCSwitch-0;

7.4.1.3 Using the MAE-Deployment

● Fast batch activation
This function can be batch activated using the Feature Operation and
Maintenance function of the MAE-Deployment. For detailed operations, see
the following section in the MAE-Deployment product documentation or
online help: MAE-Deployment Management > MAE-Deployment
Guidelines > Enhanced Feature Management > Feature Operation and
Maintenance.
● Single/Batch configuration
This function can be activated for a single base station or a batch of base
stations on the MAE-Deployment. For detailed operations, see Feature
Configuration Using the MAE-Deployment.

7.4.2 Activation Verification

Counter Observation
If the counters listed in Table 7-5 produce non-zero values on a network that is
serving CA UEs capable of downlink 4CC aggregation, downlink 4CC aggregation
has taken effect in the network.

Table 7-5 Counters used to verify activation of downlink 4CC aggregation

Counter ID Counter Name

1526737780 L.Traffic.User.PCell.DL.4CC.Avg

1526737793 L.Traffic.User.CA.4CC.PCell.DL.Active.Avg

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Carrier Aggregation Feature Parameter Description 7 Downlink 4CC Aggregation

Message Tracing
For the tools and IEs to observe, see Message Tracing in 5.4.2 Activation
Verification.

7.4.3 Network Monitoring

In addition to the counters listed in 5.4.3 Network Monitoring, monitor the
counters in Table 7-6 and compare the results with the network plan to evaluate
network performance.
Calculate the throughput of UEs in the downlink 4CC aggregation state by using
the following formula: L.Thrp.bits.DL.4CC.CAUser/L.Thrp.Time.DL.4CC.CAUser.

Table 7-6 Counters used to monitor performance of downlink 4CC aggregation

Counter ID Counter Name

1526737780 L.Traffic.User.PCell.DL.4CC.Avg

1526737781 L.Traffic.User.PCell.DL.4CC.Max

1526737793 L.Traffic.User.CA.4CC.PCell.DL.Active.Avg

1526737794 L.Traffic.User.CA.4CC.PCell.DL.Active.Max

1526737812 L.Thrp.Time.DL.4CC.CAUser

1526737813 L.Thrp.bits.DL.4CC.CAUser

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Carrier Aggregation Feature Parameter Description 8 Downlink 5CC Aggregation

8 Downlink 5CC Aggregation

8.1 Principles
This function aggregates five intra- or inter-band carriers, as shown in Figure 8-1,
to provide higher bandwidth.

Figure 8-1 Downlink 5CC aggregation

This function works between intra-eNodeB cells, between inter-eNodeB cells in

eNodeB coordination scenarios, and between inter-eNodeB cells in relaxed
backhaul scenarios.
This function is controlled by the CaDl5CCSwitch option of the
CaMgtCfg.CellCaAlgoSwitch parameter.
A UE in the downlink 5CC aggregation state performs simultaneous transmission
of HARQ ACKs/NACKs and periodic CQI report multiplexing for the five CCs if the

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Carrier Aggregation Feature Parameter Description 8 Downlink 5CC Aggregation

CqiAdaptiveCfg.SimulAckNackAndCqiFmt3Sw parameter is set to ON. If this

parameter is set to OFF, the ACKs/NACKs for the five CCs cannot be transmitted
simultaneously with periodic CQI reports for any of the CCs.

8.2 Network Analysis

8.2.1 Benefits
This function enables CA UEs to reach higher downlink peak data rates.
Table 8-1 lists the theoretical peak data rates that a CA UE can reach using
downlink 5CC aggregation.
For FDD, these values assume a TBS suitable for the 20 MHz cell bandwidth
(equivalent to 100 RBs in the frequency domain).

Table 8-1 Theoretical peak data rates for downlink 5CC aggregation (unit: Mbit/s)
RAT 2x2 MIMO 2x2 MIMO 4x4 MIMO 4x4 MIMO
+ 64QAM + 256QAM + 64QAM + 256QAM

FDD 748.9 979.1 1499.3 1958.3

The peak data rate that CA can achieve for a CA UE is subject to:
● Peak data rate capability of the board where the PCell for the CA UE is
located
For example, if the PCell of a CA UE is served by an LBBPd1 board that
supports a downlink peak data rate of 450 Mbit/s, the peak data rate that CA
can achieve for the CA UE will not exceed 450 Mbit/s in the downlink.
● Capability of the CA UE
If the UE capability is limited, the actual peak data rates will be lower than
the theoretical values. The UE capability is indicated by ue-categoryDL. For
details about this IE, see section 4.1A "ue-CategoryDL and ue-CategoryUL" in
3GPP TS 36.306 V15.2.0.

8.2.2 Impacts
This section describes the network and function impacts of this function itself.
For the network and function impacts of the prerequisite functions, see the
"Impacts" sections for the prerequisite functions.

Network Impacts
This function requires additional RBs for PUCCH format-3 overhead. Therefore, the
downlink IBLER of the PCell fluctuates. The impact of this function on the PUCCH
overhead varies depending on the setting of the PucchSwitch option of the
CellAlgoSwitch.PucchAlgoSwitch parameter:
● Option selected to enable adaptive allocation of PUCCH resources

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Carrier Aggregation Feature Parameter Description 8 Downlink 5CC Aggregation

The cell spares one RB for PUCCH format-3 overhead. As a result, the number
of RBs available for the PUSCH decreases by at least one. (This number must
be a multiple of 2, 3, or 5. For details, see section 5.3.3 "Transform precoding"
in 3GPP TS 36.211 V10.1.0 (2011-03).) The total uplink throughput decreases.
● Option deselected to use fixed allocation of PUCCH resources
For FDD, the cell changes the usage of one PUCCH RB from periodic CQI
reporting to PUCCH format-3 overhead. As a result, fewer RBs of the cell are
used for periodic CQI reporting, and more UEs have to use aperiodic CQI
reporting. Downlink UE throughput may slightly decrease.

Function Impacts
RAT Function Function Reference Description
Name Switch

FDD UMTS and UMTS_LTE_ZE UMTS and There are fewer

LTE Zero RO_BUFFER_ LTE Zero PUSCH and SRS
Bufferzone ZONE_SW Bufferzone resources in a cell in
option of the the bufferzone than in
ULZeroBuffer a common cell.
Zone.ZeroBuf Therefore, when the
ZoneSwitch LTE bandwidth is 5
parameter MHz or 10 MHz, using
a cell in the
bufferzone as a PCell
for CA is not
recommended. If the
cell is used as a PCell,
CA performance
deteriorates.

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Carrier Aggregation Feature Parameter Description 8 Downlink 5CC Aggregation

RAT Function Function Reference Description

Name Switch

FDD TDM TDM_SWITC NSA In time division

H option of Networking multiplexing (TDM),
the based on EPC the ACKs/NACKs for
NsaDcMgmt multiple downlink
Config.NsaDc subframes need to be
AlgoSwitch sent in the same
parameter uplink subframe. The
ACKs/NACKs for all
the carriers of a UE in
the downlink 5CC
aggregation state
cannot be sent
completely. To
mitigate this issue,
when TDM is enabled,
the following
constraint applies to
the maximum number
of CCs that can be
aggregated for
downlink CA: The
maximum number is 5
when the uplink-
downlink subframe
configuration is 0, 1,
or 6. The maximum
number is 4 when the
configuration is 2. The
maximum number is 3
when the
configuration is 3 or 4.
The maximum
number is 2 when the
configuration is 5.
When the number of
CCs that are actually
aggregated exceeds
the maximum
number, SCells are
removed if TDM is
required. SCells can be
configured later as
triggered by traffic
volume, so long as the
number of downlink
CCs does not exceed
the specified
maximum number.

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Carrier Aggregation Feature Parameter Description 8 Downlink 5CC Aggregation

RAT Function Function Reference Description

Name Switch

FDD UMTS and SpectrumClo UMTS and Cells with 5 MHz

LTE Spectrum ud.Spectrum LTE Spectrum bandwidth are not
Sharing (LTE CloudSwitch Sharing recommended as
FDD) parameter PCells. If these cells
with the value act as PCells, the
of PUCCH overhead is so
UL_SPECTRU large that SRSs cannot
M_SHARING be configured.

FDD UMTS and SpectrumClo UMTS and Cells with 5 MHz

LTE Spectrum ud.Spectrum LTE Spectrum bandwidth are not
Sharing Based CloudSwitch Sharing Based recommended as
on DC-HSDPA parameter on DC-HSDPA PCells. If these cells
with the value act as PCells, the
of PUCCH overhead is so
DC_HSDPA_B large that SRSs cannot
ASED_UL_SPE be configured.
CTRUM_SHR

8.3 Requirements

8.3.1 Licenses (FDD)

Each FDD cell involved in downlink 5CC aggregation has the following license
requirements:
● Each FDD cell requires one sales unit for each of the following features:
– LAOFD-001001 LTE-A Introduction
– LAOFD-080207 Carrier Aggregation for Downlink 3CC in 40MHz
– LEOFD-110303 Carrier Aggregation for Downlink 4CC and 5CC
● If the aggregated bandwidth of any two of the five cells exceeds 20 MHz,
each of the two cells also requires one sales unit of the license for
LAOFD-001002 Carrier Aggregation for Downlink 2CC in 40MHz.
● If the aggregated bandwidth of any three of the five cells exceeds 40 MHz,
each of the three cells also requires one sales unit of the license for
LAOFD-080208 Carrier Aggregation for Downlink 3CC in 60MHz.

Table 8-2 lists the license models and sales units for these features.

Table 8-2 License models and sales units

Feature ID Feature Name Model Sales Unit

LAOFD-001001 LTE-A LT1SA020CA00 per cell

Introduction

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Carrier Aggregation Feature Parameter Description 8 Downlink 5CC Aggregation

Feature ID Feature Name Model Sales Unit

LAOFD-001002 Carrier LT1SA040CA00 per cell

Aggregation for
Downlink 2CC
in 40MHz

LAOFD-080207 Carrier LT1SCAD40M00 per cell

Aggregation for
Downlink 3CC
in 40MHz

LAOFD-080208 Carrier LT1SCAD60M00 per cell

Aggregation for
Downlink 3CC
in 60MHz

LEOFD-110303 Carrier LT1SCAD4A5CC per cell

Aggregation for
Downlink 4CC
and 5CC

8.3.2 Software
Before activating this function, ensure that its prerequisite functions have been
activated and mutually exclusive functions have been deactivated. For detailed
operations, see the relevant feature documents.

Prerequisite Functions
RAT Function Function Switch Reference
Name

FDD Downlink 2CC None 5 Downlink

aggregation 2CC
Aggregation

FDD Downlink 3CC FDD: the CaDl3CCSwitch and 6 Downlink

aggregation CaDl3CCExtSwitch options of the 3CC
CaMgtCfg.CellCaAlgoSwitch Aggregation
parameter

FDD Downlink 4CC CaDl4CCSwitch option of the 7 Downlink

aggregation CaMgtCfg.CellCaAlgoSwitch 4CC
parameter Aggregation

Mutually Exclusive Functions

None

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Carrier Aggregation Feature Parameter Description 8 Downlink 5CC Aggregation

8.3.3 Hardware

Base Station Models

For FDD, the following base stations are compatible with this function:
● 3900 and 5900 series base stations
● DBS3900 LampSite and DBS5900 LampSite

Boards
The requirements described in Boards of 5.3.3 Hardware must be fulfilled. In
addition:
● Do not use LBBPc boards, which do not support this function. Among BBPs,
UBBP is recommended.
● Among main control boards, UMPT is recommended.

RF Modules
For details, see RF Modules in 5.3.3 Hardware.

8.3.4 Networking
For details, see 5.3.4 Networking.

8.3.5 Others
● UEs
UEs must comply with 3GPP Release 12 or later and support the frequency
bands of the carriers to be aggregated and their bandwidths. UEs must also
support the peak data rates that CA can achieve.
● EPC
For this function to reach a theoretical peak data rate described in 8.2.1
Benefits, the maximum bit rate that each UE subscribes to in the EPC cannot
be lower than this theoretical value.

8.4 Operation and Maintenance

8.4.1 Data Configuration

8.4.1.1 Data Preparation

This function works in either CA-group-based or adaptive configuration mode.
Prepare basic data as described in 5.4.1.1 Data Preparation.

In addition, for either mode, prepare data as described in Table 8-3 and Table 8-4
for function activation and optimization.

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Carrier Aggregation Feature Parameter Description 8 Downlink 5CC Aggregation

Table 8-3 Parameters for activating downlink 5CC aggregation

Parameter Parameter ID Option Setting Notes

Name

Cell Level CA CaMgtCfg.Ce CaDl3CCSwitc Select this option.

Algorithm llCaAlgoSwit h
Switch ch
Cell Level CA CaMgtCfg.Ce CaDl4CCSwitc Select this option.
Algorithm llCaAlgoSwit h
Switch ch
Cell Level CA CaMgtCfg.Ce CaDl5CCSwitc Select this option.
Algorithm llCaAlgoSwit h
Switch ch

Table 8-4 Parameters for optimizing downlink 5CC aggregation

Parameter Name Parameter ID Setting Notes

DL Beyond 3CC RlcPdcpParaGrou Set this parameter to

UE Reordering p.Dl4cc5ccUeReo Treordering_m15.
Timer rderingTimer
DL Beyond 3CC RlcPdcpParaGrou Set this parameter to m15.
UE Status Prohibit p.Dl4cc5ccUeStat
Timer ProhTimer

Moreover, take the following necessary actions for this function to take effect:
● Prepare data as described in 15.4.1.1 Data Preparation if downlink 5CC
aggregation is to be deployed in a relaxed backhaul scenario.
● Prepare data as described in 16.4.1.1 Data Preparation if downlink 5CC
aggregation is to be deployed in an eNodeB coordination scenario.

8.4.1.2 Using MML Commands

Activation Command Examples

Before activating this function, configure cells or frequencies according to 5.4.1.2
Using MML Commands.
● In CA-group-based configuration mode
Add at least five cells to the CA group and configure candidate SCells for each
candidate PCell.
● In adaptive configuration mode
Configure at least four candidate SCCs for each candidate PCC.

The activation command examples for this function are as follows:

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Carrier Aggregation Feature Parameter Description 8 Downlink 5CC Aggregation

//Turning on CaDl3CCSwitch, CaDl4CCSwitch, and CaDl5CCSwitch for each possible PCell

MOD CAMGTCFG: LocalCellId=0, CellCaAlgoSwitch=CaDl3CCSwitch-1&CaDl4CCSwitch-1&CaDl5CCSwitch-1;

Deactivation Command Examples

//Turning off CaDl5CCSwitch for each possible PCell
MOD CAMGTCFG: LocalCellId=0, CellCaAlgoSwitch=CaDl5CCSwitch-0;

8.4.1.3 Using the MAE-Deployment

● Fast batch activation
This function can be batch activated using the Feature Operation and
Maintenance function of the MAE-Deployment. For detailed operations, see
the following section in the MAE-Deployment product documentation or
online help: MAE-Deployment Management > MAE-Deployment
Guidelines > Enhanced Feature Management > Feature Operation and
Maintenance.
● Single/Batch configuration
This function can be activated for a single base station or a batch of base
stations on the MAE-Deployment. For detailed operations, see Feature
Configuration Using the MAE-Deployment.

8.4.2 Activation Verification

Counter Observation
If the counters listed in Table 8-5 produce non-zero values on a network that is
serving CA UEs capable of downlink 5CC aggregation, downlink 5CC aggregation
has taken effect in the network.

Table 8-5 Counters used to verify activation of downlink 5CC aggregation

Counter ID Counter Name

1526739805 L.Traffic.User.PCell.DL.5CC.Avg

1526740442 L.Traffic.User.CA.5CC.PCell.DL.Active.Avg

Message Tracing
For the tools and IEs to observe, see Message Tracing in 5.4.2 Activation
Verification.

8.4.3 Network Monitoring

In addition to the counters listed in 5.4.3 Network Monitoring, monitor the
counters in Table 8-6 and compare the results with the network plan to evaluate
network performance.

Calculate the throughput of UEs in the downlink 5CC aggregation state by using
the following formula: L.Thrp.bits.DL.5CC.CAUser/L.Thrp.Time.DL.5CC.CAUser.

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Carrier Aggregation Feature Parameter Description 8 Downlink 5CC Aggregation

Table 8-6 Counters used to monitor performance of downlink 5CC aggregation

Counter ID Counter Name

1526739805 L.Traffic.User.PCell.DL.5CC.Avg

1526739806 L.Traffic.User.PCell.DL.5CC.Max

1526740442 L.Traffic.User.CA.5CC.PCell.DL.Active.Avg

1526740443 L.Traffic.User.CA.5CC.PCell.DL.Active.Max

1526740438 L.Thrp.Time.DL.5CC.CAUser

1526740439 L.Thrp.bits.DL.5CC.CAUser

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Carrier Aggregation Feature Parameter Description 9 Downlink Massive CA (FDD)

9 Downlink Massive CA (FDD)

9.1 Principles
This function aggregates six to eight intra- or inter-band carriers to provide a
higher bandwidth. Figure 9-1 uses 6CC aggregation as an example.

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Carrier Aggregation Feature Parameter Description 9 Downlink Massive CA (FDD)

Figure 9-1 Downlink 6CC aggregation

This function is controlled by the DlMassiveCaSwitch option of the

CaMgtCfg.CellCaAlgoSwitch parameter.

9.2 Network Analysis

9.2.1 Benefits
This function enables CA UEs to reach higher downlink peak data rates.

Table 9-1 lists the theoretical peak data rates that a CA UE can reach using
downlink 6CC, 7CC, and 8CC aggregation.

These values assume a TBS suitable for the 20 MHz cell bandwidth (equivalent to
100 RBs in the frequency domain).

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Carrier Aggregation Feature Parameter Description 9 Downlink Massive CA (FDD)

Table 9-1 Theoretical peak data rates for downlink 6CC, 7CC, and 8CC
aggregation (unit: Mbit/s)

CCs 2x2 MIMO 2x2 MIMO 4x4 MIMO 4x4 MIMO

+ 64QAM + 256QAM + 64QAM + 256QAM

6 898 1174 1798 2350

7 1048 1370 2098 2741

8 1198 1566 2398 3132

The peak data rate that CA can achieve for a CA UE is subject to:
● Peak data rate capability of the board where the PCell for the CA UE is
located
For example, if the PCell of a CA UE is served by an LBBPd1 board that
supports a downlink peak data rate of 450 Mbit/s, the peak data rate that CA
can achieve for the CA UE will not exceed 450 Mbit/s in the downlink.
● Capability of the CA UE
If the UE capability is limited, the actual peak data rates will be lower than
the theoretical values. The UE capability is indicated by ue-categoryDL. For
details about this IE, see section 4.1A "ue-CategoryDL and ue-CategoryUL" in
3GPP TS 36.306 V15.2.0.

9.2.2 Impacts
This section describes the network and function impacts of this function itself.

For the network and function impacts of the prerequisite functions, see the
"Impacts" sections for the prerequisite functions.

Network Impacts
This function has the following impacts on the network:
● Additional RBs are required for PUCCH format-5 overhead. The impact varies
depending on the setting of the PucchSwitch option of the
CellAlgoSwitch.PucchAlgoSwitch parameter:
– Option selected to enable adaptive allocation of PUCCH resources
The PCell spares two RBs for PUCCH format-5 overhead. As a result, the
number of RBs available for the PUSCH decreases by at least two. (This
number must be a multiple of 2, 3, or 5. For details, see section 5.3.3
"Transform precoding" in 3GPP TS 36.211 V10.1.0 (2011-03).) Total uplink
throughput decreases.
– Option deselected to use fixed allocation of PUCCH resources
The PCell changes the usage of two PUCCH RBs from periodic CQI
reporting to PUCCH format-5 overhead. As a result, fewer RBs of the cell
are used for periodic CQI reporting, and more UEs have to use aperiodic
CQI reporting. Downlink UE throughput may slightly decrease.

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Carrier Aggregation Feature Parameter Description 9 Downlink Massive CA (FDD)

● The total number of bits of HARQ feedback transmitted on the PUSCH

increases. This reduces the spectral efficiency of the PUSCH and decreases
uplink throughput.
● More messages are exchanged in inter-BBU CA scenarios, and the values of
the VS.SctpLnk.RxMeanSpeed and VS.SctpLnk.TxMeanSpeed counters
increase.
● If the SMART_CARRIER_SELECTION_SW option of the
MultiCarrUnifiedSch.MultiCarrierUnifiedSchSw parameter is deselected and
the eNodeB supports the aggregation of six or a higher number of carriers,
serving cell combinations for 6CC, 7CC, or 8CC aggregation will be
preferentially configured for CA UEs that support 6CC, 7CC, or 8CC
aggregation in the band combination configuration procedure for downlink
massive CA. Even if downlink massive CA is enabled after intelligent selection
of downlink serving cell combinations has taken effect, the eNodeB does not
consider coverage overlap between cells, air interface capability, or load
information during the downlink massive CA configuration procedure. As a
result, it is possible that the actually effective total bandwidth of the serving
cell combination for a CA UE is less than the total effective bandwidth of the
serving cell combination selected when massive CA is disabled.

Function Impacts
Function Function Reference Description
Name Switch

Load-based SccSmartCfgS 4.6.3.2 SCell ● If Multi-carrier

SCell witch option of Configuration Unified Scheduling is
configuration the Enhancement disabled, load-based
ENodeBAlgoSw SCell configuration
itch.CaAlgoSwi does not take effect
tch parameter for UEs in the
downlink massive CA
state.
● If Multi-carrier
Unified Scheduling is
enabled, load-based
SCell configuration
takes effect for UEs in
the downlink massive
CA state.

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Carrier Aggregation Feature Parameter Description 9 Downlink Massive CA (FDD)

Function Function Reference Description

Name Switch

Adaptive CaMgtCfg.CaM UEs in 17.2.2 When the

selection of CA imoPriorityStra MIMO (FDD) CaMgtCfg.CaMimoPrior
or high-order tegySw ityStrategySw
MIMO parameter is set to
MIMO_PRIOR or
PEAK_RATE_PRIOR:
● If Multi-carrier
Unified Scheduling is
disabled, UEs in the
downlink massive CA
state will not fall back
to be served by fewer
CCs.
● If Multi-carrier
Unified Scheduling is
enabled, UEs in the
downlink massive CA
state will fall back to
be served by fewer
CCs.

Uplink short- CellUlschAlgo.I Scheduling UEs that have entered

interval SPS ntvlOfUlSpsWi uplink short-interval SPS
thSkipping do not support downlink
massive CA.

CA UE transfer CaUserLoadTra Intra-RAT ● If Multi-carrier

nsferSw option Mobility Load Unified Scheduling is
of the Balancing disabled, CA UE
CellAlgoSwitch transfer does not take
.EnhancedMlb effect for UEs in the
AlgoSwitch downlink massive CA
parameter state.
● If Multi-carrier
Unified Scheduling is
enabled, CA UE
transfer takes effect
for UEs in the
downlink massive CA
state.

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Carrier Aggregation Feature Parameter Description 9 Downlink Massive CA (FDD)

Function Function Reference Description

Name Switch

Multi-band MbfcsSwitch Multi-band ● If Multi-carrier

optimal carrier option of the Optimal Carrier Unified Scheduling is
selection CellAlgoSwitch Selection disabled, multi-band
.MlbAlgoSwitc optimal carrier
h parameter selection (MBOCS)
does not take effect
for UEs in the
downlink massive CA
state.
● If Multi-carrier
Unified Scheduling is
enabled, MBOCS
takes effect for UEs in
the downlink massive
CA state.

UMTS and LTE UMTS_LTE_ZER UMTS and LTE There are fewer PUSCH
Zero Bufferzone O_BUFFER_ZO Zero Bufferzone and SRS resources in a
NE_SW option cell in the bufferzone
of the than in a common cell.
ULZeroBufferZ Therefore, when the LTE
one.ZeroBufZo bandwidth is 5 MHz or
neSwitch 10 MHz, using a cell in
parameter the bufferzone as a PCell
for CA is not
recommended. If the cell
is used as a PCell, CA
performance
deteriorates.

TDM TDM_SWITCH NSA In NSA DC, after TDM

option of the Networking takes effect in an FDD
NsaDcMgmtCo based on EPC cell, the PUCCH in the
nfig.NsaDcAlg cell always uses format
oSwitch 3. However, in downlink
parameter massive CA, the PUCCH
of the cell uses format 5.
Therefore, TDM and
downlink massive CA
cannot take effect at the
same time.

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Carrier Aggregation Feature Parameter Description 9 Downlink Massive CA (FDD)

Function Function Reference Description

Name Switch

LTE FDD and SpectrumCloud LTE FDD and LTE cells with LTE FDD
NR Flash .SpectrumClou NR Spectrum and NR Flash Dynamic
Dynamic dSwitch Sharing Spectrum Sharing
Spectrum parameter with enabled are not
Sharing the value of recommended as PCells.
LTE_NR_SPECT If these cells act as
RUM_SHR PCells, the PUCCH
overhead is so large that
SRSs cannot be
configured. Therefore,
the LTE network
throughput decreases.

LTE FDD and SpectrumCloud LTE FDD and LTE cells with LTE FDD
NR Uplink .SpectrumClou NR Uplink and NR Uplink Spectrum
Spectrum dSwitch Spectrum Sharing enabled are not
Sharing parameter with Sharing recommended as PCells.
the value of If these cells act as
LTE_NR_UPLIN PCells, the PUCCH
K_SPECTRUM_ overhead is so large that
SHR SRSs cannot be
configured. Therefore,
the LTE network
throughput is affected.

GSM and LTE SpectrumCloud GSM and LTE LTE cells with GSM and
spectrum .SpectrumClou Spectrum LTE spectrum
concurrency dSwitch Concurrency concurrency enabled are
parameter with not recommended as
the value of PCells. If these cells act
GL_SPECTRUM as PCells, the PUCCH
_CONCURRENC overhead is so large that
Y SRSs cannot be
configured. Therefore,
the LTE network
throughput is affected.

UMTS and LTE SpectrumCloud UMTS and LTE Downlink massive CA is

spectrum .SpectrumClou Spectrum not recommended for
sharing dSwitch Sharing cells with UMTS and LTE
parameter with spectrum sharing
the value of enabled.
UL_SPECTRUM
_SHARING

9.3 Requirements

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Carrier Aggregation Feature Parameter Description 9 Downlink Massive CA (FDD)

9.3.1 Licenses
Each FDD cell involved in downlink massive CA has the following license
requirements:
● Each FDD cell requires one sales unit for each of the following features:
– LAOFD-001001 LTE-A Introduction
– LAOFD-080207 Carrier Aggregation for Downlink 3CC in 40MHz
– LEOFD-110303 Carrier Aggregation for Downlink 4CC and 5CC
– LEOFD-151308 Downlink Massive CA
● If the aggregated bandwidth of any two of the cells exceeds 20 MHz, each of
the two cells also requires one sales unit of the license for LAOFD-001002
Carrier Aggregation for Downlink 2CC in 40MHz.
● If the aggregated bandwidth of any three of the cells exceeds 40 MHz, each
of the three cells also requires one sales unit of the license for LAOFD-080208
Carrier Aggregation for Downlink 3CC in 60MHz.
Table 9-2 lists the license models and sales units for these features.

Table 9-2 License models and sales units

Feature ID Feature Name Model Sales Unit

LAOFD-001001 LTE-A LT1SA020CA00 per cell

Introduction

LAOFD-001002 Carrier LT1SA040CA00 per cell

Aggregation for
Downlink 2CC in
40MHz

LAOFD-080207 Carrier LT1SCAD40M00 per cell

Aggregation for
Downlink 3CC in
40MHz

LAOFD-080208 Carrier LT1SCAD60M00 per cell

Aggregation for
Downlink 3CC in
60MHz

LEOFD-110303 Carrier LT1SCAD4A5CC per cell

Aggregation for
Downlink 4CC
and 5CC

LEOFD-151308 Downlink Massive LT1SDMCAP200 per cell

CA

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Carrier Aggregation Feature Parameter Description 9 Downlink Massive CA (FDD)

9.3.2 Software
Before activating this function, ensure that its prerequisite functions have been
activated and mutually exclusive functions have been deactivated. For detailed
operations, see the relevant feature documents.

Prerequisite Functions
Function Name Function Switch Reference

Downlink 2CC None 5 Downlink 2CC

aggregation Aggregation

Downlink 3CC CaDl3CCSwitch and 6 Downlink 3CC

aggregation CaDl3CCExtSwitch options of the Aggregation
CaMgtCfg.CellCaAlgoSwitch
parameter

Downlink 4CC CaDl4CCSwitch option of the 7 Downlink 4CC

aggregation CaMgtCfg.CellCaAlgoSwitch Aggregation
parameter

Downlink 5CC CaDl5CCSwitch option of the 8 Downlink 5CC

aggregation CaMgtCfg.CellCaAlgoSwitch Aggregation
parameter

Reporting of UeBandCombReducedR13Sw option 4.5.3 Network-

compressed CA of the requested CA
band combination ENodeBAlgoSwitch.CaAlgoExtSwitch Band
fields parameter Combination
Capability
Signaling

CQI reporting CqiAdaptiveCfg.SimulAckNackAndC- None

over PUCCH qiFmt3Sw
format 3

Mutually Exclusive Functions

Function Name Function Switch Reference

Massive MIMO Massive MIMO works in multiple Massive MIMO

scenarios. Its function switch varies (FDD)
depending on scenarios. For details,
see Massive MIMO (FDD).

9.3.3 Hardware
Base Station Models
The following base stations are compatible with this function:

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Carrier Aggregation Feature Parameter Description 9 Downlink Massive CA (FDD)

● 3900 and 5900 series base stations

● DBS3900 LampSite and DBS5900 LampSite

Boards
The requirements described in Boards of 5.3.3 Hardware must be fulfilled. In
addition, note that:
● BBU3910A and BBU3910C cannot be used for this function.
● LBBPc and UBBPex2 boards cannot be used for this function.
● Only cells on UBBPd, UBBPe, or UBBPg boards can act as PCells.
● The main control boards of the serving eNodeBs for PCells must be UMPT
boards.

RF Modules
For details, see RF Modules in 5.3.3 Hardware.

9.3.4 Networking
For details, see 5.3.4 Networking.

9.3.5 Others
● UEs
UEs must comply with 3GPP Release 13 or later and support the frequency
bands of the carriers to be aggregated and their channel bandwidths. UEs
must also support the peak data rates that CA can achieve.
● EPC
For this function to reach a theoretical peak data rate described in 9.2.1
Benefits, the maximum bit rate that each UE subscribes to in the EPC cannot
be lower than this theoretical value.

9.4 Operation and Maintenance

9.4.1 Data Configuration

9.4.1.1 Data Preparation

This function works only in adaptive configuration mode. Prepare basic data as
described in 5.4.1.1.2 Adaptive Configuration Mode.

Table 9-3 and Table 9-4 describe the parameters used for function activation and
optimization, respectively.

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Carrier Aggregation Feature Parameter Description 9 Downlink Massive CA (FDD)

Table 9-3 Parameters for activating downlink massive CA

Parameter Parameter ID Option Setting Notes
Name

Cell Level CA CaMgtCfg.Ce DlMassiveCaS Select this option.

Algorithm llCaAlgoSwit witch
Switch ch

Table 9-4 Parameters for optimizing downlink massive CA

Parameter Name Parameter ID Setting Notes

DL Beyond 3CC RlcPdcpParaGrou Set this parameter to

UE Reordering p.Dl4cc5ccUeReo Treordering_m15.
Timer rderingTimer
DL Beyond 3CC RlcPdcpParaGrou Set this parameter to m15.
UE Status Prohibit p.Dl4cc5ccUeStat
Timer ProhTimer
Downlink RLC-SN RlcPdcpParaGrou The value RlcSnSize_size16 is
size p.DlRlcSnSize recommended when the RLC mode is
acknowledged mode (AM).

Moreover, take the following necessary actions for this function to take effect:
● Prepare data as described in 15.4.1.1 Data Preparation if downlink massive
CA is to be deployed in a relaxed backhaul scenario.
● Prepare data as described in 16.4.1.1 Data Preparation if downlink massive
CA is to be deployed in an eNodeB coordination scenario.

9.4.1.2 Using MML Commands

Activation Command Examples

Before activating this function, configure at least five candidate SCCs for each
candidate PCC according to 5.4.1.2 Using MML Commands.
The activation command examples for this function are as follows:
//Turning on SupportNetReqCaComboSwitch
MOD GLOBALPROCSWITCH: ProtocolSupportSwitch=SupportNetReqCaComboSwitch-1;
//Turning on UeBandCombReducedR13Sw
MOD ENODEBALGOSWITCH: CaAlgoExtSwitch=UeBandCombReducedR13Sw-1;
//Turning on SimulAckNackAndCqiFmt3Sw
MOD CQIADAPTIVECFG: SimulAckNackAndCqiFmt3Sw=ON;
//Turning on CaDl3CCSwitch, CaDl4CCSwitch, CaDl5CCSwitch, and DlMassiveCaSwitch
MOD CAMGTCFG: LocalCellId=0,
CellCaAlgoSwitch=CaDl3CCSwitch-1&CaDl4CCSwitch-1&CaDl5CCSwitch-1&DlMassiveCaSwitch-1;

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Carrier Aggregation Feature Parameter Description 9 Downlink Massive CA (FDD)

Deactivation Command Examples

//Turning off DlMassiveCaSwitch
MOD CAMGTCFG: LocalCellId=0,
CellCaAlgoSwitch=CaDl3CCSwitch-1&CaDl4CCSwitch-1&CaDl5CCSwitch-1&DlMassiveCaSwitch-0;

9.4.1.3 Using the MAE-Deployment

● Fast batch activation
This function can be batch activated using the Feature Operation and
Maintenance function of the MAE-Deployment. For detailed operations, see
the following section in the MAE-Deployment product documentation or
online help: MAE-Deployment Management > MAE-Deployment
Guidelines > Enhanced Feature Management > Feature Operation and
Maintenance.
● Single/Batch configuration
This function can be activated for a single base station or a batch of base
stations on the MAE-Deployment. For detailed operations, see Feature
Configuration Using the MAE-Deployment.

9.4.2 Activation Verification

Counter Observation
If any of the counters listed in Table 9-5 produces a non-zero value on a network
that is serving CA UEs capable of downlink massive CA, downlink massive CA has
taken effect in the network.

Table 9-5 Counters used to verify activation of downlink massive CA

Counter ID Counter Name

1526749452 L.Traffic.User.PCell.DL.6CC.Avg

1526749489 L.Traffic.User.CA.6CC.PCell.DL.Active.Avg

1526749453 L.Traffic.User.PCell.DL.7CC.Avg

1526749490 L.Traffic.User.CA.7CC.PCell.DL.Active.Avg

1526749454 L.Traffic.User.PCell.DL.8CC.Avg

1526749491 L.Traffic.User.CA.8CC.PCell.DL.Active.Avg

Message Tracing
For the tools and the IEs to observe, see Message Tracing in 5.4.2 Activation
Verification.

9.4.3 Network Monitoring

In addition to the counters listed in 5.4.3 Network Monitoring, monitor the
counters in Table 9-6 and compare the results with the network plan to evaluate
network performance.

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Carrier Aggregation Feature Parameter Description 9 Downlink Massive CA (FDD)

Calculate the throughput of UEs in the CA state as follows:

● Calculate the throughput of UEs in the downlink 6CC aggregation state by
using the following formula: L.Thrp.bits.DL.6CC.CAUser/L.Thrp.Time.DL.
6CC.CAUser.
● Calculate the throughput of UEs in the downlink 7CC aggregation state by
using the following formula: L.Thrp.bits.DL.7CC.CAUser/L.Thrp.Time.DL.
7CC.CAUser.
● Calculate the throughput of UEs in the downlink 8CC aggregation state by
using the following formula: L.Thrp.bits.DL.8CC.CAUser/L.Thrp.Time.DL.
8CC.CAUser.

Table 9-6 Counters used to monitor performance of downlink massive CA

Counter ID Counter Name

1526749452 L.Traffic.User.PCell.DL.6CC.Avg

1526749489 L.Traffic.User.CA.6CC.PCell.DL.Active.Avg

1526749453 L.Traffic.User.PCell.DL.7CC.Avg

1526749490 L.Traffic.User.CA.7CC.PCell.DL.Active.Avg

1526749454 L.Traffic.User.PCell.DL.8CC.Avg

1526749491 L.Traffic.User.CA.8CC.PCell.DL.Active.Avg

1526749443 L.Thrp.Time.DL.6CC.CAUser

1526749440 L.Thrp.bits.DL.6CC.CAUser

1526749444 L.Thrp.Time.DL.7CC.CAUser

1526749441 L.Thrp.bits.DL.7CC.CAUser

1526749445 L.Thrp.Time.DL.8CC.CAUser

1526749442 L.Thrp.bits.DL.8CC.CAUser

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Carrier Aggregation Feature Parameter Description 10 Flexible CA

10 Flexible CA

10.1 Principles
This function allows an eNodeB to select the most suitable carriers for downlink
CA from a larger number of candidate carriers, as shown in Figure 10-1. The
selections are based on the CA capabilities reported by the CA UE and on carrier
management principles.

Figure 10-1 Flexible CA

In CA-group-based configuration mode, this function is not under switch control.

To enable this function, you only need to apply for the required licenses. For
details, see 10.3.1 Licenses (FDD).

In adaptive configuration mode, this function is controlled by the

MultiCarrierFlexCaSwitch option of the CaMgtCfg.CellCaAlgoSwitch parameter.
● If this option is selected, the eNodeB can currently select 1–7 SCCs from a
larger number of candidate carriers. It can select 7 SCCs from a maximum of
8 inter-frequency carriers. Among the candidate frequencies, the operating
frequencies of the cells in the CA combination with the largest number of CCs
take precedence over other frequencies.
● If this option is deselected, the eNodeB includes only a limited number of
frequencies in the A4 measurement configuration delivered to the UE. This
number is equal to the number of SCCs supported by the UE. When selecting
these frequencies, the eNodeB primarily considers SCC priorities (specified by
the SccFreqCfg.SccPriority parameter). It does not preferentially select the
operating frequencies of the cells in the CA combination with the largest

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Carrier Aggregation Feature Parameter Description 10 Flexible CA

number of CCs. As a result, the eNodeB may not configure that CA

combination for the UE.

The process of this function is as follows:

1. During initial access, an incoming RRC connection reestablishment, or an
incoming handover, the CA UE reports its CA capabilities to the target eNodeB
after setting up an RRC connection with the PCell.
2. The eNodeB selects appropriate carriers as SCCs for the UE based on the CA
capabilities reported by the UE and the carrier deployment at the eNodeB.

10.2 Network Analysis

10.2.1 Benefits
This function enables an eNodeB to select the most suitable carriers for downlink
CA from a larger number of candidate carriers.

For the theoretical peak data rates that a CA UE can reach using downlink 2CC,
3CC, 4CC, or 5CC aggregation, see the "Benefits" sections that describe these
downlink CA functions.

For the theoretical peak data rates that a CA UE can reach using downlink FDD
6CC–8CC aggregation, see 9.2.1 Benefits.

10.2.2 Impacts
This section describes the network and function impacts of this function itself.

For the network and function impacts of the prerequisite functions, see the
"Impacts" sections for the prerequisite functions.

Network Impacts
None

Function Impacts
RAT Function Function Reference Description
Name Switch

FDD LTE FDD and SpectrumClo LTE FDD and The selected serving
NR Flash ud.Spectrum NR Spectrum cell combination may
Dynamic CloudSwitch Sharing change.
Spectrum parameter
Sharing with the value
of
LTE_NR_SPEC
TRUM_SHR

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Carrier Aggregation Feature Parameter Description 10 Flexible CA

RAT Function Function Reference Description

Name Switch

FDD LTE FDD and SpectrumClo LTE FDD and The selected serving
NR Uplink ud.Spectrum NR Uplink cell combination may
Spectrum CloudSwitch Spectrum change.
Sharing parameter Sharing
with the value
of
LTE_NR_UPLI
NK_SPECTRU
M_SHR

10.3 Requirements

10.3.1 Licenses (FDD)

● In CA-group-based configuration mode
If the cells in the CA group operate on more than two frequencies, each cell in
the CA group requires one sale unit for each of the following features:
– LAOFD-001001 LTE-A Introduction
– LAOFD-070201 Flexible CA from Multiple Carriers
● In adaptive configuration mode
Each FDD cell involved in flexible CA requires the licenses for the following
features:
– LAOFD-001001 LTE-A Introduction
– LAOFD-070201 Flexible CA from Multiple Carriers

In addition, for either configuration mode, the requirements described in the

"Licenses" sections for downlink 2CC, 3CC, 4CC, 5CC, or 6CC–8CC aggregation
must be fulfilled if the corresponding number of CCs need to be aggregated in the
downlink.

Table 10-1 lists the license models and sales units for these features.

Table 10-1 License models and sales units

Feature ID Feature Name Model Sales Unit

LAOFD-001001 LTE-A LT1SA020CA00 per cell

Introduction

LAOFD-070201 Flexible CA from LT1SCAD2MC00 per cell

Multiple Carriers

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Carrier Aggregation Feature Parameter Description 10 Flexible CA

10.3.2 Software
Before activating this function, ensure that its prerequisite functions have been
activated and mutually exclusive functions have been deactivated. For detailed
operations, see the relevant feature documents.

Prerequisite Functions
RAT Function Function Reference Description
Name Switch

FDD Downlink 2CC None 5 Downlink Flexible CA requires

aggregation 2CC this function to be
Aggregation activated.

FDD Downlink 3CC FDD: the 6 Downlink (Optional) This

aggregation CaDl3CCSwit 3CC function must be
ch and Aggregation activated if three
CaDl3CCExtS carriers need to be
witch options aggregated in the
of the downlink for flexible
CaMgtCfg.Ce CA.
llCaAlgoSwit
ch parameter
FDD Downlink 4CC CaDl4CCSwit 7 Downlink (Optional) This
aggregation ch option of 4CC function must be
the Aggregation activated if four
CaMgtCfg.Ce carriers need to be
llCaAlgoSwit aggregated in the
ch parameter downlink for flexible
CA.

FDD Downlink 5CC CaDl5CCSwit 8 Downlink (Optional) This

aggregation ch option of 5CC function must be
the Aggregation activated if five
CaMgtCfg.Ce carriers need to be
llCaAlgoSwit aggregated in the
ch parameter downlink for flexible
CA.

Mutually Exclusive Functions

None

10.3.3 Hardware

Base Station Models

No requirements

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Carrier Aggregation Feature Parameter Description 10 Flexible CA

Boards
For details, see Boards in 5.3.3 Hardware.

RF Modules
For details, see RF Modules in 5.3.3 Hardware.

10.3.4 Networking
The requirements described in 5.3.4 Networking must be fulfilled. In addition, the
number of frequencies on the live network must be greater than or equal to three.

10.3.5 Others
● UEs
UEs must comply with 3GPP Release 12 or later and support the frequency
bands of the carriers to be aggregated and their bandwidths. UEs must also
support the peak data rates that CA can achieve.
● EPC
For this function to reach a theoretical peak data rate for downlink 2CC, 3CC,
4CC, or 5CC aggregation, the maximum bit rate that each UE subscribes to in
the EPC cannot be lower than this theoretical value. For the theoretical values,
see the relevant "Benefits" sections.

10.4 Operation and Maintenance

10.4.1 Data Configuration

10.4.1.1 Data Preparation

This function works in either CA-group-based or adaptive configuration mode.
Prepare basic data as described in 5.4.1.1 Data Preparation.
In addition, for adaptive configuration mode, prepare data as described in Table
10-2 for function activation.

Table 10-2 Parameters for activating flexible CA

Parameter Parameter ID Option Setting Notes

Name

Cell Level CA CaMgtCfg.Ce MultiCarrierFl Select this option.

Algorithm llCaAlgoSwit exCaSwitch
Switch ch

10.4.1.2 Using MML Commands

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Carrier Aggregation Feature Parameter Description 10 Flexible CA

10.4.1.2.1 CA-Group-based Configuration Mode

Activation Command Examples

For details, see 5.4.1.2 Using MML Commands. Add multiple cells to the CA
group and configure candidate SCells for each candidate PCell.

Deactivation Command Examples

For details, see 5.4.1.2 Using MML Commands. This function is deactivated so
long as there are only two cells in the CA group.

10.4.1.2.2 Adaptive Configuration Mode

Activation Command Examples

Before activating this function, configure candidate SCCs for each candidate PCC
according to 5.4.1.2 Using MML Commands.

The activation command examples for this function are as follows:

//Turning on MultiCarrierFlexCaSwitch
MOD CAMGTCFG: LocalCellId=0, CellCaAlgoSwitch=MultiCarrierFlexCaSwitch-1;

Deactivation Command Examples

//Turning off MultiCarrierFlexCaSwitch
MOD CAMGTCFG: LocalCellId=0, CellCaAlgoSwitch=MultiCarrierFlexCaSwitch-0;

10.4.1.3 Using the MAE-Deployment

● Fast batch activation
This function can be batch activated using the Feature Operation and
Maintenance function of the MAE-Deployment. For detailed operations, see
the following section in the MAE-Deployment product documentation or
online help: MAE-Deployment Management > MAE-Deployment
Guidelines > Enhanced Feature Management > Feature Operation and
Maintenance.
● Single/Batch configuration
This function can be activated for a single base station or a batch of base
stations on the MAE-Deployment. For detailed operations, see Feature
Configuration Using the MAE-Deployment.

10.4.2 Activation Verification

For details, see 5.4.2 Activation Verification.

10.4.3 Network Monitoring

For the counters used in scenarios of downlink 2CC to 8CC aggregation, see the
corresponding "Network Monitoring" sections.

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Carrier Aggregation Feature Parameter Description 11 Intelligent Selection of Serving Cell Combinations

11 Intelligent Selection of Serving Cell

Combinations

11.1 Principles

11.1.1 Overview
Intelligent selection of serving cell combinations can be used when CA is working
in adaptive configuration mode. With this function, the eNodeB selects the most
suitable serving cell combination for a CA UE based on the CA capabilities
reported by the UE and based on factors such as the coverage overlap between
cells, cell load status, bandwidths, and spectral efficiency. The eNodeB then
informs the UE of the combination.

If CA has been deployed with PCC anchoring for RRC_CONNECTED UEs enabled
before this intelligent selection function is activated, the serving cell combinations
selected after the function activation might be different from those selected
before the activation. As a result, the CA UE distribution may change. (PCC
anchoring for RRC_CONNECTED UEs is controlled by the
EnhancedPccAnchorSwitch option of the ENodeBAlgoSwitch.CaAlgoSwitch
parameter.)

11.1.2 Triggers
The triggering scenarios are as follows:
● During initial access, an incoming RRC connection reestablishment, or an
incoming handover of a CA UE, the eNodeB initiates a procedure for
intelligent selection of serving cell combinations after it receives UE
capabilities reported by the UE.
● The eNodeB initiates a procedure for intelligent selection of serving cell
combinations for a UE again after an E-RAB, with a QCI for which the
SMART_CA_ALLOWED option of the CellQciPara.QciAlgoSwitch parameter
is selected, is set up. In this situation, the eNodeB selects the most suitable
serving cell combination for the UE again.

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● With PCC anchoring for RRC_CONNECTED UEs enabled (by selecting the
EnhancedPccAnchorSwitch option of the ENodeBAlgoSwitch.CaAlgoSwitch
parameter)
During initial access, an incoming RRC connection reestablishment, or an
incoming coverage-based handover of a CA UE, the eNodeB delivers A1
measurement configurations related to PCC anchoring for RRC_CONNECTED
UEs to the UE. After the UE reports event A1, the eNodeB initiates a
procedure for intelligent selection of serving cell combinations. This event A1
is reported only once.
The RSRP threshold for event A1 involved in PCC anchoring for
RRC_CONNECTED UEs is specified by the
CaMgtCfg.EnhancedPccAnchorA1ThdRsrp parameter.
● With A1-based enhanced SCell selection enabled (by setting the
CaMgtCfg.EnhancedSccSelA1ThldRsrp parameter to a value other than –40
dBm)
During initial access, an incoming RRC connection reestablishment, or an
incoming coverage-based handover of a CA UE, the eNodeB delivers A1
measurement configurations related to A1-based enhanced SCell selection to
the UE. After the UE reports event A1, the eNodeB initiates a procedure for
intelligent selection of serving cell combinations. This event A1 is reported
only once.
The RSRP threshold for event A1 involved in enhanced SCell selection is
specified by the CaMgtCfg.EnhancedSccSelA1ThldRsrp parameter.
● With both PCC anchoring for RRC_CONNECTED UEs and A1-based enhanced
SCell selection enabled
During initial access, an incoming RRC connection reestablishment, or an
incoming coverage-based handover of a CA UE, the eNodeB first delivers A1
measurement configurations related to A1-based enhanced SCell selection to
the UE. After the UE reports event A1, the eNodeB initiates a procedure for
intelligent selection of serving cell combinations. When this procedure is
complete, the eNodeB delivers A1 measurement configurations related to PCC
anchoring for RRC_CONNECTED UEs to the UE. After the UE reports event A1,
the eNodeB initiates another procedure for intelligent selection of serving cell
combinations.
It is recommended that the RSRP threshold for event A1 involved in enhanced
SCell selection be lower than that for event A1 involved in PCC anchoring for
RRC_CONNECTED UEs.

11.1.3 Intelligent Selection of Downlink Serving Cell

Combinations
Intelligent selection of downlink serving cell combinations takes effect when both
of the following conditions are met:
● The MultiCarrierFlexCaSwitch option of the CaMgtCfg.CellCaAlgoSwitch
parameter is selected.
● The CaSmartSelectionSwitch option of the
ENodeBAlgoSwitch.CaAlgoSwitch parameter is selected.
When this option is changed from deselected to selected, it takes 3 minutes
for this intelligent selection function to take effect.

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The eNodeB selects a downlink serving cell combination for a CA UE as follows:

1. It selects the PCell's inter-frequency neighboring cells that overlap the PCell
itself.
The eNodeB selects an inter-frequency neighboring cell that meets one of the
following conditions:
– The EutranInterFreqNCell.OverlapInd parameter is set to YES.
– The CaGroupSCellCfg.SCellBlindCfgFlag parameter is set to TRUE. In
this case, this neighboring cell is a blind-configurable candidate SCell for
the PCell.
It is recommended that ANGC be activated to automatically set and check
these two parameters. For details, see Auto Neighbor Group Configuration.
If the inter-frequency neighbor relationship or the setting of either parameter
is updated, it takes 3 minutes for the update to be recognized.
If no inter-frequency neighboring cells of the PCell meet these conditions,
intelligent selection does not take effect.
2. It filters out inter-frequency neighboring cells in the high-load state.
The eNodeB considers a cell to be in the high-load state if the number of UEs
in the cell is at least equal to the sum of the values of
CellMLB.InterFreqMlbUeNumThd and
CellMLB.InterFrqUeNumOffloadOffset for the PCell.
For the definition of the number of UEs in a cell, see Intra-RAT Mobility Load
Balancing.
3. It selects the serving cell combination that has the highest total downlink air
interface capability.
If there is a noticeable load imbalance between carriers, it is recommended
that intra-RAT MLB be activated to decrease the imbalance before CA is used.
If MLB is not activated, a serving cell combination with a high air interface
capability may have attracted a large number of UEs, which will affect CA UE
experience.
The method of calculating the air interface capability of each cell varies as
follows:
For LMPT boards: Air interface capability of a cell = P x SF x SE – G
For boards other than LMPT:
– If the CaMgtCfg.MinDlAvgToBeScheduledUeNum parameter is set to 0,
the formula is as follows: P x SF x SE – G.
– If the CaMgtCfg.MinDlAvgToBeScheduledUeNum parameter is set to a
non-zero value, the formula is as follows: (P x SF x SE – G)/N.
where
– P is the number of available downlink PRBs in the cell. It is measured by
L.ChMeas.PRB.DL.Avail.
– SF is specified by the CellMLB.CellCapacityScaleFactor parameter.
This parameter is recommended for FDD+TDD networks. For TDD cells,
the impact of their uplink-downlink configurations does not need to be
considered.
– G is the bandwidth required for GBR services in the cell.

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– SE is the converted spectral efficiency in the unit of bit/RB.

The eNodeB automatically updates the spectral efficiency of the cell with
a measurement period of 1 minute.

▪ If the number of uplink-synchronized UEs in the cell within a

measurement period is less than 10, the eNodeB does not update the
spectral efficiency of the cell.

▪ If the number of uplink-synchronized UEs in the cell within a

measurement period is greater than or equal to 10, the eNodeB
calculates the spectral efficiency of the cell for the current period by
using the formula of and converting
the result into a value expressed in bit/s/Hz.
VolumeTrans is the traffic volume within the period, and UsedRbNum
is the total number of RBs used within the period. When measuring
the traffic volume and the total number of RBs, the eNodeB does not
consider the data generated and RBs used because of MCS selection
with prioritized RBs. For details about MCS selection with prioritized
RBs, see Scheduling.
– N is the number of active UEs in the cell. Active UEs are those whose
downlink data has been buffered.
The eNodeB samples all CA UEs every 1 ms, including those who treat
the cell as their PCell and those who treat the cell as their SCell. It checks
whether there is buffered downlink data for the UEs and counts those
with buffered downlink data. The eNodeB then takes an average of these
counts.

▪ If the average is less than the value of the

CaMgtCfg.MinDlAvgToBeScheduledUeNum parameter, N takes the
parameter value.

▪ If the average is greater than or equal to the value of this parameter,

N takes the average number.
The PCell change policy varies as follows:
– The eNodeB selects the serving cell combination with the highest total
downlink air interface capability while keeping the PCell unchanged for
the UE, if either of the following conditions is met:

▪ The EnhancedPccAnchorSwitch option of the

ENodeBAlgoSwitch.CaAlgoSwitch parameter is deselected.

▪ The EnhancedPccAnchorSwitch option of the

ENodeBAlgoSwitch.CaAlgoSwitch parameter is selected, but the CA
UE has not sent any A1 measurement report to the eNodeB.
– The eNodeB selects the serving cell combination with the highest total
downlink air interface capability, having the PCell either changed (as
described in 4) or unchanged for the UE, if both of the following
conditions are met:

▪ The EnhancedPccAnchorSwitch option of the

ENodeBAlgoSwitch.CaAlgoSwitch parameter is selected.

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▪ The eNodeB has received A1 measurement reports from the CA UE.

In this situation, when calculating the total downlink air interface
capabilities of the combinations with PCell being the same as the UE's
PCell, the eNodeB multiplies their capability values by (1 +
CaMgtCfg.SmartCaPccAnchoringHyst). Note that, if the value of the
CaMgtCfg.SmartCaPccAnchoringHyst parameter is changed, the new
value takes effect 3 minutes later.
4. It selects a PCell for the UE.
– If there is only one serving cell combination with the highest total
downlink air interface capability, the eNodeB selects the PCell in this
combination as the PCell for the UE. PCell changes require handovers. For
details about handover procedures, see 17.4.1 Mobility Management.
– If multiple serving cell combinations have the same total downlink air
interface capability, the eNodeB selects the cell with higher duplex mode
priority and the highest PCC priority as the PCell. For details about these
priorities, see 4.6.1 PCC Anchoring.
– With the CaMgtCfg.SmartCaPccAnchoringHyst parameter set to 0:
If multiple serving cell combinations have the same total downlink air
interface capability, the same higher duplex mode priority, and the same
highest PCC priority, the selection rule varies depending on the setting of
the SmartCaPccSelSwitch option of the
ENodeBAlgoSwitch.CaAlgoExtSwitch parameter.

▪ Option selected (This option takes effect about 3 minutes after it is

selected.)
The eNodeB selects the cell with the highest air interface capability
as the PCell.
If multiple cells have the highest air interface capability, the eNodeB
selects a PCell as follows:
○ If the UE's PCell is included in these cells, the eNodeB keeps the
PCell unchanged for the UE.
○ If the UE's PCell is not included in these cells, the eNodeB
randomly selects one from these cells as the PCell.

▪ Option deselected
○ If the UE's PCell is included in the candidate cells, which have a
higher duplex mode priority and the highest PCC priority, the
eNodeB keeps the PCell unchanged for the UE.
○ If the UE's PCell is not included in the candidate cells, the
eNodeB randomly selects one from the candidate cells as the
PCell.
– With the CaMgtCfg.SmartCaPccAnchoringHyst parameter set to a non-
zero value:

▪ If the UE's PCell is included in the selected serving cell combination,

the SmartCaPccSelSwitch option of the
ENodeBAlgoSwitch.CaAlgoExtSwitch parameter does not take
effect.

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▪ If the UE's PCell is not included in the selected serving cell

combination, the eNodeB selects a PCell in the same way as it does
when the CaMgtCfg.SmartCaPccAnchoringHyst parameter is set to
0.

11.1.4 Intelligent Selection of Uplink Serving Cell

Combinations
Intelligent selection of uplink serving cell combinations takes effect when all of
the following conditions are met:
● The MultiCarrierFlexCaSwitch option of the CaMgtCfg.CellCaAlgoSwitch
parameter is selected.
● The CaSmartSelectionSwitch option of the
ENodeBAlgoSwitch.CaAlgoSwitch parameter is selected.
When this option is changed from deselected to selected, it takes 3 minutes
for this intelligent selection function to take effect.
● The UL_CA_COMBINATION_FIRST option of the
CaMgtCfg.CaTrafficDirectionPref parameter is selected.

For this function to deliver its optimal performance, it is recommended that the
CaUl2CCSwitch option of the CaMgtCfg.CellCaAlgoSwitch parameter be
selected for all possible PCells and SCells.

The eNodeB selects an uplink serving cell combination for a CA UE as follows:

1. It follows rules 1 and 2 described in 11.1.3 Intelligent Selection of Downlink

Serving Cell Combinations.
2. It preferentially selects the serving cell combination that has the largest total
uplink bandwidth.
a. The eNodeB selects the serving cell combination that has the largest total
uplink bandwidth while keeping the PCell unchanged for the UE, if either
of the following conditions is met:
i. The EnhancedPccAnchorSwitch option of the
ENodeBAlgoSwitch.CaAlgoSwitch parameter is deselected.
ii. The EnhancedPccAnchorSwitch option of the
ENodeBAlgoSwitch.CaAlgoSwitch parameter is selected, but the CA
UE has not sent any A1 measurement report to the eNodeB.
b. The eNodeB selects the serving cell combination that has the largest total
uplink bandwidth, with the PCell allowed to be changed for the UE, if
both of the following conditions are met:
i. The EnhancedPccAnchorSwitch option of the
ENodeBAlgoSwitch.CaAlgoSwitch parameter is selected.
ii. The eNodeB has received A1 measurement reports from the CA UE.
3. If more than one serving cell combination has the largest total uplink
bandwidth, the eNodeB selects the optimal one from them by adhering to the
rules for intelligent selection of downlink serving cell combinations.

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11.2 Network Analysis

11.2.1 Benefits
This function enables an eNodeB to select the most suitable carriers for CA from a
larger number of candidate carriers.
For the theoretical peak data rates that a CA UE can reach using downlink 2CC,
3CC, 4CC, or 5CC aggregation or using uplink 2CC aggregation, see the "Benefits"
sections that describe these CA functions.

11.2.2 Impacts
This section describes the network and function impacts of this function itself.
For the network and function impacts of the prerequisite functions, see the
"Impacts" sections for the prerequisite functions.

Network Impacts
● Intelligent selection of serving cell combinations changes the distribution of
PCells and SCells of CA UEs in frequency bands. These changes may, in turn,
make alterations to performance indicators such as the traffic volume of each
band and the CPU usage.
● If the EnhancedPccAnchorSwitch option of the
ENodeBAlgoSwitch.CaAlgoSwitch parameter is selected, intelligent selection
of serving cell combinations causes an increase in the number of inter-
frequency handovers for PCC anchoring. The service drop rate may rise for
UEs with abnormal performance in handovers.
In this situation, if the SmartCaPccSelSwitch option of the
ENodeBAlgoSwitch.CaAlgoExtSwitch parameter is selected, there will be a
further increase in the number of inter-frequency handovers for PCC
anchoring. The service drop rate may further rise for UEs with abnormal
performance in handovers.
● If intelligent selection of uplink serving cell combinations is enabled, the
number of UEs in the uplink CA state increases and the CPU usage of BBPs
rises. In addition, the CPU usage of the main control board may vary, affecting
the RRC connection setup success rate and delay.
● If PCC anchoring for NSA DC is enabled at an eNodeB, this function will select
PCells for UEs that support NSA DC, after the UEs access the cells served by
the eNodeB. Intelligent selection of serving cell combinations can select only
SCells but cannot change PCells for these UEs.

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Function Impacts
RAT Function Function Reference Description
Name Switch

FDD NSA DC PCC NSA_PCC_AN NSA After NSA DC PCC

anchoring CHORING_S Networking anchoring is enabled,
WITCH based on EPC PCC anchoring for
option of the intelligent selection of
NsaDcMgmt serving cell
Config.NsaDc combinations does
AlgoSwitch not take effect. After
parameter NSA DC PCC anchors
are selected, SCells
are then selected
based on intelligent
selection of serving
cell combinations.

FDD LTE FDD and SpectrumClo LTE FDD and The selected serving
NR Flash ud.Spectrum NR Spectrum cell combination may
Dynamic CloudSwitch Sharing change.
Spectrum parameter
Sharing with the value
of
LTE_NR_SPEC
TRUM_SHR

FDD LTE FDD and SpectrumClo LTE FDD and The selected serving
NR Uplink ud.Spectrum NR Uplink cell combination may
Spectrum CloudSwitch Spectrum change.
Sharing parameter Sharing
with the value
of
LTE_NR_UPLI
NK_SPECTRU
M_SHR

11.3 Requirements

11.3.1 Licenses (FDD)

Each FDD cell involved in intelligent selection of serving cell combinations requires
the licenses for the following features:
● LAOFD-001001 LTE-A Introduction
● LAOFD-070201 Flexible CA from Multiple Carriers

In addition, the requirements described in the "Licenses" sections for downlink

2CC, 3CC, 4CC, or 5CC aggregation or for uplink 2CC aggregation must be fulfilled
if the corresponding number of CCs need to be aggregated.

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Table 11-1 lists the license models and sales units for these features.

Table 11-1 License models and sales units

Feature ID Feature Name Model Sales Unit

LAOFD-001001 LTE-A LT1SA020CA00 per cell

Introduction

LAOFD-070201 Flexible CA LT1SCAD2MC00 per cell

from Multiple
Carriers

11.3.2 Software
Before activating this function, ensure that its prerequisite functions have been
activated and mutually exclusive functions have been deactivated. For detailed
operations, see the relevant feature documents.

Prerequisite Functions
RAT Function Function Reference Description
Name Switch

FDD Downlink 2CC None 5 Downlink Intelligent selection of

aggregation 2CC serving cell
Aggregation combinations requires
this function to be
activated.

FDD Downlink 3CC FDD: the 6 Downlink (Optional) This

aggregation CaDl3CCSwit 3CC function must be
ch and Aggregation activated if three
CaDl3CCExtS carriers need to be
witch options aggregated in the
of the downlink using
CaMgtCfg.Ce intelligent selection of
llCaAlgoSwit downlink serving cell
ch parameter combinations.

FDD Downlink 4CC CaDl4CCSwit 7 Downlink (Optional) This

aggregation ch option of 4CC function must be
the Aggregation activated if four
CaMgtCfg.Ce carriers need to be
llCaAlgoSwit aggregated in the
ch parameter downlink using
intelligent selection of
downlink serving cell
combinations.

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RAT Function Function Reference Description

Name Switch

FDD Downlink 5CC CaDl5CCSwit 8 Downlink (Optional) This

aggregation ch option of 5CC function must be
the Aggregation activated if five
CaMgtCfg.Ce carriers need to be
llCaAlgoSwit aggregated in the
ch parameter downlink using
intelligent selection of
downlink serving cell
combinations.

FDD Uplink 2CC CaUl2CCSwit 13 Uplink (Optional) This

aggregation ch option of 2CC function must be
the Aggregation activated if intelligent
CaMgtCfg.Ce selection of uplink
llCaAlgoSwit serving cell
ch parameter combinations is
required.

Mutually Exclusive Functions

RAT Function Function Reference Description
Name Switch

FDD Dedicated Tm9Dedicate Dedicated Intelligent selection of

carrier for dCarrier.Tm9 Carrier for uplink serving cell
TM9 CcDlEarfcn TM9 combinations
Tm9Dedicate (controlled by the
dCarrier.Wor UL_CA_COMBINATIO
kMode N_FIRST option of the
CaMgtCfg.CaTrafficD
irectionPref
parameter) takes
priority over dedicated
carrier for TM9.

FDD Multi-carrier SMART_CARR Multi-carrier None

Unified IER_SELECTI Unified
Scheduling ON_SW Scheduling
option of the
MultiCarrUnif
iedSch.Multi
CarrierUnifie
dSchSw
parameter

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11.3.3 Hardware

Base Station Models

No requirements

Boards
The requirements described in Boards of 5.3.3 Hardware must be fulfilled. In
addition, LMPT cannot be used for intelligent selection of uplink serving cell
combinations or for the functions controlled by the
CaMgtCfg.SmartCaPccAnchoringHyst and
CaMgtCfg.MinDlAvgToBeScheduledUeNum parameters.

RF Modules
For details, see RF Modules in 5.3.3 Hardware.

11.3.4 Networking
The requirements described in 5.3.4 Networking must be fulfilled. In addition:
● There must be at least three frequencies on the live network.
● For inter-eNodeB CA, X2 interfaces must be functioning.
They are required for load status exchange, signaling exchange, and user data
transmission between eNodeBs. If the X2 interfaces are not correctly
configured, appropriate serving cell combinations cannot be selected for inter-
eNodeB CA.
Due to X2-related protocol specifications, eNodeBs can exchange information
about only eight frequencies. Certain inter-eNodeB CA combinations may fail
to take effect if there are more than eight frequencies on which inter-
frequency neighboring cells with EutranInterFreqNCell.OverlapInd set to
YES or with CaGroupSCellCfg.SCellBlindCfgFlag set to TRUE are operating.

11.3.5 Others
For details, see 10.3.5 Others.

11.4 Operation and Maintenance

11.4.1 Data Configuration

11.4.1.1 Data Preparation

This function works only in adaptive configuration mode. Prepare basic data as
described in 5.4.1.1.2 Adaptive Configuration Mode.

Table 11-2 and Table 11-3 describe the parameters used for function activation
and optimization, respectively.

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Carrier Aggregation Feature Parameter Description 11 Intelligent Selection of Serving Cell Combinations

Table 11-2 Parameters for activating intelligent selection of serving cell

combinations
Parameter Parameter ID Option Setting Notes
Name

Cell Level CA CaMgtCfg.Ce MultiCarrierFl Select this option.

Algorithm llCaAlgoSwit exCaSwitch
Switch ch
CA Algorithm ENodeBAlgoS CaSmartSelec Select this option.
Switch witch.CaAlgo tionSwitch
Switch
QCI CellQciPara. SMART_CA_A Select this option.
Algorithm QciAlgoSwitc LLOWED
Switch h
SCell Blind CaGroupSCell None Set this parameter to TRUE.
Configuration Cfg.SCellBlin
Flag dCfgFlag
Overlap EutranInterFr None Set this parameter to YES.
Indicator eqNCell.Over
lapInd
Uplink CellAlgoSwit SchedulerCtrl Select this option if intelligent
schedule ch.UlSchSwit PowerSwitch selection of uplink serving cell
switch ch combinations is enabled.

Cell Level CA CaMgtCfg.Ce CaUl2CCSwitc Select this option for each

Algorithm llCaAlgoSwit h possible PCell and SCell if
Switch ch intelligent selection of uplink
serving cell combinations is
enabled.

CA Traffic CaMgtCfg.Ca UL_CA_COMB Select this option if intelligent

Direction TrafficDirecti INATION_FIRS selection of uplink serving cell
Preference onPref T combinations is enabled.

Table 11-3 Parameters for optimizing intelligent selection of serving cell

combinations
Parameter Name Parameter ID Setting Notes

Min DL Average CaMgtCfg.MinDl Set this parameter to 2.

To-Be-Scheduled AvgToBeSchedul
UE Number edUeNum
Smart CA PCC CaMgtCfg.Smart Set this parameter based on site
Anchoring CaPccAnchoring conditions.
Hysteresis Hyst

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Parameter Name Parameter ID Setting Notes

CA Algorithm ENodeBAlgoSwit Select the SmartCaPccSelSwitch

Extend Switch ch.CaAlgoExtSwit option.
ch This option takes effect when the
CaMgtCfg.SmartCaPccAnchoringHyst
parameter is set to 0.

Inter-Freq UE CellMLB.InterFrq Set this parameter to 200.

Number Offload UeNumOffloadOf
Offset fset
MLB Match Other CellMlbHo.MlbM Deselect the HoAdmitSwitch option.
Feature Mode atchOtherFeatur-
eMode

11.4.1.2 Using MML Commands

Activation Command Examples

Before activating this function, configure candidate SCCs for each candidate PCC
according to 5.4.1.2 Using MML Commands. The activation command examples
for this function are as follows:
//Turning on MultiCarrierFlexCaSwitch for each possible PCell
MOD CAMGTCFG: LocalCellId=0, CellCaAlgoSwitch=MultiCarrierFlexCaSwitch-1;
//Turning on the switches controlling intelligent selection of serving cell combinations for the serving
eNodeB of each possible PCell
MOD ENODEBALGOSWITCH: CaAlgoSwitch=EnhancedPccAnchorSwitch-1&CaSmartSelectionSwitch-1,
CaAlgoExtSwitch=SmartCaPccSelSwitch-1;
//Setting InterFrqUeNumOffloadOffset
MOD CELLMLB: LocalCellId=0, InterFrqUeNumOffloadOffset=200;
//Turning off HoAdmitSwitch
MOD CELLMLBHO: LocalCellId=0, MlbMatchOtherFeatureMode=HoAdmitSwitch-0;
//Turning on SchedulerCtrlPowerSwitch for each possible PCell and SCell
MOD CELLALGOSWITCH: LocalCellId=0, UlSchSwitch=SchedulerCtrlPowerSwitch-1;
MOD CELLALGOSWITCH: LocalCellId=1, UlSchSwitch=SchedulerCtrlPowerSwitch-1;
//Setting the relevant parameters for each possible PCell and SCell
MOD CAMGTCFG: LocalCellId=0, MinDlAvgToBeScheduledUeNum=2, SmartCaPccAnchoringHyst=0,
CellCaAlgoSwitch=CaUl2CCSwitch-1, CaTrafficDirectionPref=UL_CA_COMBINATION_FIRST;
MOD CAMGTCFG: LocalCellId=1, CellCaAlgoSwitch=CaUl2CCSwitch-1;

Deactivation Command Examples

//Turning off the switch controlling intelligent selection of serving cell combinations for the serving eNodeB
of each possible PCell
MOD ENODEBALGOSWITCH: CaAlgoSwitch=CaSmartSelectionSwitch-0;

11.4.1.3 Using the MAE-Deployment

● Fast batch activation
This function can be batch activated using the Feature Operation and
Maintenance function of the MAE-Deployment. For detailed operations, see
the following section in the MAE-Deployment product documentation or
online help: MAE-Deployment Management > MAE-Deployment
Guidelines > Enhanced Feature Management > Feature Operation and
Maintenance.

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● Single/Batch configuration
This function can be activated for a single base station or a batch of base
stations on the MAE-Deployment. For detailed operations, see Feature
Configuration Using the MAE-Deployment.

11.4.2 Activation Verification

In addition to 5.4.2 Activation Verification, run the DSP
SMARTCACOMBINATION command to check whether intelligent selection of
serving cell combinations has taken effect.

11.4.3 Network Monitoring

For the counters used in scenarios of downlink 2CC to 8CC aggregation, see the
corresponding "Network Monitoring" sections.

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Carrier Aggregation Feature Parameter Description 12 Downlink FDD+TDD CA

12 Downlink FDD+TDD CA

12.1 Principles
Downlink FDD+TDD CA aggregates two to eight downlink FDD and TDD CCs.
Figure 12-1 uses 5CC aggregation as an example.

Figure 12-1 Downlink FDD+TDD 5CC aggregation

Downlink FDD+TDD CA is controlled by the InterFddTddCaSwitch option of the

CaMgtCfg.CellCaAlgoSwitch parameter.
After downlink FDD+TDD CA is enabled:
● If downlink FDD+TDD massive CA is enabled, a total of six to eight FDD and
TDD carriers can be aggregated in the downlink.
Downlink FDD+TDD massive CA can be enabled by setting the
CaMgtCfg.FddTddCaDlMaxCcNum parameter to DL_MASSIVE_CA.
In this situation:
– Only FDD carriers can act as PCCs. For details about the PCC anchoring
procedure, see 4.6.1.2 CA-Group-based PCC Anchoring Procedure and
4.6.1.3 Adaptive PCC Anchoring Procedure.
– Both FDD and TDD carriers can act as SCCs. For details about the SCell
configuration procedure, see 4.6.3.1.2 CA-Group-based SCell
Configuration Procedure and 4.6.3.1.3 Adaptive SCell Configuration
Procedure.

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Carrier Aggregation Feature Parameter Description 12 Downlink FDD+TDD CA

● If downlink FDD+TDD massive CA is disabled, a maximum of five FDD and

TDD carriers can be aggregated in the downlink.
In this situation, the PCC anchoring and SCell configuration procedures are as
follows:
– PCC anchoring procedure
Either FDD or TDD carriers can act as PCCs. Whether an FDD or TDD cell
is configured as the PCell for a UE depends on UE capabilities and the
activation status of duplex-mode-priority-based PCC anchoring.

▪ UE capabilities
○ The UE complies with 3GPP Release 12 or earlier and supports
FDD+TDD CA.
If the UE capability message carries the tdd-FDD-CA-
PCellDuplex-r12 IE, the eNodeB configures an FDD or TDD cell
as the PCell based on the reported UE capabilities.
If the message does not carry the tdd-FDD-CA-PCellDuplex-r12
IE, the eNodeB configures an FDD or TDD cell as the PCell based
on the FddTddCaPcellDuplexFdd or FddTddCaPcellDuplexTdd
option setting of the
ENodeBAlgoSwitch.CompatibilityCtrlSwitch parameter.
○ The UE complies with 3GPP Release 13 or later and supports
FDD+TDD CA.
The eNodeB configures an FDD or TDD cell as the PCell based
on the reported UE capabilities.

▪ Activation status of duplex-mode-priority-based PCC anchoring

To prioritize FDD or TDD frequencies as PCCs, duplex-mode-priority-
based PCC anchoring can be enabled. The eNodeB will preferentially
evaluate frequencies in the prioritized duplex mode (FDD or TDD) for
PCC anchoring.
○ For UEs supporting aggregation of three or more FDD and TDD
carriers
The eNodeB preferentially evaluates frequencies in the duplex
mode specified by the CaMgtCfg.FTCAMultiCCAnchorPolicy
parameter.
○ For UEs supporting FDD+TDD 2CC aggregation
The eNodeB preferentially evaluates frequencies in the duplex
mode specified by the CaMgtCfg.FTCA2CCAnchorPolicy
parameter.
If it is not possible to select a PCC in the prioritized duplex mode, the
eNodeB evaluates frequencies in the other duplex mode. For
example, if FDD was prioritized by the operator but no FDD
frequency could be selected as the PCC, the eNodeB would then
evaluate TDD frequencies.
For more details about the PCC anchoring procedure in this situation, see
4.6.1.2 CA-Group-based PCC Anchoring Procedure and 4.6.1.3
Adaptive PCC Anchoring Procedure.
– SCell configuration procedure

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Carrier Aggregation Feature Parameter Description 12 Downlink FDD+TDD CA

Both FDD and TDD carriers can act as SCCs. For details about the SCell
configuration procedure in this situation, see 4.6.3.1.2 CA-Group-based
SCell Configuration Procedure and 4.6.3.1.3 Adaptive SCell
Configuration Procedure.

Usage Scenarios
This function works in both intra- and inter-eNodeB scenarios:
● Intra-eNodeB
In intra-eNodeB scenarios, FDD and TDD cells are served by the same
eNodeB. For details, see 3.3.1 Intra-eNodeB CA Scenarios.
● Inter-eNodeB
Inter-eNodeB scenarios include:
– Relaxed backhaul
For details, see 15 Inter-eNodeB CA Based on Relaxed Backhaul.
– Centralized eNodeB coordination
For details, see 16 Inter-eNodeB CA Based on eNodeB Coordination.

Subframe Configurations
TDD cells for CA must use uplink-downlink configuration 1 or 2 and one of special
subframe configurations 4, 5, 6, 7, and 9. A TDD cell using special subframe
configuration 4 cannot work with another TDD cell using special subframe
configuration 5, 6, 7, or 9 for CA. TDD cells served by LampSite eNodeBs can only
use special subframe configurations 6 and 7.

No subframe configuration requirements are imposed on FDD cells.

Table 12-1 lists the supported FDD+TDD CC combinations, which vary depending
on the PCell duplex mode and TDD subframe configuration.

Table 12-1 FDD+TDD CC combinations supported (by PCell duplex mode and TDD
subframe configuration)

Duplex Uplink-Downlink CC Combination

Mode of the Configuration of
PCell TDD Cells

FDD 1 or 2 Any combination of eight CCs

TDD 1 Any combination of five CCs

TDD 2 4 TDD CCs + 1 FDD CC

12.2 Network Analysis

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Carrier Aggregation Feature Parameter Description 12 Downlink FDD+TDD CA

12.2.1 Benefits
This function deals with spectrum shortages by utilizing both FDD and TDD
spectrum resources, addresses mobile broadband service competition, and
improves service quality.
The theoretical peak data rates that downlink FDD+TDD CA can reach are as
follows:
● Theoretical peak data rate for downlink 2CC aggregation = Theoretical peak
data rate on a single FDD carrier in the downlink + Theoretical peak data rate
on a single TDD carrier in the downlink
● Theoretical peak data rate for downlink 3CC aggregation = Theoretical peak
data rate on two FDD carriers in the downlink + Theoretical peak data rate on
a single TDD carrier in the downlink
● Theoretical peak data rate for downlink 4CC aggregation = Theoretical peak
data rate on three FDD carriers in the downlink + Theoretical peak data rate
on a single TDD carrier in the downlink
● Theoretical peak data rate for downlink 5CC aggregation = Theoretical peak
data rate on four FDD carriers in the downlink + Theoretical peak data rate
on a single TDD carrier in the downlink
● Theoretical peak data rate for downlink 6CC aggregation = Theoretical peak
data rate on five FDD carriers in the downlink + Theoretical peak data rate on
a single TDD carrier in the downlink
● Theoretical peak data rate for downlink 7CC aggregation = Theoretical peak
data rate on six FDD carriers in the downlink + Theoretical peak data rate on
a single TDD carrier in the downlink
● Theoretical peak data rate for downlink 8CC aggregation = Theoretical peak
data rate on seven FDD carriers in the downlink + Theoretical peak data rate
on a single TDD carrier in the downlink

12.2.2 Impacts
This section describes the network and function impacts of this function itself.
For the network and function impacts of the prerequisite functions, see the
"Impacts" sections for the prerequisite functions.

Network Impacts
This function has the following impacts on the network:
● When an FDD carrier is working as the PCC and TDD carriers are working as
SCCs for a CA UE:
The downlink TDD spectrum resources are fully utilized, which increases the
downlink data rate. The FDD PCC also provides better uplink coverage for the
CA UE than a TDD PCC would do.
● When a TDD carrier is working as the PCC:
– The TDD PCC can obtain beamforming gains, represented by an increased
downlink data rate. However, in certain scenarios, TTI bundling may be
triggered due to the limited number of bits for ACK/NACK over the
PUCCH in the TDD PCell, causing the downlink data rate to drop on each
CC. TTI bundling may be triggered when:

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Carrier Aggregation Feature Parameter Description 12 Downlink FDD+TDD CA

▪ The TDD PCell uses uplink-downlink configuration 2 and has

participated in FDD+TDD 3CC, 4CC, or 5CC aggregation.

▪ The TDD PCell uses uplink-downlink configuration 1 and has

participated in FDD+TDD 4CC or 5CC aggregation.
– Additional RBs are used for PUCCH format-3 overhead. Therefore, the
downlink IBLER of the PCell fluctuates. The impact varies depending on
the setting of the PucchSwitch option of the
CellAlgoSwitch.PucchAlgoSwitch parameter:

▪ Option selected to enable adaptive allocation of PUCCH resources

The PCell spares one additional RB for PUCCH format-3 overhead. As
a result, the number of RBs available for the PUSCH decreases by at
least one. (This number must be a multiple of 2, 3, or 5. For details,
see section 5.3.3 "Transform precoding" in 3GPP TS 36.211 V10.1.0
(2011-03).) Total uplink throughput decreases.

▪ Option deselected to use fixed allocation of PUCCH resources

The PCell changes the usage of two PUCCH RBs from periodic CQI
reporting to PUCCH format-3 overhead. As a result, fewer RBs of the
cell are used for periodic CQI reporting, and more UEs have to use
aperiodic CQI reporting. Downlink UE throughput may slightly
decrease.

Aggregation of more than five CCs has the following additional impacts on the
network:
● Additional RBs are required for PUCCH format-5 overhead. The impact varies
depending on the setting of the PucchSwitch option of the
CellAlgoSwitch.PucchAlgoSwitch parameter:
– Option selected to enable adaptive allocation of PUCCH resources
The PCell spares two RBs for PUCCH format-5 overhead. As a result, the
number of RBs available for the PUSCH decreases by at least two. (This
number must be a multiple of 2, 3, or 5. For details, see section 5.3.3
"Transform precoding" in 3GPP TS 36.211 V10.1.0 (2011-03).) Total uplink
throughput decreases.
– Option deselected to use fixed allocation of PUCCH resources
The PCell changes the usage of two PUCCH RBs from periodic CQI
reporting to PUCCH format-5 overhead. As a result, fewer RBs of the cell
are used for periodic CQI reporting, and more UEs have to use aperiodic
CQI reporting. Downlink UE throughput may slightly decrease.
● The total number of bits of HARQ feedback transmitted on the PUSCH
increases. This reduces the spectral efficiency of the PUSCH and decreases
uplink throughput.
● More messages are exchanged in inter-BBU CA scenarios, and the values of
the VS.SctpLnk.RxMeanSpeed and VS.SctpLnk.TxMeanSpeed counters
increase.

Function Impacts
● Functions in the category "RAN functions"

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Carrier Aggregation Feature Parameter Description 12 Downlink FDD+TDD CA

RAT Function Function Reference Description

Name Switch

FDD User- InterFreqMl Intra-RAT If CA UE transfer is

number- bSwitch Mobility disabled (by
based option of the Load deselecting the
connected CellAlgoSwi Balancing CaUserLoadTrans-
mode load tch.MlbAlgo ferSw option of the
equalization Switch CellAlgoSwitch.Enh
parameter ancedMlbAlgoSwitc
UE_NUMBER h parameter), the
_ONLY eNodeB filters out
option of the CA UEs that treat
CellMLB.Mlb the source cell as
TriggerMod their PCell or SCell,
e parameter when the eNodeB
selects UEs for UE-
Synchronize number-based
dUE option connected mode
of the load equalization.
CellMLB.Inte
rFreqUeTrsf
Type
parameter

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Carrier Aggregation Feature Parameter Description 12 Downlink FDD+TDD CA

RAT Function Function Reference Description

Name Switch

FDD CSPC CspcAlgoPar CSPC CSPC in centralized

a.CspcAlgoS Cloud BB scenarios
witch requires a centralized
controller, which is a
process deployed on
a BBP in each
eNodeB. The
centralized controller
increases the
average throughput
of cells on the
affected frequency
and the cell edge UE
throughput in the
network. However, it
has a negative
impact on the high-
throughput UEs that
cause co-channel
interference on the
cell edge UEs. If
basic scheduling is
used with CA, the
data rate of a CA UE
(a variable used to
calculate the
scheduling priority)
is defined as the
total data rate of the
UE on all the
aggregated carriers.
It is typically higher
than the data rate of
a non-CA UE. As a
result, CA UEs
encounter a lower
probability of being
scheduled and a
lower data rate in
CSPC scenarios.

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Carrier Aggregation Feature Parameter Description 12 Downlink FDD+TDD CA

RAT Function Function Reference Description

Name Switch

FDD Zero Guard CONTIG_INT FDD: Contiguous intra-

Band RA_BAND_C Seamless band CA does not
Between ARR_SW Intra-Band take effect in cells
Contiguous option of the Carrier with Zero Guard
Intra-Band ContigIntraB Joining Band Between
Carriers andCarr.Con (FDD) Contiguous Intra-
tigIntraBand Band Carriers
CarrSw enabled.
parameter Contiguous intra-
band CA is
controlled by the
ContigIntraBand-
CaSwitch option of
the
ENodeBAlgoSwitch.
CaAlgoExtSwitch
parameter.

FDD Short TTI SHORT_TTI_ Short TTI CA does not take

SW option of (FDD) effect for UEs that
the support short TTI
CellShortTti according to their
Algo.SttiAlg reported capabilities.
oSwitch
parameter

FDD Superior CellAlgoExtS Superior UEs under enhanced

uplink witch.UlCov Uplink coverage do not
coverage erageEnhan Coverage support downlink
cementSw (FDD) CA.

FDD DL CoMP Tm9JtSwitch DL CoMP Joint transmission

with TM9 option of the (FDD) (JT) based on TM9
CellAlgoSwi can be configured
tch.DlCompS for DL CoMP in both
witch the PCells and SCells
parameter of UEs in the intra-
BBU CA state.
TM9 JT in SCells can
take effect only after
TM9 JT is configured
in the corresponding
PCells.

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Carrier Aggregation Feature Parameter Description 12 Downlink FDD+TDD CA

RAT Function Function Reference Description

Name Switch

FDD DL CoMP FDDHomNet DL CoMP DL CoMP with TM10

with TM10 DlCompSwit (FDD) can be configured in
ch and both the PCells and
FDDHetNet SCells of UEs in the
DlCompSwit intra-BBU CA state.
ch options of
the
CellAlgoSwi
tch.DlCompS
witch
parameter

FDD Adaptive CellAlgoSwi SFN Adaptive SFN

SFN/SDMA tch.SfnUlSch requires UEs to
Switch report SRSs, based
CellAlgoSwi on which eNodeBs
tch.SfnDlSch select RRUs for
Switch independent
scheduling of the
UEs. If an adaptive
SFN cell is
configured as an
SCell for a CA UE
only in the downlink,
only joint scheduling
can be used in this
SCell. If the adaptive
SFN cell is also
configured as an
SCell in the uplink,
independent
scheduling can be
used in the cell.

FDD Network- CellAlgoSwi Network For CA UEs, this cell-

assisted CRS tch.CrsIcSwi Assisted specific reference
interference tch Interference signal interference
cancellation Cancellation cancellation (CRS-IC)
function takes effect
only in PCells.

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Carrier Aggregation Feature Parameter Description 12 Downlink FDD+TDD CA

RAT Function Function Reference Description

Name Switch

FDD Dynamic DYNAMIC TDM eICIC CA UEs do not

TDM eICIC option of the (FDD) support the two
CellAlgoSwi types of CSI
tch.EicicSwit measurements for
ch eICIC in SCells and
parameter therefore do not
support dynamic
time-domain
enhanced inter-cell
interference
coordination (TDM
eICIC) or further
enhanced inter-cell
interference
coordination (FeICIC)
in SCells.

FDD FeICIC ABS option TDM eICIC CA UEs do not

of the (FDD) support the two
CellAlgoSwi types of CSI
tch.FeicicSwi measurements for
tch eICIC in SCells and
parameter therefore do not
support dynamic
time-domain
enhanced inter-cell
interference
coordination (TDM
eICIC) or further
enhanced inter-cell
interference
coordination (FeICIC)
in SCells.

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Carrier Aggregation Feature Parameter Description 12 Downlink FDD+TDD CA

RAT Function Function Reference Description

Name Switch

FDD Terminal AbnormalUe Terminal Carrier management

Awareness HandleSwitc Awareness for CA or NSA DC
Differentiatio h option of Differentiatio does not work on
n the n some CA UEs or NSA
GlobalProcS UEs due to their
witch.UeCo software or
mpatSwitch hardware defects. To
parameter prevent UE
incompatibility issues
from affecting
network
performance, enable
Terminal Awareness
Differentiation with
the UEs blacklisted
and the
CA_SWITCH_OFF
option of the
UeCompat.BlkLstCtr
lSwitch parameter
selected. With these
settings, eNodeBs
will not perform PCC
anchoring, SCell
configuration, or
SCG addition for
these UEs. For
details about carrier
management for
NSA DC, see NSA
Networking based
on EPC.

● Functions related to RAN services

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Carrier Aggregation Feature Parameter Description 12 Downlink FDD+TDD CA

RAT Function Function Reference Description

Name Switch

FDD Emergency None Emergency When a CA UE is

call Call running an
emergency call
service, the eNodeB
does not start SCell
configuration for the
UE, which prevents
RRC signaling from
affecting the service
quality of the
ongoing emergency
call.
After the emergency
call service is
finished, the eNodeB
attempts to
configure SCells for
the UE if the UE
traffic volume and
SCell configuration
interval conditions
are fulfilled.

FDD VoIP semi- SpsSchSwitc VoLTE As stipulated in

persistent h option of 3GPP TS 36.321,
scheduling the semi-persistent
CellAlgoSwi scheduling takes
tch.UlSchSw effect only in the
itch PCells for CA UEs.
parameter
SpsSchSwitc
h option of
the
CellAlgoSwi
tch.DlSchSw
itch
parameter

FDD CS fallback None CS Fallback To prevent

unnecessary RRC
signaling exchange,
the eNodeB does not
start the SCell
configuration
procedure for CA
UEs that are
engaged in CS
fallback procedures.

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Carrier Aggregation Feature Parameter Description 12 Downlink FDD+TDD CA

RAT Function Function Reference Description

Name Switch

FDD Specified Cell.Specifie WBB CA does not allow

service dCellFlag WBB-service-
carrier specified cells to be
used as SCells for
MBB UEs, or MBB-
service-prioritized
cells to be used as
SCells for WBB UEs.
If both CA and
specified service
carrier are enabled,
CA service
experience of these
UEs or related KPIs
may be affected.

FDD eMBMS CellMBMSCf eMBMS When this function is

g.MBMSSwit enabled, CA UEs can
ch receive Multimedia
Broadcast multicast
service Single
Frequency Network
(MBSFN) subframes
in their PCells but
not in their SCells.
Therefore, this
function works for
CA UEs only in
PCells.

FDD LCS ENodeBAlgo LCS Reference signal

Switch.LcsS time difference
witch (RSTD)
measurements,
which are used for
positioning based on
Observed Time
Difference Of Arrival
(OTDOA), increase
the ACK/NACK loss
rate. A higher ACK/
NACK loss rate
results in scheduling
performance
deterioration, which
may affect user
experience with CA.

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Carrier Aggregation Feature Parameter Description 12 Downlink FDD+TDD CA

RAT Function Function Reference Description

Name Switch

FDD Out-of-band CellAlgoSwi Relay In out-of-band relay

relay tch.RelaySwi scenarios, RRNs
tch support downlink
2CC aggregation and
uplink 2CC
aggregation if the
Dl2CCAckResShareS
w option of the
CellAlgoSwitch.Pucc
hAlgoSwitch
parameter is
deselected, and do
not support them if
this option is
selected.

● Functions related to CloudAIR

RAT Function Function Reference Description
Name Switch

FDD LTE FDD and SpectrumCl LTE FDD and This function reduces
NR Flash oud.Spectru NR Spectrum the number of
Dynamic mCloudSwit Sharing downlink RBs
Spectrum ch available for LTE.
Sharing parameter Therefore, the
with the throughput of UEs in
value of the downlink FDD
LTE_NR_SPE CA state decreases.
CTRUM_SHR

FDD GSM and LTE SpectrumCl GSM and LTE Cells with 5 MHz
spectrum oud.Spectru Spectrum bandwidth are not
concurrency mCloudSwit Concurrency recommended as
ch PCells. If these cells
parameter act as PCells, the
with the PUCCH overhead is
value of so large that SRSs
GL_SPECTRU cannot be
M_CONCUR configured.
RENCY

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Carrier Aggregation Feature Parameter Description 12 Downlink FDD+TDD CA

RAT Function Function Reference Description

Name Switch

FDD UL and DL NRDUCellAl UL and DL When an 8:2 slot

Decoupling goSwitch.Ul Decoupling assignment and a 3-
DlDecouplin ms frame offset are
gSwitch configured for C-
band, and when UL
and DL Decoupling is
enabled together
with LTE FDD and
NR Uplink Spectrum
Sharing, a 3-ms
frame offset must be
configured for LTE
FDD. If LTE TDD is
deployed in the
same frequency
band as NR TDD,
FDD+TDD Downlink
Carrier Aggregation
cannot be enabled
on the LTE side.

● Functions related to network infrastructure

RAT Function Function Reference Description
Name Switch

FDD Multi-carrier CellShutdow None Carrier aggregation

coordinated n.CellShutdo cannot be performed
energy wnSwitch for capacity cells in
saving parameter multi-carrier
with the coordinated energy
value of saving mode.
ON_MULTI_
CARRIER_HI
ER_SHUTDO
WN

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Carrier Aggregation Feature Parameter Description 12 Downlink FDD+TDD CA

RAT Function Function Reference Description

Name Switch

FDD Intra-RAT Event- ANR During fast or event-

ANR triggered Management triggered automatic
ANR: neighbor relation
IntraRatEve (ANR), the eNodeB
ntAnrSwitch determines whether
option of the to select CA UEs to
ENodeBAlgo perform
Switch.AnrS measurements based
witch on the
parameter ANR.CaUeChoseMo
Fast ANR: de parameter
IntraRatFast setting.
AnrSwitch
option of the
ENodeBAlgo
Switch.AnrS
witch
parameter

FDD Inter-RAT GERAN: ANR During fast or event-

ANR GeranFastAn Management triggered automatic
rSwitch and neighbor relation
GeranEvent (ANR), the eNodeB
AnrSwitch determines whether
options of to select CA UEs to
the perform
ENodeBAlgo measurements based
Switch.AnrS on the
witch ANR.CaUeChoseMo
parameter de parameter
UTRAN: setting.
UtranFastAn
rSwitch and
UtranEventA
nrSwitch
options of
the
ENodeBAlgo
Switch.AnrS
witch
parameter

Downlink FDD+TDD massive CA has the following additional impacts on functions.

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Carrier Aggregation Feature Parameter Description 12 Downlink FDD+TDD CA

RAT Function Name Function Switch Reference Description

FDD Load-based SCell SccSmartCfgSwit 4.6.3.2 SCell ● If Multi-carrier Unified

configuration ch option of the Configuration Scheduling is disabled,
ENodeBAlgoSwit Enhancement load-based SCell
ch.CaAlgoSwitch configuration does not
parameter take effect for UEs in the
downlink FDD+TDD
massive CA state.
● If Multi-carrier Unified
Scheduling is enabled,
load-based SCell
configuration takes
effect for UEs in the
downlink FDD+TDD
massive CA state.

FDD Adaptive CaMgtCfg.CaMi UEs in 17.2.2 When the

selection of CA or moPriorityStrate MIMO (FDD) CaMgtCfg.CaMimoPriority
high-order MIMO gySw StrategySw parameter is
set to MIMO_PRIOR or
PEAK_RATE_PRIOR:
● If Multi-carrier Unified
Scheduling is disabled,
UEs in the downlink
FDD+TDD massive CA
state will not fall back
to be served by fewer
CCs.
● If Multi-carrier Unified
Scheduling is enabled,
UEs in the downlink
FDD+TDD massive CA
state will fall back to be
served by fewer CCs.

FDD Uplink short- CellUlschAlgo.In Scheduling UEs that have entered

interval SPS tvlOfUlSpsWithS uplink short-interval SPS do
kipping not support downlink
massive CA.

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Carrier Aggregation Feature Parameter Description 12 Downlink FDD+TDD CA

RAT Function Name Function Switch Reference Description

FDD CA UE transfer CaUserLoadTran Intra-RAT ● If Multi-carrier Unified

sferSw option of Mobility Load Scheduling is disabled,
the Balancing CA UE transfer does not
CellAlgoSwitch.E take effect for UEs in the
nhancedMlbAlg downlink FDD+TDD
oSwitch massive CA state.
parameter ● If Multi-carrier Unified
Scheduling is enabled,
CA UE transfer takes
effect for UEs in the
downlink FDD+TDD
massive CA state.

FDD Multi-band MbfcsSwitch Multi-band ● If Multi-carrier Unified

optimal carrier option of the Optimal Carrier Scheduling is disabled,
selection CellAlgoSwitch. Selection MBOCS does not take
MlbAlgoSwitch effect for UEs in the
parameter downlink FDD+TDD
massive CA state.
● If Multi-carrier Unified
Scheduling is enabled,
MBOCS takes effect for
UEs in the downlink
FDD+TDD massive CA
state.

FDD UMTS and LTE UMTS_LTE_ZERO UMTS and LTE There are fewer PUSCH and
Zero Bufferzone _BUFFER_ZONE_ Zero Bufferzone SRS resources in a cell in
SW option of the the bufferzone than in a
ULZeroBufferZo common cell. Therefore,
ne.ZeroBufZoneS when the LTE bandwidth is
witch parameter 5 MHz or 10 MHz, using a
cell in the bufferzone as a
PCell for CA is not
recommended. If the cell is
used as a PCell, CA
performance deteriorates.

FDD LTE FDD and NR SpectrumCloud. LTE FDD and NR LTE cells with LTE FDD and
Flash Dynamic SpectrumCloudS Spectrum Sharing NR Flash Dynamic
Spectrum Sharing witch parameter Spectrum Sharing enabled
with the value of are not recommended as
LTE_NR_SPECTR PCells. If these cells act as
UM_SHR PCells, the PUCCH
overhead is so large that
SRSs cannot be configured.
Therefore, the LTE network
throughput decreases.

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Carrier Aggregation Feature Parameter Description 12 Downlink FDD+TDD CA

RAT Function Name Function Switch Reference Description

FDD LTE FDD and NR SpectrumCloud.S LTE FDD and NR LTE cells with LTE FDD and
Uplink Spectrum pectrumCloudS Uplink Spectrum NR Uplink Spectrum
Sharing witch parameter Sharing Sharing enabled are not
with the value of recommended as PCells. If
LTE_NR_UPLINK_ these cells act as PCells, the
SPECTRUM_SHR PUCCH overhead is so large
that SRSs cannot be
configured. Therefore, the
LTE network throughput is
affected.

FDD GSM and LTE SpectrumCloud.S GSM and LTE LTE cells with GSM and LTE
spectrum pectrumCloudS Spectrum spectrum concurrency
concurrency witch parameter Concurrency enabled are not
with the value of recommended as PCells. If
GL_SPECTRUM_C these cells act as PCells, the
ONCURRENCY PUCCH overhead is so large
that SRSs cannot be
configured. Therefore, the
LTE network throughput is
affected.

FDD UMTS and LTE SpectrumCloud. UMTS and LTE Downlink massive CA is not
spectrum sharing SpectrumCloudS Spectrum Sharing recommended for cells with
witch parameter UMTS and LTE spectrum
with the value of sharing enabled.
UL_SPECTRUM_S
HARING

12.3 Requirements

12.3.1 Licenses
Each FDD cell involved in downlink FDD+TDD CA requires one sales unit of the
license for MRFD-101222 FDD+TDD Downlink Carrier Aggregation(LTE FDD).
Each TDD cell involved in downlink FDD+TDD CA requires one sales unit of the
license for MRFD-101231 FDD+TDD Downlink Carrier Aggregation(LTE TDD).
In addition:
● If six to eight cells are involved in downlink FDD+TDD CA:
– Each of the FDD cells requires one sales unit of the license for
MRFD-151309 FDD+TDD Downlink Massive CA(LTE FDD).
– Each of the TDD cells requires one sales unit of the license for
MRFD-151401 FDD+TDD Downlink Massive CA(LTE TDD).
● If two or more FDD cells are involved in downlink FDD+TDD CA, the licensing
principles for these cells are the same as those described in the corresponding
"Licenses" section.

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● If two or more TDD cells are involved in downlink FDD+TDD CA, the licensing
principles for these cells are the same as those described in the corresponding
"Licenses" section.
Table 12-2 lists the license models and sales units for these features.

Table 12-2 License models and sales units

Feature ID Feature Name Model Sales Unit

MRFD-101222 FDD+TDD Downlink LT1S0FTCAF0 per cell

Carrier 0
Aggregation(LTE
FDD)

MRFD-101231 FDD+TDD Downlink LT1SFATCA00 per cell

Carrier 0
Aggregation(LTE
TDD)

MRFD-151309 FDD+TDD Downlink LT1S0FTDMC per cell

Massive CA(LTE A00
FDD)

MRFD-151401 FDD+TDD Downlink LT4SFTMCAT per cell

Massive CA(LTE DD
TDD)

Table 12-3 provides certain licensing examples of downlink FDD+TDD CA.

Table 12-3 Licensing examples of downlink FDD+TDD CA

CCs Scenario FDD Licensing TDD Licensing
Principle Principle

1F+1T Intra- Each cell requires one Each cell requires one
eNodeB sales unit of the license sales unit of the license
for MRFD-101222 FDD for MRFD-101231 FDD
+TDD Downlink Carrier +TDD Downlink Carrier
Aggregation(LTE FDD). Aggregation(LTE TDD).

1F+1T FDD cell and Each cell requires one Each cell requires one
TDD cell sales unit of the license sales unit of the license
being served for MRFD-101222 FDD for MRFD-101231 FDD
by different +TDD Downlink Carrier +TDD Downlink Carrier
eNodeBs Aggregation(LTE FDD). Aggregation(LTE TDD).

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CCs Scenario FDD Licensing TDD Licensing

Principle Principle

2F+1T Intra- Each cell requires one Each cell requires one
eNodeB sales unit of the license sales unit of the license
for each of the for MRFD-101231 FDD
following features: +TDD Downlink Carrier
● MRFD-101222 FDD Aggregation(LTE TDD).
+TDD Downlink
Carrier
Aggregation(LTE
FDD)
● LAOFD-001001 LTE-
A Introduction

2F+1T ● FDD: two Each cell requires one Each cell requires one
intra- sales unit of the license sales unit of the license
eNodeB for each of the for MRFD-101231 FDD
cells following features: +TDD Downlink Carrier
● FDD cells ● MRFD-101222 FDD Aggregation(LTE TDD).
and TDD +TDD Downlink
cell being Carrier
served by Aggregation(LTE
different FDD)
eNodeBs ● LAOFD-001001 LTE-
A Introduction

2F+1T ● FDD: two Each cell requires one Each cell requires one
inter- sales unit of the license sales unit of the license
eNodeB for each of the for MRFD-101231 FDD
cells in a following features: +TDD Downlink Carrier
relaxed ● MRFD-101222 FDD Aggregation(LTE TDD).
backhaul +TDD Downlink
scenario Carrier
● FDD cells Aggregation(LTE
and TDD FDD)
cell being ● LAOFD-001001 LTE-
served by A Introduction
different
eNodeBs In addition, the serving
eNodeB of each FDD
cell requires one sales
unit of the license for
LAOFD-080201 Inter-
eNodeB CA Based on
Relaxed Backhaul.

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CCs Scenario FDD Licensing TDD Licensing

Principle Principle

2F+2T Intra- Each cell requires one Each cell requires one
eNodeB sales unit of the license sales unit of the license
for each of the for each of the
following features: following features:
● MRFD-101222 FDD ● MRFD-101231 FDD
+TDD Downlink +TDD Downlink
Carrier Carrier
Aggregation(LTE Aggregation(LTE
FDD) TDD)
● LAOFD-001001 LTE- ● TDLAOFD-001001
A Introduction LTE-A Introduction

2F+2T ● FDD: two Each cell requires one Each cell requires one
intra- sales unit of the license sales unit of the license
eNodeB for each of the for each of the
cells following features: following features:
● TDD: two ● MRFD-101222 FDD ● MRFD-101231 FDD
inter- +TDD Downlink +TDD Downlink
eNodeB Carrier Carrier
cells in a Aggregation(LTE Aggregation(LTE
relaxed FDD) TDD)
backhaul ● LAOFD-001001 LTE- ● TDLAOFD-001001
scenario A Introduction LTE-A Introduction
In addition, each of the
serving eNodeBs for the
TDD cells requires one
sales unit of the license
for TDLAOFD-081402
Inter-eNodeB CA Based
on Relaxed Backhaul.

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CCs Scenario FDD Licensing TDD Licensing

Principle Principle

2F+2T ● FDD: two Each cell requires one Each cell requires one
inter- sales unit of the license sales unit of the license
eNodeB for each of the for each of the
cells in an following features: following features:
eNodeB ● MRFD-101222 FDD ● MRFD-101231 FDD
coordinati +TDD Downlink +TDD Downlink
on Carrier Carrier
scenario Aggregation(LTE Aggregation(LTE
● TDD: two FDD) TDD)
intra- ● LAOFD-001001 LTE- ● TDLAOFD-001001
eNodeB A Introduction LTE-A Introduction
cells
In addition, each of the
serving eNodeBs for the
FDD cells requires one
sales unit of the license
for LAOFD-070202
Inter-eNodeB CA based
on Coordinated
eNodeB.

2F+4T Intra- Each cell requires one Each cell requires one
eNodeB sales unit of the license sales unit of the license
for each of the for each of the
following features: following features:
● MRFD-101222 FDD ● MRFD-101231 FDD
+TDD Downlink +TDD Downlink
Carrier Carrier
Aggregation(LTE Aggregation(LTE
FDD) TDD)
● MRFD-151309 FDD ● MRFD-151401 FDD
+TDD Downlink +TDD Downlink
Massive CA(LTE Massive CA(LTE
FDD) TDD)
● LAOFD-001001 LTE- ● TDLAOFD-001001
A Introduction LTE-A Introduction
● TDLAOFD-081405
Carrier Aggregation
for Downlink 3CC
● TDLEOFD-081504
Carrier Aggregation
for Downlink 4CC
and 5CC

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CCs Scenario FDD Licensing TDD Licensing

Principle Principle

2F+4T ● FDD: two Each cell requires one Each cell requires one
inter- sales unit of the license sales unit of the license
eNodeB for each of the for each of the
cells in an following features: following features:
eNodeB ● MRFD-101222 FDD ● MRFD-101231 FDD
coordinati +TDD Downlink +TDD Downlink
on Carrier Carrier
scenario Aggregation(LTE Aggregation(LTE
● TDD: four FDD) TDD)
intra- ● MRFD-151309 FDD ● MRFD-151401 FDD
eNodeB +TDD Downlink +TDD Downlink
cells Massive CA(LTE Massive CA(LTE
FDD) TDD)
● LAOFD-001001 LTE- ● TDLAOFD-001001
A Introduction LTE-A Introduction
Moreover, each of the ● TDLAOFD-081405
serving eNodeBs for the Carrier Aggregation
two FDD cells requires for Downlink 3CC
one sales unit of the
license for ● TDLEOFD-081504
LAOFD-070202 Inter- Carrier Aggregation
eNodeB CA based on for Downlink 4CC
Coordinated eNodeB. and 5CC

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CCs Scenario FDD Licensing TDD Licensing

Principle Principle

2F+4T ● FDD: two Each cell requires one Each cell requires one
intra- sales unit of the license sales unit of the license
eNodeB for each of the for each of the
cells following features: following features:
● TDD: four ● MRFD-101222 FDD ● MRFD-101231 FDD
inter- +TDD Downlink +TDD Downlink
eNodeB Carrier Carrier
cells in a Aggregation(LTE Aggregation(LTE
relaxed FDD) TDD)
backhaul ● MRFD-151309 FDD ● MRFD-151401 FDD
scenario +TDD Downlink +TDD Downlink
Massive CA(LTE Massive CA(LTE
FDD) TDD)
● LAOFD-001001 LTE- ● TDLAOFD-001001
A Introduction LTE-A Introduction
● TDLAOFD-081405
Carrier Aggregation
for Downlink 3CC
● TDLEOFD-081504
Carrier Aggregation
for Downlink 4CC
and 5CC
In addition, each of the
serving eNodeBs for the
four TDD cells requires
one sales unit of the
license for
TDLAOFD-081402
Inter-eNodeB CA Based
on Relaxed Backhaul.

12.3.2 Software
Before activating this function, ensure that its prerequisite functions have been
activated and mutually exclusive functions have been deactivated. For detailed
operations, see the relevant feature documents.

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Prerequisite Functions
RAT Function Function Reference Description
Name Switch

FDD Downlink 2CC None 5 Downlink (Optional; depending

TDD aggregation 2CC on how many FDD
Aggregation carriers are involved in
CA and how many
TDD carriers are
involved in CA)
Downlink 2CC
aggregation is
required on the FDD
or TDD side if at least
two FDD or TDD
carriers need to be
aggregated in the
downlink.

FDD Downlink 3CC FDD: the 6 Downlink (Optional; depending

TDD aggregation CaDl3CCSwit 3CC on how many FDD
ch and Aggregation carriers are involved in
CaDl3CCExtS CA and how many
witch options TDD carriers are
of the involved in CA)
CaMgtCfg.Ce Downlink 3CC
llCaAlgoSwit aggregation is
ch parameter required on the FDD
TDD: the or TDD side if at least
CaDl3CCSwit three FDD or TDD
ch option of carriers need to be
the aggregated in the
CaMgtCfg.Ce downlink.
llCaAlgoSwit
ch parameter
FDD Downlink 4CC CaDl4CCSwit 7 Downlink (Optional; depending
TDD aggregation ch option of 4CC on how many FDD
the Aggregation carriers are involved in
CaMgtCfg.Ce CA and how many
llCaAlgoSwit TDD carriers are
ch parameter involved in CA)
Downlink 4CC
aggregation is
required on the FDD
or TDD side if at least
four FDD or TDD
carriers need to be
aggregated in the
downlink.

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RAT Function Function Reference Description

Name Switch

FDD Downlink 5CC CaDl5CCSwit 8 Downlink (Optional; depending

TDD aggregation ch option of 5CC on how many FDD
the Aggregation carriers are involved in
CaMgtCfg.Ce CA and how many
llCaAlgoSwit TDD carriers are
ch parameter involved in CA)
Downlink 5CC
aggregation is
required on the FDD
or TDD side if at least
five FDD or TDD
carriers need to be
aggregated in the
downlink.

FDD Downlink DlMassiveCa 9 Downlink (Optional) Downlink

massive CA Switch option Massive CA massive CA is required
of the (FDD) on the FDD side if at
CaMgtCfg.Ce least six FDD carriers
llCaAlgoSwit need to be
ch parameter aggregated in the
downlink.

FDD Intelligent CaSmartSele 11 Intelligent (Optional) Intelligent

TDD selection of ctionSwitch Selection of selection of serving
serving cell option of the Serving Cell cell combinations is
combinations ENodeBAlgoS Combination required on the FDD
witch.CaAlgo s or TDD side if this
Switch intelligent selection
parameter function is required
for the FDD or TDD
carriers involved in
downlink CA.

FDD Inter-eNodeB FreqCfgCaOv 16 Inter- (Optional) Inter-

TDD CA based on erBBUsSwitc eNodeB CA eNodeB CA based on
eNodeB h option of Based on eNodeB coordination
coordination the eNodeB is required on the FDD
ENodeBAlgoS Coordination or TDD side if the
witch.OverBB FDD or TDD carriers
UsSwitch to be aggregated in
parameter the downlink are
inter-eNodeB ones in
an eNodeB
coordination scenario.

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RAT Function Function Reference Description

Name Switch

FDD Inter-eNodeB FDD: 15 Inter- (Optional) Inter-

TDD CA based on RelaxedBack eNodeB CA eNodeB CA based on
relaxed haulCaSwitc Based on relaxed backhaul is
backhaul h option of Relaxed required on the FDD
the Backhaul or TDD side if the
ENodeBAlgoS FDD or TDD carriers
witch.CaAlgo to be aggregated in
Switch the downlink are
parameter inter-eNodeB ones in
TDD: a relaxed backhaul
TddRelaxedB scenario.
ackhaulCaSw
itch option of
the
ENodeBAlgoS
witch.CaAlgo
Switch
parameter

Mutually Exclusive Functions

● FDD
– When the total number of FDD and TDD carriers aggregated in the
downlink is less than or equal to five, there are no mutually exclusive
functions.
– When the total number of FDD and TDD carriers aggregated in the
downlink exceeds five, this CA function does not work with the following
function.

RAT Function Name Function Reference

Switch

FDD Massive MIMO Massive MIMO Massive MIMO

works in (FDD)
multiple
scenarios. Its
function switch
varies
depending on
scenarios. For
details, see
Massive MIMO
(FDD).

● TDD
There are no mutually exclusive functions.

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12.3.3 Hardware
Base Station Models
When the total number of FDD and TDD carriers aggregated in the downlink is
less than or equal to five, there are no requirements on base station models.

Boards
The requirements described in Boards of 5.3.3 Hardware must be fulfilled. In
addition, note that:
● Do not use LBBPc boards, which do not support this function. If a physical cell
of an SFN cell is established on an LBBPc board, this function cannot be used
with the SFN cell either.
● Do not use an FDD cell on any LBBPd4 board as the PCell for aggregation of
three or more downlink FDD and TDD CCs. Otherwise, the aggregation will
not work.
● When the total number of FDD and TDD carriers aggregated in the downlink
exceeds five, the following constraints also apply:
– BBU3910A and BBU3910C cannot be used for this function.
– LBBPc and UBBPex2 boards cannot be used for this function.
– Only cells on FDD UBBPd, UBBPe, or UBBPg boards can act as PCells.
– The main control boards of the serving eNodeBs for PCells must be UMPT
boards.

RF Modules
For details, see RF Modules in 5.3.3 Hardware.

Cells
For details, see Subframe Configurations in 12.1 Principles.

12.3.4 Networking
The requirements described in 5.3.4 Networking must be fulfilled. In addition:
● eNodeBs must be time-synchronized (with the TASM.CLKSYNCMODE
parameter set to TIME). The time alignment error must be within:
– 130 ns between two contiguous CCs.
– 260 ns between two non-contiguous CCs.
● If this function is to be deployed in a relaxed backhaul scenario, the inter-
eNodeB one-way delay must be less than or equal to 4 ms and the RTT must
be less than or equal to 8 ms. Moreover, the requirements described in 15.3.4
Networking must be fulfilled.
● If this function is to be deployed in an eNodeB coordination scenario, the
requirements described in 16.3.4 Networking must be fulfilled.
● When this function is used together with LTE and NR uplink spectrum sharing,
the following requirements must be met:

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– If LTE TDD and NR TDD are deployed in the same band and both LTE and
NR uplink spectrum sharing and uplink and downlink decoupling are
deployed in an LTE FDD band, LTE and NR uplink spectrum sharing does
not work with FDD+TDD CA.
– If LTE TDD and NR TDD are deployed in different bands and both LTE and
NR uplink spectrum sharing and uplink and downlink decoupling are
deployed in an LTE FDD band, FDD+TDD CA can be deployed in these
bands so long as the following conditions are fulfilled:

▪ The in-use frame offset of the LTE TDD cell (specified by the
CellFrameOffset.FrameOffset or
ENodeBFrameOffset.TddFrameOffset parameter) is greater than
that of the LTE FDD cell (specified by the
CellFrameOffset.FrameOffset or
ENodeBFrameOffset.FddFrameOffset parameter). In addition, the
difference between them is equal to the timing advance (TA) offset
of the NR TDD cell (specified by the NR parameter
NRDUCell.TaOffset). Table 12-4 provides the details.

▪ The in-use frame offset of the LTE TDD cell is equal to that of the NR
TDD cell (specified by the gNodeBParam.FrameOffset parameter).
The in-use frame offset values of LTE FDD, LTE TDD, and NR TDD cells
have the following relationships with their respective parameter settings:

▪ If the configured value is within the range of 0 Ts to 3072 Ts, the in-
use value is equal to the configured value.

▪ If the configured value is within the range of 3072 Ts to 12288 Ts,

the in-use value is equal to the configured value plus 153600 Ts (that
is, 5 ms).

▪ If the configured value is within the range of 12288 Ts to 165888 Ts,

the in-use value is equal to the configured value.

▪ If the configured value is within the range of 165888 Ts to 261120 Ts,

the in-use value is equal to the configured value minus 153600 Ts
(that is, 5 ms).

▪ If the configured value is within the range of 275943 Ts to 307200 Ts,

the in-use value is equal to the configured value minus 307200 Ts
(that is, 10 ms).

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Table 12-4 Requirements on the in-use frame offset values for LTE TDD,
LTE FDD, and NR TDD cells

In-Use Frame TA Offset of Other Requirements

Offset of the the NR TDD
LTE TDD Cell Cell
Minus That of
the LTE FDD
Cell

624 Ts 39936 Tc The distance between the

antennas for the LTE FDD and LTE
TDD cells must be less than or
equal to 2.9 km. Otherwise, the
proportion of UEs in the uplink
FDD+TDD CA state decreases.

400 Ts 25600 Tc The distance between the

antennas for the LTE FDD and LTE
TDD cells must be less than or
equal to 5.1 km. Otherwise, the
proportion of UEs in the uplink
FDD+TDD CA state decreases.

12.3.5 Others
● UEs
UEs must comply with 3GPP Release 12 or later and support the frequency
bands of the carriers to be aggregated and their bandwidths. UEs must also
support the peak data rates that CA can achieve.
Downlink FDD+TDD massive CA requires UEs to comply with 3GPP Release 13
or later.
● EPC
For this function to reach a theoretical peak data rate, the maximum bit rate
that each UE subscribes to in the EPC cannot be lower than this theoretical
value. For the theoretical values, see 12.2.1 Benefits.

12.4 Operation and Maintenance

12.4.1 Data Configuration

12.4.1.1 Data Preparation

This function works in either CA-group-based or adaptive configuration mode.
Prepare basic data as described in 5.4.1.1 Data Preparation.

In addition, for either mode, prepare data as described in Table 12-5 and Table
12-6 for function activation and optimization.

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Table 12-5 Parameters for activating downlink FDD+TDD CA

Parameter Name Parameter ID Setting Notes

Cell Level CA CaMgtCfg.CellCa Select the InterFddTddCaSwitch

Algorithm Switch AlgoSwitch option.

FDD TDD CA DL CaMgtCfg.FddTd Set this parameter based on site

Max CC Number dCaDlMaxCcNum conditions.

FDD Frame Offset ENodeBFrameOff This parameter specifies the offset of

set.FddFrameOff the frame start time for all LTE FDD
set cells served by the eNodeB relative to
the time of the reference clock.
FDD+TDD CA requires time
synchronization between the cells
involved. An identical frame offset
must be set for all the cells. Otherwise,
FDD+TDD CA does not work.
Run the DSP CELLFRAMEOFFSET
command to query the frame offset
actually used for each cell. If the
values of Frame Offset Effect
Value(Ts) are the same for the cells
involved, the frame offsets of the cells
are the same.
Set this parameter based on the
network plan.

TDD Frame Offset ENodeBFrameOff This parameter specifies the offset of

set.TddFrameOff the frame start time for all LTE TDD
set cells served by the eNodeB relative to
the time of the reference clock.
If uplink and downlink timeslots are
not aligned between TDD systems,
inter-system interference may occur.
Operators can adjust this parameter to
minimize the error in timeslot
alignment between the TDD systems.
Run the DSP CELLFRAMEOFFSET
command to query the frame offset
actually used for each cell. If the
values of Frame Offset Effect
Value(Ts) are the same for the cells
involved, the frame offsets of the cells
are the same.
Set this parameter based on the
network plan.

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Table 12-6 Parameters for optimizing downlink FDD+TDD CA

Parameter Name Parameter ID Setting Notes

SRS-based Low CaMgtCfg.SrsBas ● When PCC anchoring based on SRS

Efficiency UE SINR edLowEffSinrThl quality is required, the value -10 is
Threshold d recommended. You can adjust the
value based on site conditions. To
prevent ping-pong handovers,
ensure that the RSRP of the co-
coverage FDD cell relevant to this
SINR threshold is greater than the
InterFreqHoGroup.InterFreqHoA2
ThdRsrp parameter value and less
than the
CaMgtCfg.EnhancedPccAnchorA1T
hdRsrp parameter value for this
FDD cell. If the SINR value of a CA
UE is lower than this SINR
threshold, the PCC can be changed
from a TDD carrier to an FDD
carrier that is one of the SCCs. You
are advised to set this parameter
for networks where TDD carriers
are working in high frequency
bands (for example, 3.5 GHz) and
FDD carriers are working in low
frequency bands (for example, 1.8
GHz).
● To disable SRS-quality-based PCC
anchoring, set this parameter to
255.
This parameter applies only to LTE
TDD.

Moreover, take the following necessary actions for this function to take effect:
● Prepare data as described in the relevant "Data Preparation" sections if two,
three, four, or five FDD and TDD CCs need to be aggregated in the downlink.
● Prepare data as described in 16.4.1.1 Data Preparation if downlink FDD+TDD
CA is to be deployed in an eNodeB coordination scenario.
● Prepare data as described in 15.4.1.1 Data Preparation if downlink FDD+TDD
CA is to be deployed in a relaxed backhaul scenario.
● Prepare the data described in Table 12-7 and Table 12-8 if downlink FDD
+TDD massive CA is required. Downlink FDD+TDD massive CA works only in
adaptive configuration mode.

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Carrier Aggregation Feature Parameter Description 12 Downlink FDD+TDD CA

Table 12-7 Parameters for activating downlink FDD+TDD massive CA

Parameter Name Parameter ID Setting Notes

FDD TDD CA DL Max CaMgtCfg.FddTddC Set this parameter to

CC Number aDlMaxCcNum DL_MASSIVE_CA.

Table 12-8 Parameters for optimizing downlink FDD+TDD massive CA

Parameter Name Parameter ID Setting Notes

DL Beyond 3CC UE RlcPdcpParaGroup. Set this parameter to

Reordering Timer Dl4cc5ccUeReorderi Treordering_m15.
ngTimer
DL Beyond 3CC UE RlcPdcpParaGroup. Set this parameter to m15.
Status Prohibit Timer Dl4cc5ccUeStatProh
Timer
Downlink RLC-SN RlcPdcpParaGroup. The value RlcSnSize_size16
size DlRlcSnSize is recommended when the
RLC mode is acknowledged
mode (AM).

12.4.1.2 Using MML Commands

Activation Command Examples

Before activating this function, configure cells or frequencies according to 5.4.1.2
Using MML Commands.
This section uses downlink FDD+TDD 2CC aggregation, downlink FDD+TDD 4CC
aggregation (1 FDD carrier + 3 TDD carriers), and downlink FDD+TDD 6CC
aggregation (1 FDD carrier + 5 TDD carriers) as examples to describe how to
activate this function.
● Downlink FDD+TDD 2CC aggregation
//Turning on InterFddTddCaSwitch and setting FddTddCaDlMaxCcNum to 2CC for each possible PCell
MOD CAMGTCFG: LocalCellId=0, CellCaAlgoSwitch=InterFddTddCaSwitch-1,
FddTddCaDlMaxCcNum=2CC;
//Setting frame offsets for the base station
MOD ENODEBFRAMEOFFSET: TddFrameOffset=0,FddFrameOffset=0;
//(Optional) Setting FTRelaxedBHCaDLMaxCcNum to DL2CC for each possible PCell and SCell to
activate downlink FDD+TDD CA in a relaxed backhaul scenario
MOD CAMGTCFG: LocalCellId=0, FTRelaxedBHCaDLMaxCcNum=DL2CC;
MOD CAMGTCFG: LocalCellId=1, FTRelaxedBHCaDLMaxCcNum=DL2CC;
● Downlink FDD+TDD 4CC aggregation (1 FDD carrier + 3 TDD carriers)
//Turning on InterFddTddCaSwitch and setting FddTddCaDlMaxCcNum to 4CC for each possible PCell
MOD CAMGTCFG: LocalCellId=0, CellCaAlgoSwitch=InterFddTddCaSwitch-1,
FddTddCaDlMaxCcNum=4CC;
//Turning on CaDl3CCSwitch for each possible SCell
MOD CAMGTCFG: LocalCellId=1, CellCaAlgoSwitch=CaDl3CCSwitch-1;
MOD CAMGTCFG: LocalCellId=2, CellCaAlgoSwitch=CaDl3CCSwitch-1;
MOD CAMGTCFG: LocalCellId=3, CellCaAlgoSwitch=CaDl3CCSwitch-1;
//Setting frame offsets for the base station
MOD ENODEBFRAMEOFFSET: TddFrameOffset=0,FddFrameOffset=0;

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Carrier Aggregation Feature Parameter Description 12 Downlink FDD+TDD CA

● Downlink FDD+TDD 6CC aggregation (2 FDD carriers + 4 TDD carriers)

//Turning on SupportNetReqCaComboSwitch
MOD GLOBALPROCSWITCH: ProtocolSupportSwitch=SupportNetReqCaComboSwitch-1;
//Turning on UeBandCombReducedR13Sw
MOD ENODEBALGOSWITCH: CaAlgoExtSwitch=UeBandCombReducedR13Sw-1;
//Turning on SimulAckNackAndCqiFmt3Sw
MOD CQIADAPTIVECFG: SimulAckNackAndCqiFmt3Sw=ON;
//Turning on InterFddTddCaSwitch and setting FddTddCaDlMaxCcNum to DL_MASSIVE_CA for each
possible PCell
MOD CAMGTCFG: LocalCellId=0, CellCaAlgoSwitch=InterFddTddCaSwitch-1,
FddTddCaDlMaxCcNum=DL_MASSIVE_CA;
//Turning on CaDl5CCSwitch for each possible SCell
MOD CAMGTCFG: LocalCellId=1, CellCaAlgoSwitch=CaDl5CCSwitch-1;
MOD CAMGTCFG: LocalCellId=2, CellCaAlgoSwitch=CaDl5CCSwitch-1;
MOD CAMGTCFG: LocalCellId=3, CellCaAlgoSwitch=CaDl5CCSwitch-1;
MOD CAMGTCFG: LocalCellId=4, CellCaAlgoSwitch=CaDl5CCSwitch-1;
MOD CAMGTCFG: LocalCellId=5, CellCaAlgoSwitch=CaDl5CCSwitch-1;
//Setting frame offsets for the base station
MOD ENODEBFRAMEOFFSET: TddFrameOffset=0,FddFrameOffset=0;
//(Optional) Setting FTRelaxedBHCaDLMaxCcNum to DL_MASSIVE_CA for each possible PCell and
FDD SCell to activate downlink FDD+TDD CA in a relaxed backhaul scenario.
FTRelaxedBHCaDLMaxCcNum cannot be set to DL_MASSIVE_CA for TDD SCells.
MOD CAMGTCFG: LocalCellId=0, FTRelaxedBHCaDLMaxCcNum=DL_MASSIVE_CA;
MOD CAMGTCFG: LocalCellId=1, FTRelaxedBHCaDLMaxCcNum=DL_MASSIVE_CA;
MOD CAMGTCFG: LocalCellId=2, FTRelaxedBHCaDLMaxCcNum=DL5CC;
MOD CAMGTCFG: LocalCellId=3, FTRelaxedBHCaDLMaxCcNum=DL5CC;
MOD CAMGTCFG: LocalCellId=4, FTRelaxedBHCaDLMaxCcNum=DL5CC;
MOD CAMGTCFG: LocalCellId=5, FTRelaxedBHCaDLMaxCcNum=DL5CC;

Deactivation Command Examples

● Disabling downlink FDD+TDD 2CC aggregation
//Turning off InterFddTddCaSwitch for each possible PCell
MOD CAMGTCFG: LocalCellId=0, CellCaAlgoSwitch=InterFddTddCaSwitch-0;

● Disabling downlink FDD+TDD 3CC, 4CC, or 5CC aggregation

//Setting FddTddCaDlMaxCcNum to a value less than the corresponding number of CCs. The following
is an example for deactivation of downlink FDD+TDD 3CC aggregation.
MOD CAMGTCFG: LocalCellId=0, FddTddCaDlMaxCcNum=2CC;

● Disabling downlink FDD+TDD massive CA

//Setting FddTddCaDlMaxCcNum to a value other than DL_MASSIVE_CA
MOD CAMGTCFG: LocalCellId=0, FddTddCaDlMaxCcNum=5CC;

12.4.1.3 Using the MAE-Deployment

For detailed operations, see Feature Configuration Using the MAE-Deployment.

12.4.2 Activation Verification

In addition to the methods described in 5.4.2 Activation Verification, observe the
counters listed in this section to verify function activation.
● Downlink FDD+TDD 2CC aggregation
If the counters listed in Table 12-9 produce non-zero values, downlink FDD
+TDD 2CC aggregation has taken effect.

Table 12-9 Counters used to verify activation of downlink FDD+TDD 2CC

aggregation

Counter ID Counter Name

1526737782 L.Traffic.User.FddTddCA.PCell.DL.Avg

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Carrier Aggregation Feature Parameter Description 12 Downlink FDD+TDD CA

Counter ID Counter Name

1526737795 L.Traffic.User.FddTddCA.PCell.DL.Active.A
vg

● Downlink FDD+TDD 3CC aggregation

If the counters listed in Table 12-10 produce non-zero values, downlink FDD
+TDD 3CC aggregation has taken effect.

Table 12-10 Counters used to verify activation of downlink FDD+TDD 3CC

aggregation
Counter ID Counter Name

1526737776 L.Traffic.User.FddTddCA.3CC.PCell.DL.Avg

1526737797 L.Traffic.User.FddTddCA.
3CC.PCell.DL.Active.Avg

● Downlink FDD+TDD 4CC aggregation

If the counters listed in Table 12-11 produce non-zero values, downlink FDD
+TDD 4CC aggregation has taken effect.

Table 12-11 Counters used to verify activation of downlink FDD+TDD 4CC

aggregation
Counter ID Counter Name

1526737778 L.Traffic.User.FddTddCA.4CC.PCell.DL.Avg

1526737799 L.Traffic.User.FddTddCA.
4CC.PCell.DL.Active.Avg

● Downlink FDD+TDD 5CC aggregation

If the counters listed in Table 12-12 produce non-zero values, downlink FDD
+TDD 5CC aggregation has taken effect.

Table 12-12 Counters used to verify activation of downlink FDD+TDD 5CC

aggregation
Counter ID Counter Name

1526741758 L.Traffic.User.FddTddCA.5CC.PCell.DL.Avg

1526741735 L.Traffic.User.FddTddCA.
5CC.PCell.DL.Active.Avg

● Downlink FDD+TDD massive CA

If any counter listed in Table 12-13 produces a non-zero value on a network
that is serving CA UEs capable of downlink FDD+TDD massive CA, downlink
FDD+TDD massive CA has taken effect in the network.

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Carrier Aggregation Feature Parameter Description 12 Downlink FDD+TDD CA

Table 12-13 Counters used to verify activation of downlink FDD+TDD massive

CA
Counter ID Counter Name

1526749452 L.Traffic.User.PCell.DL.6CC.Avg

1526749489 L.Traffic.User.CA.6CC.PCell.DL.Active.Avg

1526749453 L.Traffic.User.PCell.DL.7CC.Avg

1526749490 L.Traffic.User.CA.7CC.PCell.DL.Active.Avg

1526749454 L.Traffic.User.PCell.DL.8CC.Avg

1526749491 L.Traffic.User.CA.8CC.PCell.DL.Active.Avg

12.4.3 Network Monitoring

Monitoring in Non-MOCN Scenarios
In addition to the counters listed in 5.4.3 Network Monitoring, monitor the
counters in this section and compare the results with the network plan to evaluate
network performance.
● Downlink FDD+TDD 2CC aggregation
Calculate the downlink throughput of UEs in the downlink FDD+TDD 2CC
aggregation state in a cell by using the following formula:
Throughput of UEs in the downlink FDD+TDD 2CC aggregation state in a cell
= Total downlink PDCP-layer traffic volume of CA UEs that treat the local cell
as their PCell and have one SCell activated for downlink FDD+TDD 2CC
aggregation/Total downlink PDCP-layer data transmission duration for CA UEs
that have one SCell activated for downlink FDD+TDD 2CC aggregation in the
cell
In the preceding formula:
– Total downlink PDCP-layer traffic volume of CA UEs that treat the local
cell as their PCell and have one SCell activated for downlink FDD+TDD
2CC aggregation = Total downlink PDCP-layer traffic volume of all CA
UEs that treat the local cell as their PCell and have one or more SCells
activated for downlink FDD+TDD CA – Total downlink PDCP-layer traffic
volume of CA UEs that treat the local cell as their PCell and have more
than one SCell activated for downlink FDD+TDD CA
– Total downlink PDCP-layer data transmission duration for CA UEs that
have one SCell activated for downlink FDD+TDD 2CC aggregation in the
cell = Total downlink PDCP-layer data transmission duration for all CA
UEs that have one or more SCells activated for downlink FDD+TDD CA in
the cell – Total downlink PDCP-layer data transmission duration for CA
UEs that have more than one SCell activated for downlink FDD+TDD CA
in the cell
For example, if only downlink FDD+TDD 2CC aggregation and downlink FDD
+TDD 3CC aggregation are enabled in a cell, calculate the throughput of UEs
in the downlink FDD+TDD 2CC aggregation state in the cell by using the
following formula:

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Carrier Aggregation Feature Parameter Description 12 Downlink FDD+TDD CA

(L.Thrp.bits.DL.FddTddCAUser – L.Thrp.bits.DL.3CC.FddTddCAUser)/
(L.Thrp.Time.DL.FddTddCAUser – L.Thrp.Time.DL.3CC.FddTddCAUser)

Table 12-14 Counters used to monitor performance of downlink FDD+TDD

2CC aggregation (non-MOCN)

Counter ID Counter Name

1526737782 L.Traffic.User.FddTddCA.PCell.DL.Avg

1526737783 L.Traffic.User.FddTddCA.PCell.DL.Max

1526737795 L.Traffic.User.FddTddCA.PCell.DL.Active.A
vg

1526737796 L.Traffic.User.FddTddCA.PCell.DL.Active.M
ax

1526737807 L.Thrp.Time.DL.FddTddCAUser

1526737808 L.Thrp.bits.DL.FddTddCAUser

1526737768 L.E-RAB.AbnormRel.FddTddCAUser

1526737774 L.E-RAB.NormRel.FddTddCAUser

● Downlink FDD+TDD 3CC aggregation

Calculate the throughput of UEs in the downlink FDD+TDD 3CC aggregation
state by using the following formula: L.Thrp.bits.DL.3CC.FddTddCAUser/
L.Thrp.Time.DL.3CC.FddTddCAUser.

Table 12-15 Counters used to monitor performance of downlink FDD+TDD

3CC aggregation (non-MOCN)

Counter ID Counter Name

1526737776 L.Traffic.User.FddTddCA.3CC.PCell.DL.Avg

1526737777 L.Traffic.User.FddTddCA.3CC.PCell.DL.Max

1526737797 L.Traffic.User.FddTddCA.
3CC.PCell.DL.Active.Avg

1526737798 L.Traffic.User.FddTddCA.
3CC.PCell.DL.Active.Max

1526737810 L.Thrp.Time.DL.3CC.FddTddCAUser

1526737811 L.Thrp.bits.DL.3CC.FddTddCAUser

1526737764 L.E-RAB.AbnormRel.FddTddCAUser.3CC

1526737770 L.E-RAB.NormRel.FddTddCAUser.3CC

● Downlink FDD+TDD 4CC aggregation

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Carrier Aggregation Feature Parameter Description 12 Downlink FDD+TDD CA

Calculate the throughput of UEs in the downlink FDD+TDD 4CC aggregation

state by using the following formula: L.Thrp.bits.DL.4CC.FddTddCAUser/
L.Thrp.Time.DL.4CC.FddTddCAUser.

Table 12-16 Counters used to monitor performance of downlink FDD+TDD

4CC aggregation (non-MOCN)

Counter ID Counter Name

1526737778 L.Traffic.User.FddTddCA.4CC.PCell.DL.Avg

1526737779 L.Traffic.User.FddTddCA.4CC.PCell.DL.Max

1526737799 L.Traffic.User.FddTddCA.
4CC.PCell.DL.Active.Avg

1526737800 L.Traffic.User.FddTddCA.
4CC.PCell.DL.Active.Max

1526737814 L.Thrp.Time.DL.4CC.FddTddCAUser

1526737815 L.Thrp.bits.DL.4CC.FddTddCAUser

1526737765 L.E-RAB.AbnormRel.FddTddCAUser.4CC

1526737771 L.E-RAB.NormRel.FddTddCAUser.4CC

● Downlink FDD+TDD 5CC aggregation

Calculate the throughput of UEs in the downlink FDD+TDD 5CC aggregation
state by using the following formula: L.Thrp.bits.DL.5CC.FddTddCAUser/
L.Thrp.Time.DL.5CC.FddTddCAUser.

Table 12-17 Counters used to monitor performance of downlink FDD+TDD

5CC aggregation (non-MOCN)

Counter ID Counter Name

1526741758 L.Traffic.User.FddTddCA.5CC.PCell.DL.Avg

1526741735 L.Traffic.User.FddTddCA.
5CC.PCell.DL.Active.Avg

1526741754 L.Thrp.Time.DL.5CC.FddTddCAUser

1526741755 L.Thrp.bits.DL.5CC.FddTddCAUser

1526741756 L.E-RAB.AbnormRel.FddTddCAUser.5CC

1526741757 L.E-RAB.NormRel.FddTddCAUser.5CC

● Downlink FDD+TDD massive CA

– Calculate the throughput of UEs in the downlink FDD+TDD 6CC
aggregation state by using the following formula: L.Thrp.bits.DL.
6CC.CAUser/L.Thrp.Time.DL.6CC.CAUser.

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Carrier Aggregation Feature Parameter Description 12 Downlink FDD+TDD CA

– Calculate the throughput of UEs in the downlink FDD+TDD 7CC

aggregation state by using the following formula: L.Thrp.bits.DL.
7CC.CAUser/L.Thrp.Time.DL.7CC.CAUser.
– Calculate the throughput of UEs in the downlink FDD+TDD 8CC
aggregation state by using the following formula: L.Thrp.bits.DL.
8CC.CAUser/L.Thrp.Time.DL.8CC.CAUser.

Table 12-18 Counters used to monitor performance of downlink FDD+TDD

massive CA

Counter ID Counter Name

1526749452 L.Traffic.User.PCell.DL.6CC.Avg

1526749489 L.Traffic.User.CA.6CC.PCell.DL.Active.Avg

1526749453 L.Traffic.User.PCell.DL.7CC.Avg

1526749490 L.Traffic.User.CA.7CC.PCell.DL.Active.Avg

1526749454 L.Traffic.User.PCell.DL.8CC.Avg

1526749491 L.Traffic.User.CA.8CC.PCell.DL.Active.Avg

1526749443 L.Thrp.Time.DL.6CC.CAUser

1526749440 L.Thrp.bits.DL.6CC.CAUser

1526749444 L.Thrp.Time.DL.7CC.CAUser

1526749441 L.Thrp.bits.DL.7CC.CAUser

1526749445 L.Thrp.Time.DL.8CC.CAUser

1526749442 L.Thrp.bits.DL.8CC.CAUser

Monitoring in MOCN Scenarios

In addition to the counters listed in 5.4.3 Network Monitoring, monitor the
counters in Table 12-19 and compare the results with the network plan to
evaluate network performance.

Table 12-19 Counters used to monitor performance of downlink FDD+TDD CA

(MOCN)

Counter ID Counter Name

1526739768 L.Traffic.User.FddTddCA.PCell.DL.Avg.PLMN

1526739746 L.Thrp.Time.DL.FddTddCAUser.PLMN

1526739745 L.Thrp.bits.DL.FddTddCAUser.PLMN

1526739770 L.E-RAB.AbnormRel.FddTddCAUser.PLMN

1526739772 L.E-RAB.NormRel.FddTddCAUser.PLMN

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Carrier Aggregation Feature Parameter Description 13 Uplink 2CC Aggregation

13 Uplink 2CC Aggregation

13.1 Principles
This function aggregates two intra- or inter-band carriers, as shown in Figure
13-1, to provide higher bandwidth (up to 40 MHz) for the uplink.

Figure 13-1 Uplink 2CC aggregation

This function works between intra-eNodeB cells, between inter-eNodeB cells in

eNodeB coordination scenarios, and between inter-eNodeB cells in relaxed
backhaul scenarios.

This function is controlled by the CaUl2CCSwitch option of the

CaMgtCfg.CellCaAlgoSwitch parameter.

13.2 Network Analysis

13.2.1 Benefits
This function enables CA UEs to reach higher uplink peak data rates.

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Carrier Aggregation Feature Parameter Description 13 Uplink 2CC Aggregation

Table 13-1 lists the theoretical peak data rates that a CA UE can reach using FDD
uplink 2CC aggregation. These values assume a TBS suitable for the 20 MHz cell
bandwidth (equivalent to 100 RBs in the frequency domain).

Table 13-1 Theoretical peak data rates for FDD uplink 2CC aggregation (unit:
Mbit/s)

Non-MIMO 2x2 MIMO Non-MIMO 2x2 MIMO

+ 16QAM + 16QAM + 64QAM + 64QAM

102.0 203.7 150.8 299.6

The peak data rate that CA can achieve for a CA UE is subject to:
● Peak data rate capability of the board where the PCell for the CA UE is
located
For example, if the PCell of a CA UE is served by an LBBPd1 board that
supports an uplink peak data rate of 225 Mbit/s, the peak data rate that CA
can achieve for the CA UE will not exceed 225 Mbit/s in the uplink.
● Capability of the CA UE
If the UE capability is limited, the actual peak data rates will be lower than
the theoretical values. The UE capability is indicated by ue-categoryUL. For
details about this IE, see section 4.1A "ue-CategoryDL and ue-CategoryUL" in
3GPP TS 36.306 V15.2.0.

13.2.2 Impacts
This section describes the network and function impacts of this function itself.

For the network and function impacts of the prerequisite functions, see the
"Impacts" sections for the prerequisite functions.

Network Impacts
This function has the following impacts on the network:
● Uplink interference may increase because CA UEs consume additional uplink
resources.
● If multiple timing advances (MTA) is enabled, the counters related to random
access to SCells return larger values, because of non-contention-based
random access to the SCells. In addition, if uplink power of CA UEs is limited,
MTA measurements result in certain throughput loss.
● Uplink throughput rises when the UlCaPuschPcOptSwitch option of the
CellAlgoSwitch.UlPcAlgoSwitch parameter is selected, as long as uplink
resources are sufficient. When this option is selected, the transmit power on
each PRB decreases so that more PRBs can be allocated to UEs. This function
extends the number of UEs in the uplink CA state. However, because more
resources are now used by CA UEs, uplink interference may rise, resulting in a
higher uplink IBLER and a larger number of discontinuous transmissions
(DTXs). Consequently, the RRC Setup Success Rate and E-RAB Setup Success
Rate may decrease and the Service Drop Rate may increase.

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Carrier Aggregation Feature Parameter Description 13 Uplink 2CC Aggregation

● If all parameters involved in the downlink traffic volume requirements for

SCell activation are set to non-zero values, uplink 2CC aggregation has the
following impacts on the PCell: (1) The number of UEs in the downlink CA
state and the total duration with downlink SCells being active for CA UEs
increase; (2) The average CQI for non-CA UEs varies. In addition, as a UE in
the CA state sends the CQIs for all its serving cells in the PCell, the channel
quality differences between the PCell and SCells may cause the average CQI
in the PCell to decrease, increase, or remain unchanged when the number of
CA UEs increases.
● The number of UEs in the uplink CA state increases, and the BBP CPU usage
increases. In addition, the CPU usage of the main control board may vary,
affecting the RRC connection setup success rate and delay.
● If an FDD massive MIMO cell serves as an uplink SCell for a UE and the UE is
about to report uplink SCell SRSs in DRX-defined sleep time, the eNodeB
extends the On Duration timer to ensure that there are opportunities for the
UE to send SRSs within the On Duration. As a result, the DRX-defined sleep
time is shortened. Therefore, the following changes are possible:
– The values of the L.Cdrx.Enter.Num and L.Cdrx.Exit.Num counters
increase. These counters indicate how frequently UEs entered and exited
DRX mode.
– The value of the L.Traffic.User.Cdrx.Avg counter decreases. This counter
indicates the average number of UEs on which DRX took effect.
– The value of the L.Cdrx.Active.TtiNum counter increases. This counter
indicates the length of active time.
– The value of the L.Cdrx.Sleep.TtiNum counter decreases. This counter
indicates the length of sleep time.
– The value of the L.Signal.Num.DRX.Reconfig counter increases. This
counter indicates the number of DRX reconfiguration messages.

Function Impacts
● Functions related to RAN performance
RAT Function Function Reference Description
Name Switch

FDD Uplink short- CellUlschAlg Schedulin UEs that have entered

interval SPS o.IntvlOfUlS g uplink short-interval
psWithSkipp SPS do not support
ing uplink 2CC aggregation.

FDD UL CRA UL_COORD_ Uplink Uplink SCells seldom

RES_ALLOC_ Coordinat suffer from heavy loads
SWITCH ed or interference
option of the Schedulin limitations. Therefore,
UlCsAlgoPar g uplink coordinated
a.UlCsSw resource allocation (UL
parameter CRA) is currently not
used in uplink SCells.

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Carrier Aggregation Feature Parameter Description 13 Uplink 2CC Aggregation

RAT Function Function Reference Description

Name Switch

FDD UL CPC UL_COORD_ Uplink Uplink SCells seldom

PC_SWITCH Coordinat suffer from heavy loads
option of the ed or interference
UlCsAlgoPar Schedulin limitations. Therefore,
a.UlCsSw g uplink coordinated
parameter power control (UL CPC)
is currently not used in
uplink SCells.

FDD Uplink 2x4 UlVmimoSw MIMO When uplink CA is

MU-MIMO itch option disabled, the uplink 2x4
of the multi-user MIMO (MU-
CellAlgoSwi MIMO) function works
tch.UlSchSw for CA UEs only in their
itch PCells. When uplink CA
parameter is enabled, this function
works for CA UEs in all
their serving cells,
where uplink
transmission from the
UEs is applicable.

FDD UL CoMP cell UlJointRece UL CoMP If an SCell is configured

ptionSwitch in the uplink for a CA
option of the UE, this UE will not be
CellAlgoSwi selected in the SCell for
tch.UplinkC UL CoMP.
ompSwitch
parameter

FDD Uplink UlInterSiteIc Uplink If an SCell is configured

interference Switch Interferen in the uplink for a CA
cancellation option of the ce UE, the eNodeB will not
CellAlgoSwi Cancellati select the UE for uplink
tch.UplinkIc on (FDD) interference
Switch cancellation (UL IC).
parameter

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Carrier Aggregation Feature Parameter Description 13 Uplink 2CC Aggregation

RAT Function Function Reference Description

Name Switch

FDD Terminal AbnormalUe Terminal Certain UEs on live

Awareness HandleSwitc Awarenes networks have
Differentiatio h option of s compatibility issues
n the Differenti with uplink CA.
GlobalProcS ation Whitelist control for
witch.UeCo uplink CA can be used
mpatSwitch to prevent these UEs
parameter from delivering
abnormal performance
with uplink CA. With
this function, uplink CA
takes effect only for
UEs that have no
compatibility issues
with uplink CA.
Whitelist control for
uplink CA is enabled
when both of the
following conditions are
met:
● The
CA_SWITCH_OFF
option of the
UeCompat.BlkLstCtr
lSwitch parameter is
deselected.
● The
UL_CA_SWITCH_ON
option of the
UeCompat.WhiteLst
CtrlSwitch
parameter is
selected.

FDD UMTS and UMTS_LTE_Z UMTS There are fewer PUSCH

LTE zero ERO_BUFFER and LTE and SRS resources in a
bufferzone _ZONE_SW Zero cell in the bufferzone
option of the Bufferzon than in a common cell.
ULZeroBuffe e Therefore, when the LTE
rZone.ZeroB bandwidth is 5 MHz or
ufZoneSwitc 10 MHz, using a cell in
h parameter the bufferzone as a
PCell for CA is not
recommended. If the
cell is used as a PCell,
CA performance
deteriorates.

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Carrier Aggregation Feature Parameter Description 13 Uplink 2CC Aggregation

RAT Function Function Reference Description

Name Switch

FDD NSA DC PCC NSA_PCC_A NSA ● Uplink 2CC

anchoring NCHORING_ Networkin aggregation does
SWITCH g based not take effect for
option of the on EPC UEs running NSA DC
NsaDcMgmt services.
Config.NsaD ● If an NSA DC service
cAlgoSwitch is to be initiated for
parameter a UE with two CCs
aggregated in the
uplink, the uplink
SCell will be
removed for the UE.

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Carrier Aggregation Feature Parameter Description 13 Uplink 2CC Aggregation

RAT Function Function Reference Description

Name Switch

FDD Massive Massive Massive ● Intra-eNodeB uplink

MIMO cell MIMO works MIMO FDD 2CC
in multiple (FDD) aggregation works in
scenarios. Its massive MIMO
function scenarios. However,
switch varies when they work
depending together, there will
on scenarios. be slight decreases
For details, in the data rates
see Massive achieved using
MIMO uplink 2CC
(FDD). aggregation and the
gains offered by SSB
for FDD massive
MIMO.
● When an FDD
massive MIMO cell
serves as the PCell,
inter-eNodeB uplink
FDD 2CC
aggregation does
not work.
● In FDD massive
MIMO scenarios,
cells on the UBBPex2
board cannot serve
as PCells.
● When an FDD
massive MIMO cell is
engaged in uplink
2CC aggregation and
the UE-specific SRS
period in the cell is
fixed (rather than
change with the
number of UEs), SRS
resources may fail to
be allocated to UEs
that access the cell.
● When an FDD
massive MIMO cell
acts as an uplink
SCell for a CA UE
and no SRS
resources in the cell
can be allocated to
the UE, the RRC
connection is

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Carrier Aggregation Feature Parameter Description 13 Uplink 2CC Aggregation

RAT Function Function Reference Description

Name Switch

repeatedly
reestablished for the
UE. When an FDD
massive MIMO cell
acts as an uplink
SCell for uplink 2CC
aggregation, a UE
may not be
configured with SRS
resources in the SCell
because of
compatibility issues.
As a result, the
measurement results
of this cell are
inaccurate. To
mitigate this issue, it
is recommended that
SRS measurement
boundary protection
in TM9 be enabled in
the massive MIMO
cell, with the
SectorSplitGroup.T
m9SrsMeasThreshol
d parameter set to
-3 dB.

● Functions related to RAN services

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Carrier Aggregation Feature Parameter Description 13 Uplink 2CC Aggregation

RAT Function Function Reference Description

Name Switch

FDD TTI bundling TtiBundling VoLTE Uplink CA is

Switch incompatible with
option of the TTI bundling at the
CellAlgoSwi UE level. TTI
tch.UlSchSw bundling takes
itch precedence over
parameter uplink CA. When an
eNodeB determines
to configure TTI
bundling for a CA
UE, the eNodeB
sends an RRC
Connection
Reconfiguration
message to remove
the uplink SCell and
configure TTI
bundling.

FDD Inter-eNodeB UlVoiceJROv VoLTE If an SCell is

VoLTE CoMP erRelaxedB configured in the
HSw option uplink for a CA UE,
of the this UE will not be
ENodeBAlgo selected in the SCell
Switch.Over for UL CoMP.
BBUsSwitch
parameter

FDD Out-of-band CellAlgoSwi Relay In out-of-band relay

relay tch.RelaySwi scenarios, RRNs
tch support downlink
2CC aggregation and
uplink 2CC
aggregation if the
Dl2CCAckResShareS
w option of the
CellAlgoSwitch.Pucc
hAlgoSwitch
parameter is
deselected, and do
not support them if
this option is
selected.

● Functions related to CloudAIR (FDD)

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Carrier Aggregation Feature Parameter Description 13 Uplink 2CC Aggregation

RAT Function Function Reference Description

Name Switch

FDD LTE FDD and SpectrumCl LTE FDD and This function reduces
NR Flash oud.Spectru NR Spectrum the number of uplink
Dynamic mCloudSwit Sharing RBs available for LTE.
Spectrum ch Therefore, the
Sharing parameter throughput of UEs in
with the the uplink FDD CA
value of state decreases.
LTE_NR_SPE
CTRUM_SHR

FDD LTE FDD and SpectrumCl LTE FDD and This function reduces
NR Uplink oud.Spectru NR Uplink the number of uplink
Spectrum mCloudSwit Spectrum RBs available for LTE.
Sharing ch Sharing Therefore, the
parameter throughput of UEs in
with the the uplink FDD CA
value of state decreases.
LTE_NR_UPL
INK_SPECTR
UM_SHR

13.3 Requirements

13.3.1 Licenses (FDD)

Each FDD cell involved in uplink 2CC aggregation has the following license
requirements:
● Each FDD cell requires one sales unit for each of the following features:
– LAOFD-001001 LTE-A Introduction
– LAOFD-080202 Carrier Aggregation for Uplink 2CC
● If the aggregated downlink bandwidth of the two cells exceeds 20 MHz, each
of the two cells also requires one sales unit of the license for LAOFD-001002
Carrier Aggregation for Downlink 2CC in 40MHz.
Table 13-2 lists the license models and sales units for these features.

Table 13-2 License models and sales units

Feature ID Feature Name Model Sales Unit

LAOFD-001001 LTE-A LT1SA020CA00 per cell

Introduction

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Carrier Aggregation Feature Parameter Description 13 Uplink 2CC Aggregation

Feature ID Feature Name Model Sales Unit

LAOFD-001002 Carrier LT1SA040CA00 per cell

Aggregation for
Downlink 2CC in
40MHz

LAOFD-080202 Carrier LT1SCAU2CC00 per cell

Aggregation for
Uplink 2CC

13.3.2 Software
Before activating this function, ensure that its prerequisite functions have been
activated and mutually exclusive functions have been deactivated. For detailed
operations, see the relevant feature documents.

Prerequisite Functions
RAT Function Name Function Switch Reference

FDD Downlink 2CC None 5 Downlink 2CC

aggregation Aggregation

Mutually Exclusive Functions

None

13.3.3 Hardware
Base Station Models
For FDD, the following base stations are compatible with this function:
● 3900 and 5900 series base stations
● DBS3900 LampSite and DBS5900 LampSite

Boards
The requirements described in Boards of 5.3.3 Hardware must be fulfilled. In
addition:
● Do not use LBBPc boards, which do not support this function.
● For downlink massive CA plus uplink 2CC aggregation, only cells on UBBPd or
UBBPe boards can act as the uplink SCell.

RF Modules
For details, see RF Modules in 5.3.3 Hardware.

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Carrier Aggregation Feature Parameter Description 13 Uplink 2CC Aggregation

13.3.4 Networking
The requirements described in 5.3.4 Networking must be fulfilled. In addition, if
an SFN cell whose layer 1 and layer 2 are deployed in different BBUs participates
in uplink CA, the versions of the eNodeBs where these BBUs are configured must
be eRAN11.1 or later so that MTA can be enabled.

13.3.5 Others
● UEs
UEs must comply with 3GPP Release 12 or later and support the frequency
bands of the carriers to be aggregated and their bandwidths. UEs must also
support the peak data rates that CA can achieve.
● EPC
For this function to reach a theoretical peak data rate, the maximum bit rate
that each UE subscribes to in the EPC cannot be lower than this theoretical
value.
– For the theoretical peak data rates for downlink, see the relevant
"Benefits" sections.
– For the theoretical peak data rates for uplink, see 13.2.1 Benefits.

13.4 Operation and Maintenance

13.4.1 Data Configuration (FDD)

13.4.1.1 Data Preparation

This function works in either CA-group-based or adaptive configuration mode.
Prepare basic data as described in 5.4.1.1 Data Preparation.
In addition, for either mode, prepare data as described in Table 13-3 and Table
13-4 for function activation and optimization.

Table 13-3 Parameters for activating uplink 2CC aggregation

Parameter Parameter ID Option Setting Notes
Name

Cell Level CA CaMgtCfg.Ce CaUl2CCSwitc Select this option.

Algorithm llCaAlgoSwit h
Switch ch

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Carrier Aggregation Feature Parameter Description 13 Uplink 2CC Aggregation

Table 13-4 Parameters for optimizing uplink 2CC aggregation

Parameter Parameter ID Option Setting Notes
Name

Uplink power CellAlgoSwit UlCaPuschPc Select this option.

control ch.UlPcAlgoS OptSwitch
algorithm witch
switch

Uplink power CellAlgoSwit CloseLoopOpt Deselect this option.

control ch.UlPcAlgoS PUSCHSwitch
algorithm witch
switch

CA Algorithm ENodeBAlgoS SccDeactByUl Select this option when uplink

Extend Switch witch.CaAlgo DtxSwitch load is not heavy and UL
ExtSwitch CoMP is not enabled. UL
CoMP is controlled by the
UlJointReceptionSwitch
option of the
CellAlgoSwitch.UplinkCompS
witch parameter.
Uplink CellAlgoSwit SchedulerCtrl Select this option.
schedule ch.UlSchSwit PowerSwitch
switch ch
Cell Level CA CaMgtCfg.Ce NackDtxIdenti The setting of this option must
Algorithm llCaAlgoSwit fySwitch be consistent between each
Switch ch possible PCell and each
possible SCell for that PCell.

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Carrier Aggregation Feature Parameter Description 13 Uplink 2CC Aggregation

Parameter Parameter ID Option Setting Notes

Name

White List UeCompat.W UL_CA_SWITC This option, together with the

Control hiteLstCtrlSw H_ON CA_SWITCH_OFF option of
Switch itch the
UeCompat.BlkLstCtrlSwitch
parameter, determines
whether to enable CA for a
specified type of UE.
● Option CA_SWITCH_OFF
selected
Carrier management for CA
or NSA DC (including PCC
anchoring, SCell
configuration, and SCG
addition) does not take
effect for these UEs. In this
case, the setting of the
UL_CA_SWITCH_ON option
does not take effect. For
details about carrier
management for NSA DC,
see NSA Networking based
on EPC.
● Option CA_SWITCH_OFF
deselected
– Option
UL_CA_SWITCH_ON
selected
Uplink CA takes effect
for these UEs.
– Option
UL_CA_SWITCH_ON
deselected
No differentiated
handling is applied to
these UEs.

Moreover, take the following necessary actions for this function to take effect:
● Prepare data as described in 15.4.1.1 Data Preparation if uplink 2CC
aggregation is to be deployed in a relaxed backhaul scenario.
● Prepare data as described in 16.4.1.1 Data Preparation if uplink 2CC
aggregation is to be deployed in an eNodeB coordination scenario.

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Carrier Aggregation Feature Parameter Description 13 Uplink 2CC Aggregation

13.4.1.2 Using MML Commands

Activation Command Examples

Before activating this function, configure cells or frequencies according to 5.4.1.2
Using MML Commands.

The activation command examples for this function are as follows:

//Turning on CaUl2CCSwitch for each possible PCell
MOD CAMGTCFG: LocalCellId=0, CellCaAlgoSwitch=CaUl2CCSwitch-1;
//(Optional) Turning on UlCaPuschPcOptSwitch for each possible PCell and SCell to enable PUSCH power
control optimization for uplink CA
MOD CELLALGOSWITCH: LocalCellId=0, ULPCALGOSWITCH=UlCaPuschPcOptSwitch-1;
MOD CELLALGOSWITCH: LocalCellId=1, UlPcAlgoSwitch=UlCaPuschPcOptSwitch-1;
//(Optional) Turning on SchedulerCtrlPowerSwitch for each possible PCell and SCell
MOD CELLALGOSWITCH: LocalCellId=0, UlSchSwitch=SchedulerCtrlPowerSwitch-1;
MOD CELLALGOSWITCH: LocalCellId=1, UlSchSwitch=SchedulerCtrlPowerSwitch-1;
//(Optional) Turning on SccDeactByUlDtxSwitch when uplink load is not heavy and UL CoMP is not enabled
(UL CoMP is controlled by the UlJointReceptionSwitch option of the CellAlgoSwitch.UplinkCompSwitch
parameter.)
MOD ENODEBALGOSWITCH: CaAlgoExtSwitch=SccDeactByUlDtxSwitch-1;

Deactivation Command Examples

//Turning off CaUl2CCSwitch for each possible PCell
MOD CAMGTCFG: LocalCellId=0, CellCaAlgoSwitch=CaUl2CCSwitch-0;

13.4.1.3 Using the MAE-Deployment

● Fast batch activation
This function can be batch activated using the Feature Operation and
Maintenance function of the MAE-Deployment. For detailed operations, see
the following section in the MAE-Deployment product documentation or
online help: MAE-Deployment Management > MAE-Deployment
Guidelines > Enhanced Feature Management > Feature Operation and
Maintenance.
● Single/Batch configuration
This function can be activated for a single base station or a batch of base
stations on the MAE-Deployment. For detailed operations, see Feature
Configuration Using the MAE-Deployment.

13.4.2 Activation Verification

Counter Observation
If the counters listed in Table 13-5 produce non-zero values on a network that is
serving CA UEs capable of uplink 2CC aggregation, uplink 2CC aggregation has
taken effect in the network.

Table 13-5 Counters used to verify activation of uplink 2CC aggregation

Counter ID Counter Name

1526732905 L.Traffic.User.PCell.UL.Avg

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Carrier Aggregation Feature Parameter Description 13 Uplink 2CC Aggregation

Counter ID Counter Name

1526732894 L.Traffic.User.SCell.UL.Avg

1526733015 L.ChMeas.PRB.UL.PCell.Used.Avg

1526733016 L.ChMeas.PRB.UL.SCell.Used.Avg

1526733013 L.Thrp.bits.UL.CAUser

1526742185 L.Thrp.Time.UL.CAUser

Message Tracing
After a CA UE accesses a cell, the eNodeB configures a cell that meets CA
conditions as an SCell for the UE. When traffic conditions are met, the eNodeB
activates this SCell.

You can use the MAE-Access to verify SCell configuration and activation:
● Observe the RRC_CONN_RECFG message traced on the Uu interface. If the
RadioResourceConfigCommonSCell-r10 IE in the RRC_CONN_RECFG message
contains the UL-Configuration-r10 IE, the SCell has been configured.
● Observe the number of RBs and total TBS for the CA UE in the PCell and
SCell. If the numbers are not zero, the SCell has been activated.

13.4.3 Network Monitoring

In addition to the counters listed in 5.4.3 Network Monitoring, monitor the
counters in Table 13-6 and compare the results with the network plan to evaluate
network performance.

Table 13-6 Counters used to monitor performance of uplink 2CC aggregation

Counter ID Counter Name

1526732905 L.Traffic.User.PCell.UL.Avg

1526732906 L.Traffic.User.PCell.UL.Max

1526732894 L.Traffic.User.SCell.UL.Avg

1526732895 L.Traffic.User.SCell.UL.Max

1526733015 L.ChMeas.PRB.UL.PCell.Used.Avg

1526733016 L.ChMeas.PRB.UL.SCell.Used.Avg

1526733017 L.CA.Traffic.bits.UL.PCell

1526733018 L.CA.Traffic.bits.UL.SCell

1526733019 L.Traffic.User.SCell.Active.UL.Avg

1526733020 L.Traffic.User.SCell.Active.UL.Max

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Carrier Aggregation Feature Parameter Description 13 Uplink 2CC Aggregation

Counter ID Counter Name

1526733021 L.CA.UL.PCell.Act.Dur

1526742185 L.Thrp.Time.UL.CAUser

1526733013 L.Thrp.bits.UL.CAUser

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Carrier Aggregation Feature Parameter Description 14 Uplink FDD+TDD CA

14 Uplink FDD+TDD CA

14.1 Principles
This function aggregates two uplink FDD and TDD CCs, as shown in Figure 14-1.

Figure 14-1 Uplink FDD+TDD CA

This function is controlled by the InterFddTddCaSwitch option of the

CaMgtCfg.CellCaAlgoSwitch parameter and the
CaMgtCfg.FddTddCaUlMaxCcNum parameter. The latter parameter must be set
to 2CC.

The PCC anchoring and SCell configuration procedures for uplink FDD+TDD CA are
as follows:

● PCC anchoring procedure

The PCC anchoring procedure is similar to that for downlink FDD+TDD CA.
However, the treatment of UEs that comply with 3GPP Release 12 or later and
support FDD+TDD CA is different. The PCC anchoring procedure for such a UE
varies as follows:
– The UE capability message carries the tdd-FDD-CA-PCellDuplex-r12 IE.
The eNodeB configures an FDD or TDD cell as the PCell based on the
reported UE capability.
– The UE capability message does not carry the tdd-FDD-CA-PCellDuplex-
r12 IE.
The eNodeB configures an FDD or TDD cell as the PCell based on the
FddTddCaPcellDuplexFdd or FddTddCaPcellDuplexTdd option setting of
the ENodeBAlgoSwitch.CompatibilityCtrlSwitch parameter.
● SCell configuration procedure

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Carrier Aggregation Feature Parameter Description 14 Uplink FDD+TDD CA

Either FDD or TDD carriers can act as SCCs. The SCell configuration procedure
is the same as that for downlink FDD+TDD CA. For details, see 12.1
Principles.

Usage Scenarios
For details, see Usage Scenarios in 12.1 Principles.

Subframe Configuration
The TDD cells involved in this function must use uplink-downlink configuration 2.
If a non-zero frame offset is configured for a TDD cell, the same frame offset must
be specified for the FDD cells involved in CA. FDD hardware of SRAN10.1 or later
versions all support frame offset setting.

14.2 Network Analysis

14.2.1 Benefits
This function deals with spectrum shortages by utilizing both FDD and TDD
spectrum resources, addresses mobile broadband service competition, and
improves service quality.
Theoretical peak data rate for uplink FDD+TDD 2CC aggregation = Theoretical
peak data rate on a single FDD carrier in the uplink + Theoretical peak data rate
on a single TDD carrier in the uplink

14.2.2 Impacts
This section describes the network and function impacts of this function itself.
For the network and function impacts of the prerequisite functions, see the
"Impacts" sections for the prerequisite functions.

Network Impacts
This function has the following impacts on the network:
● When a TDD cell acts as an SCell for a CA UE, the SCell offers beamforming
gains in the downlink and experiences an increase in downlink cell
throughput.
● When MTA is configured in FDD+TDD CA scenarios, this function increases the
uplink throughput of CA UEs and improves uplink performance if there is a
noticeable difference (for example, about 78 meters, which is equivalent to
one TA) between the distances of a CA UE to the receive antennas of the
PCell and an SCell. In addition, due to the non-contention-based random
access to the SCell, the performance counters related to random access to the
SCell produce larger values.
● When CA is deployed between eNodeBs in relaxed backhaul scenarios, ACKs/
NACKs for the PCell and SCell may not be received promptly because of inter-
eNodeB transmission delay. This results in a decrease of no more than 5% in

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Carrier Aggregation Feature Parameter Description 14 Uplink FDD+TDD CA

the downlink data rates of CA UEs. In addition, due to inter-eNodeB

transmission delay, transmission of CQIs on the PUSCH cannot be identified
promptly. To address this issue, PUSCH scheduling in the SCell yields to
periodic CQI reporting. The shorter the CQI reporting period, the more
frequently the yielding occurs and the greater the decrease in the uplink data
rates of CA UEs. Especially when a TDD cell and an FDD cell act as the PCell
and SCell respectively, the decrease is so large that PUSCH scheduling may
involve only the SCell.
● When a TDD cell is working as the PCell and an FDD cell is working as an
SCell for a CA UE, the uplink FDD spectral resources are fully utilized, which
increases the uplink data rate. In addition, the FDD SCell provides better
uplink coverage for the CA UE than a TDD cell does for a non-CA UE.

Function Impacts
● Functions related to RAN performance
RAT Function Function Reference Description
Name Switch

FDD Uplink short- CellUlschAlg Scheduling UEs that have

interval SPS o.IntvlOfUlS entered uplink short-
psWithSkipp interval SPS do not
ing support uplink 2CC
aggregation.

FDD UL CRA UL_COORD_ Uplink Uplink SCells seldom

RES_ALLOC_ Coordinated suffer from heavy
SWITCH Scheduling loads or interference
option of the limitations.
UlCsAlgoPar Therefore, UL CRA is
a.UlCsSw currently not used in
parameter uplink SCells.

FDD UL CPC UL_COORD_ Uplink Uplink SCells seldom

PC_SWITCH Coordinated suffer from heavy
option of the Scheduling loads or interference
UlCsAlgoPar limitations.
a.UlCsSw Therefore, UL CPC is
parameter currently not used in
uplink SCells.

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Carrier Aggregation Feature Parameter Description 14 Uplink FDD+TDD CA

RAT Function Function Reference Description

Name Switch

FDD Uplink 2x4 UlVmimoSw MIMO When uplink CA is

MU-MIMO itch option disabled, the uplink
of the 2x4 multi-user
CellAlgoSwi MIMO (MU-MIMO)
tch.UlSchSw function works for
itch CA UEs only in their
parameter PCells. When uplink
CA is enabled, this
function works for
CA UEs in all their
serving cells, where
uplink transmission
from the UEs is
applicable.

FDD UL CoMP cell UlJointRece UL CoMP If an SCell is

ptionSwitch configured in the
option of the uplink for a CA UE,
CellAlgoSwi this UE will not be
tch.UplinkC selected in the SCell
ompSwitch for UL CoMP.
parameter

FDD Uplink UlInterSiteIc Uplink If an SCell is

interference Switch Interference configured in the
cancellation option of the Cancellation uplink for a CA UE,
CellAlgoSwi (FDD) the eNodeB will not
tch.UplinkIc select the UE for
Switch uplink interference
parameter cancellation (UL IC).

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Carrier Aggregation Feature Parameter Description 14 Uplink FDD+TDD CA

RAT Function Function Reference Description

Name Switch

FDD Terminal AbnormalUe Terminal Certain UEs on live

Awareness HandleSwitc Awareness networks have
Differentiatio h option of Differentiatio compatibility issues
n the n with uplink CA.
GlobalProcS Whitelist control for
witch.UeCo uplink CA can be
mpatSwitch used to prevent
parameter these UEs from
delivering abnormal
performance with
uplink CA. With this
function, uplink CA
takes effect only for
UEs that have no
compatibility issues
with uplink CA.
Whitelist control for
uplink CA is enabled
when both of the
following conditions
are met:
● The
CA_SWITCH_OFF
option of the
UeCompat.BlkLst
CtrlSwitch
parameter is
deselected.
● The
UL_CA_SWITCH_
ON option of the
UeCompat.White
LstCtrlSwitch
parameter is
selected.

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Carrier Aggregation Feature Parameter Description 14 Uplink FDD+TDD CA

RAT Function Function Reference Description

Name Switch

FDD UMTS and UMTS_LTE_Z UMTS and There are fewer

LTE zero ERO_BUFFER LTE Zero PUSCH and SRS
bufferzone _ZONE_SW Bufferzone resources in a cell in
option of the the bufferzone than
ULZeroBuffe in a common cell.
rZone.ZeroB Therefore, when the
ufZoneSwitc LTE bandwidth is 5
h parameter MHz or 10 MHz,
using a cell in the
bufferzone as a PCell
for CA is not
recommended. If the
cell is used as a
PCell, CA
performance
deteriorates.

FDD NSA DC PCC NSA_PCC_A NSA ● Uplink FDD+TDD

anchoring NCHORING_ Networking CA does not take
SWITCH based on effect for UEs
option of the EPC running NSA DC
NsaDcMgmt services.
Config.NsaD ● If an NSA DC
cAlgoSwitch service is to be
parameter initiated for a UE
with FDD and
TDD CCs
aggregated in the
uplink, the uplink
SCell will be
removed for the
UE.

● Functions related to RAN services

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Carrier Aggregation Feature Parameter Description 14 Uplink FDD+TDD CA

RAT Function Function Reference Description

Name Switch

FDD TTI bundling TtiBundling VoLTE Uplink CA is

Switch incompatible with
option of the TTI bundling at the
CellAlgoSwi UE level. TTI
tch.UlSchSw bundling takes
itch precedence over
parameter uplink CA. When an
eNodeB determines
to configure TTI
bundling for a CA
UE, the eNodeB
sends an RRC
Connection
Reconfiguration
message to remove
the uplink SCell and
configure TTI
bundling.

FDD Inter-eNodeB UlVoiceJROv VoLTE If an SCell is

VoLTE CoMP erRelaxedB configured in the
HSw option uplink for a CA UE,
of the this UE will not be
ENodeBAlgo selected in the SCell
Switch.Over for UL CoMP.
BBUsSwitch
parameter

FDD Out-of-band CellAlgoSwi Relay In out-of-band relay

relay tch.RelaySwi scenarios, RRNs
tch support downlink
2CC aggregation and
uplink 2CC
aggregation if the
Dl2CCAckResShareS
w option of the
CellAlgoSwitch.Pucc
hAlgoSwitch
parameter is
deselected, and do
not support them if
this option is
selected.

● Functions related to CloudAIR (FDD)

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Carrier Aggregation Feature Parameter Description 14 Uplink FDD+TDD CA

RAT Function Function Reference Description

Name Switch

FDD LTE FDD and SpectrumCl LTE FDD and This function reduces
NR Flash oud.Spectru NR Spectrum the number of uplink
Dynamic mCloudSwit Sharing RBs available for LTE.
Spectrum ch Therefore, the
Sharing parameter throughput of UEs in
with the the uplink FDD CA
value of state decreases.
LTE_NR_SPE
CTRUM_SHR

FDD LTE FDD and SpectrumCl LTE FDD and This function reduces
NR Uplink oud.Spectru NR Uplink the number of uplink
Spectrum mCloudSwit Spectrum RBs available for LTE.
Sharing ch Sharing Therefore, the
parameter throughput of UEs in
with the the uplink CA state
value of decreases.
LTE_NR_UPL
INK_SPECTR
UM_SHR

14.3 Requirements

14.3.1 Licenses
Each FDD cell involved in uplink FDD+TDD CA requires one sales unit for each of
the following features:
● MRFD-101222 FDD+TDD Downlink Carrier Aggregation(LTE FDD)
● MRFD-111222 FDD+TDD Uplink Carrier Aggregation (LTE FDD)

Each TDD cell involved in uplink FDD+TDD CA requires one sales unit for each of
the following features:
● MRFD-101231 FDD+TDD Downlink Carrier Aggregation(LTE TDD)
● MRFD-111232 FDD+TDD Uplink Carrier Aggregation (LTE TDD)

Table 14-1 lists the license models and sales units for these features.

Table 14-1 License models and sales units

Feature ID Feature Name Model Sales Unit

MRFD-101222 FDD+TDD LT1S0FTCAF00 per cell

Downlink Carrier
Aggregation(LTE
FDD)

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Carrier Aggregation Feature Parameter Description 14 Uplink FDD+TDD CA

Feature ID Feature Name Model Sales Unit

MRFD-111222 FDD+TDD Uplink LT1SFTULCAF0 per cell

Carrier
Aggregation (LTE
FDD)

MRFD-101231 FDD+TDD LT1SFATCA000 per cell

Downlink Carrier
Aggregation(LTE
TDD)

MRFD-111232 FDD+TDD Uplink LT1SFTULCAT0 per cell

Carrier
Aggregation (LTE
TDD)

14.3.2 Software
Before activating this function, ensure that its prerequisite functions have been
activated and mutually exclusive functions have been deactivated. For detailed
operations, see the relevant feature documents.

Prerequisite Functions
RAT Function Name Function Switch Reference

FDD Downlink FDD InterFddTddCaSw 12 Downlink FDD

TDD +TDD CA itch option of the +TDD CA
CaMgtCfg.CellCa
AlgoSwitch
parameter

FDD MTA FTMtaAlgSwitch None

TDD option of the
ENodeBAlgoSwit
ch.CaAlgoExtSwit
ch parameter

Mutually Exclusive Functions

RAT Function Name Function Switch Reference

FDD Uplink SU-MIMO ULSUMIMO2Laye MIMO

rsSwitch option
of the
CellAlgoSwitch.U
lSuMimoAlgoSwi
tch parameter

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Carrier Aggregation Feature Parameter Description 14 Uplink FDD+TDD CA

RAT Function Name Function Switch Reference

TDD None None None

14.3.3 Hardware

Base Station Models

No requirements

Boards
The requirements described in Boards of 12.3.3 Hardware must be fulfilled. In
addition, for downlink massive CA plus uplink 2CC aggregation, only cells on
UBBPd or UBBPe boards can act as the uplink SCell.

RF Modules
For details, see RF Modules in 12.3.3 Hardware.

Cells
For details, see Subframe Configuration in 14.1 Principles.

14.3.4 Networking
For details, see 12.3.4 Networking.

14.3.5 Others
● UEs
– UEs must comply with 3GPP Release 12 or later and support the
frequency bands of the carriers to be aggregated and their channel
bandwidths. UEs must also support the peak data rates that CA can
achieve.
– UEs must support MTA.
● EPC
For this function to reach a theoretical peak data rate, the maximum bit rate
that each UE subscribes to in the EPC cannot be lower than this theoretical
value. For the theoretical values, see 14.2.1 Benefits.

14.4 Operation and Maintenance

14.4.1 Data Configuration

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Carrier Aggregation Feature Parameter Description 14 Uplink FDD+TDD CA

14.4.1.1 Data Preparation

This function works in either CA-group-based or adaptive configuration mode.
Prepare basic data as described in 5.4.1.1 Data Preparation.
In addition, for either mode, prepare data as described in Table 14-2 for function
activation. Table 14-3 describes the parameters used for function optimization.

Table 14-2 Parameters for activating uplink FDD+TDD CA

Parameter Parameter ID Option Setting Notes
Name

CA Algorithm ENodeBAlgoS FTMtaAlgSwit Select this option.

Extend Switch witch.CaAlgo ch
ExtSwitch
Cell Level CA CaMgtCfg.Ce InterFddTddC Select this option.
Algorithm llCaAlgoSwit aSwitch
Switch ch
FDD TDD CA CaMgtCfg.Fd None Set this parameter to 2CC.
UL Max CC dTddCaUlMa
Number xCcNum
FDD Frame ENodeBFram None This parameter specifies the
Offset eOffset.FddFr offset of the frame start time
ameOffset for all LTE FDD cells served by
the eNodeB relative to the
time of the reference clock.
FDD+TDD CA requires time
synchronization between the
cells involved. An identical
frame offset must be set for
all the cells. Otherwise, FDD
+TDD CA does not work.
Run the DSP
CELLFRAMEOFFSET
command to query the frame
offset actually used for each
cell. If the values of Frame
Offset Effect Value(Ts) are
the same for the cells
involved, the frame offsets of
the cells are the same.
Set this parameter based on
the network plan.

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Carrier Aggregation Feature Parameter Description 14 Uplink FDD+TDD CA

Parameter Parameter ID Option Setting Notes

Name

TDD Frame ENodeBFram None This parameter specifies the

Offset eOffset.TddF offset of the frame start time
rameOffset for all LTE TDD cells served by
the eNodeB relative to the
time of the reference clock.
If uplink and downlink
timeslots are not aligned
between TDD systems, inter-
system interference may occur.
Operators can adjust this
parameter to minimize the
error in timeslot alignment
between the TDD systems.
Run the DSP
CELLFRAMEOFFSET
command to query the frame
offset actually used for each
cell. If the values of Frame
Offset Effect Value(Ts) are
the same for the cells
involved, the frame offsets of
the cells are the same.
Set this parameter based on
the network plan.

Table 14-3 Parameters for optimizing uplink FDD+TDD CA

Parameter Parameter ID Option Setting Notes
Name

Uplink CellAlgoSwit SchedulerCtrl Select this option for each

schedule ch.UlSchSwit PowerSwitch possible PCell and SCell.
switch ch
Uplink power CellAlgoSwit CloseLoopOpt Deselect this option.
control ch.UlPcAlgoS PUSCHSwitch
algorithm witch
switch

Cell Level CA CaMgtCfg.Ce NackDtxIdenti The setting of this option must

Algorithm llCaAlgoSwit fySwitch be consistent between each
Switch ch possible PCell and each
possible SCell for that PCell.

Moreover,

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Carrier Aggregation Feature Parameter Description 14 Uplink FDD+TDD CA

● Prepare data as described in 15.4.1.1 Data Preparation if uplink FDD+TDD

CA is to be deployed in a relaxed backhaul scenario.
● Prepare data as described in 16.4.1.1 Data Preparation if uplink FDD+TDD
CA is to be deployed in an eNodeB coordination scenario.

14.4.1.2 Using MML Commands

Activation Command Examples

Before activating this function, configure cells or frequencies according to 5.4.1.2
Using MML Commands.

The activation command examples for this function are as follows:

//Turning on FTMtaAlgSwitch
MOD ENODEBALGOSWITCH: CaAlgoExtSwitch=FTMtaAlgSwitch-1;
//Turning on InterFddTddCaSwitch and setting FddTddCaUlMaxCcNum to 2CC for each possible PCell and
SCell
MOD CAMGTCFG: LocalCellId=0, CellCaAlgoSwitch=InterFddTddCaSwitch-1, FddTddCaUlMaxCcNum=2CC;
//Setting frame offsets for the base station
MOD ENODEBFRAMEOFFSET: TddFrameOffset=0,FddFrameOffset=0;
//(Optional) Setting FTRelaxedBHCaULMaxCcNum to 2CC for each possible PCell and SCell to activate
uplink FDD+TDD CA in a relaxed backhaul scenario
MOD CAMGTCFG: LocalCellId=0, FTRelaxedBHCaULMaxCcNum=2CC;

Deactivation Command Examples

//Setting FddTddCaUlMaxCcNum to 0CC
MOD CAMGTCFG: LocalCellId=0, FddTddCaUlMaxCcNum=0CC;

14.4.1.3 Using the MAE-Deployment

For detailed operations, see Feature Configuration Using the MAE-Deployment.

14.4.2 Activation Verification

Counter Observation
If the counters listed in Table 14-4 produce non-zero values, uplink FDD+TDD CA
has taken effect.

Table 14-4 Counters used to verify activation of uplink FDD+TDD CA

Counter ID Counter Name

1526741844 L.Traffic.User.FddTddCA.PCell.UL.Avg

1526742034 L.Traffic.User.FddTddCA.SCell.UL.Avg

1526741932 L.Traffic.User.FddTddCA.SCell.Active.UL.Avg

1526743685 L.Traffic.User.PCell.UL.RelaxedBackhaul-
CA.Avg

1526743658 L.Traffic.User.SCell.UL.RelaxedBackhaul-
CA.Avg

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Counter ID Counter Name

1526743661 L.Traffic.User.RelaxedBackhaul-
CA.SCell.Active.UL.Avg

Message Tracing
For details, see Message Tracing in 13.4.2 Activation Verification.

14.4.3 Network Monitoring

In addition to the counters listed in 12.4.3 Network Monitoring and 13.4.3
Network Monitoring, monitor the counters in Table 14-5 and compare the
results with the network plan to evaluate network performance.

Table 14-5 Counters used to monitor performance of uplink FDD+TDD CA

Counter ID Counter Name

1526741844 L.Traffic.User.FddTddCA.PCell.UL.Avg

1526742034 L.Traffic.User.FddTddCA.SCell.UL.Avg

1526741932 L.Traffic.User.FddTddCA.SCell.Active.UL.Avg

1526741933 L.CA.UL.FddTddCA.PCell.Act.Dur

1526741931 L.CA.UL.FddTddCA.SCell.Act.Dur

1526741919 L.Thrp.bits.UL.FddTddCA.CAUser

1526743685 L.Traffic.User.PCell.UL.RelaxedBackhaul-
CA.Avg

1526743658 L.Traffic.User.SCell.UL.RelaxedBackhaul-
CA.Avg

1526743661 L.Traffic.User.RelaxedBackhaul-
CA.SCell.Active.UL.Avg

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Carrier Aggregation Feature Parameter Description 15 Inter-eNodeB CA Based on Relaxed Backhaul

15 Inter-eNodeB CA Based on Relaxed

Backhaul

15.1 Principles
This function allows for downlink 2CC to 8CC aggregation and uplink 2CC
aggregation between inter-eNodeB cells in relaxed backhaul scenarios (that is,
non-ideal backhaul scenarios), as illustrated in Figure 15-1.

Figure 15-1 Inter-eNodeB CA based on relaxed backhaul

The switch control over this function varies, as described in Table 15-1.

Table 15-1 Switch control over inter-eNodeB CA based on relaxed backhaul

RAT Option Description

FDD RelaxedBackhaulCaSwitch option of This option must be selected

the ENodeBAlgoSwitch.CaAlgoSwitch for all the eNodeBs involved.
parameter

FDD FreqBaseIntereNBSccSwitch option of This option must be selected

the for the serving eNodeBs of
ENodeBAlgoSwitch.CaAlgoExtSwitch SCells.
parameter

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3GPP Release 10 specifications stipulate that downlink-data demodulation results

(ACK or NACK) must be reported over the PCC of each CA UE. In a relaxed
backhaul scenario, the serving eNodeB of each SCell for a CA UE estimates the
CQI, NACK, and scheduling priority to determine the scheduling occasion and
resources for the UE in advance, without affecting the scheduling priorities and
fairness among UEs. This prevents inter-eNodeB CA failures caused by
transmission delay.
The MAC-layer scheduling priority of downlink RLC retransmission packets for UEs
in the relaxed-backhaul-based CA state can be lifted. This lifting function is
controlled by the RelaxedBhDlRlcRetransOptSw option of the
CaMgtCfg.CellCaAlgoSwitch parameter. When this option is selected, the RLC
retransmission scheduling delay for UEs in the relaxed-backhaul-based CA state
decreases, but the scheduling delay for other CA UEs may increase.
In relaxed backhaul scenarios, the downlink target IBLERs of the SCells can be
specified by the CaMgtCfg.RelaxedBhSccDlTargetIbler parameter. A larger value
of this parameter results in a higher selected MCS index and a higher probability
of retransmissions. If the spectral efficiency gains brought by the MCS index
increase are more significant than the performance loss caused by the
retransmission rate increase, the downlink traffic volume increases. Otherwise, the
downlink traffic volume decreases. A smaller value of this parameter results in a
lower selected MCS index and a lower probability of retransmissions. If the
spectral efficiency loss caused by the MCS index decrease is less significant than
the gains brought by the retransmission rate decrease, the downlink traffic volume
increases. Otherwise, the downlink traffic volume decreases.
Inter-eNodeB cell filtering is supported. This function is enabled when the
SccMeasRptLocalCellPriorSw option of the
ENodeBAlgoSwitch.CaAlgoExtSwitch parameter is selected. With this function,
the serving eNodeB of the PCell for a CA UE does not configure any inter-eNodeB
cell that is working on the same frequency as an activated cell on this local
eNodeB as an SCell for the UE. This relieves transmission congestion caused by
inter-eNodeB CA based on relaxed backhaul. However, the number of UEs in the
relaxed-backhaul-based inter-eNodeB CA state decreases.

Usage Scenarios
The relaxed backhaul scenarios are classified into the following types:
● Inter-eNodeB one-way delay ≤ 4 ms and RTT ≤ 8 ms
In this scenario, both downlink CA and uplink CA work between inter-eNodeB
cells.
● 4 ms < inter-eNodeB one-way delay ≤ 8 ms and 8 ms < RTT ≤ 16 ms
In this scenario, only downlink CA works.
To enable inter-eNodeB CA in this scenario, the RelaxedBHCaEnhanceSwitch
option of the ENodeBAlgoSwitch.CaAlgoSwitch parameter must be selected.
● 8 ms < inter-eNodeB one-way delay ≤ 16 ms and 16 ms < RTT ≤ 32 ms
In this scenario, only downlink FDD CA works.
To enable inter-eNodeB CA in this scenario, the RelaxedBHCaEnh2Switch
option of the ENodeBAlgoSwitch.CaAlgoExtSwitch parameter must be
selected.
The eNodeB combination can be one of the following:

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Carrier Aggregation Feature Parameter Description 15 Inter-eNodeB CA Based on Relaxed Backhaul

● Macro+macro, macro+LampSite, or LampSite+LampSite

The cells exchange signaling messages and service data for CA through the
eX2 or X2 interfaces between the main control boards (LMPT or UMPT) of
these eNodeBs.
The GlobalProcSwitch.ItfTypeForNonIdealModeServ parameter determines
which interface to use for inter-eNodeB CA based on relaxed backhaul.

For details about eX2 or X2 interfaces between eNodeBs, see eX2 Self-
Management or S1 and X2 Self-Management.

Procedures
This function employs the same PCC anchoring and SCell management procedures
as for intra-eNodeB CA. For details, see 4.6 Carrier Management for
RRC_CONNECTED UEs and 4.7 Carrier Management for RRC_IDLE UEs.

This function implements SCell configuration and SCell removal with inter-eNodeB
transmission quality requirements considered, in addition to the principles
described in 4.6.3 SCell Management.

The process of this function is as follows:

1. During initial access, an incoming RRC connection reestablishment, or an
incoming handover, the CA UE reports its CA capabilities to the target eNodeB
after setting up an RRC connection with the PCell.
2. The eNodeB selects appropriate inter-eNodeB cells as SCells for the UE.
3. After activating the SCells, the serving eNodeB of the PCell diverts downlink
traffic of the UE from the PCell to the SCells and converges the uplink traffic
from the SCell with the uplink traffic in the PCell.
If inter-eNodeB transmission quality deteriorates (for example, the
transmission delay does not meet requirements or transmission is
interrupted), the eNodeB removes the SCells to exit inter-eNodeB CA. After
transmission quality recovers, SCells can be configured again at the
subsequent initial access, incoming RRC connection reestablishment, or
incoming handover.

15.2 Network Analysis

15.2.1 Benefits
This function enables inter-eNodeB carriers to be aggregated to increase user-
perceived data rates for CA UEs.

15.2.2 Impacts
This section describes the network and function impacts of this function itself.

For the network and function impacts of the prerequisite functions, see the
corresponding "Impacts" sections.

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Carrier Aggregation Feature Parameter Description 15 Inter-eNodeB CA Based on Relaxed Backhaul

Network Impacts
In relaxed backhaul scenarios, when CA and other inter-eNodeB features (such as
UL CoMP) are enabled together, these features share transmission bandwidth. If
transmission bandwidth is insufficient, delays increase and the benefits of these
features are affected.
This function has the following impacts on the network:
● CA UEs cannot promptly acquire the real-time CQI changes about inter-
eNodeB SCells. This causes slight deterioration in frequency-selective
scheduling performance and an increase in IBLER.
● Due to inter-eNodeB delay, HARQ feedback is postponed, which affects the
RBLER of CA UEs. In HARQ retransmission statistics, the values of the RBLER-
related counters may rise. CQI reports for SCells of CA UEs are also delayed,
which affects the IBLER of these UEs. The IBLER-related counters may produce
larger values. If a UE in the inter-eNodeB CA state is located a medium or
long distance from the center of its PCell or SCell, the data rate of the UE
fluctuates.
● Due to the differences in the RLC data arrival time for the aggregated carriers,
CA UEs have to combine and organize the received data. This process places
an additional burden on the UEs' CPUs. If the CPU capacity is insufficient, the
data rates of the UEs fluctuate.
● To minimize the impact of inter-eNodeB delay, RLC retransmissions occur only
in PCells. If the Uu bandwidth of a PCell is used up by GBR services, RLC
retransmissions for the CA UE are often blocked and the data rate of the UE
fluctuates.
● Due to possible errors in the estimated scheduling priorities of CA UEs, the
PRBs in SCells for the UEs may not be fully utilized when the SCells are each
serving a small number of non-CA UEs and the non-CA UE traffic is light.
● Routes are added between eNodeBs. As a result, SCell bandwidth and lower-
layer link bandwidth specifications may be exceeded, causing
L.CA.SccAddFail.PhyLinkFail.Dur to increase.
● In relaxed-backhaul-based inter-eNodeB CA scenarios, if MBSFN subframes
and MTA are configured, the PCell MBSFN subframe numbers described in the
following table are recommended for different SCell PRACH subframe number
settings. If the MBSFN subframes are not set as recommended, uplink
synchronization may fail in SCells. This failure causes SCells to be deactivated
and therefore affects the perceived data rates of CA UEs. If multiple SCell
PRACH subframes are set within 10 ms, the intersection of the corresponding
MBSFN subframe number settings is recommended.

Table 15-2 Recommended PCell MBSFN subframe numbers for different FDD
SCell PRACH subframe number settings

FDD SCell PRACH Subframe Number Recommended PCell

MBSFN Subframe Numbers

0 3, 6, 7, 8

1 1, 2, 6, 7, 8

2 1, 2, 6, 7, 8

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Carrier Aggregation Feature Parameter Description 15 Inter-eNodeB CA Based on Relaxed Backhaul

FDD SCell PRACH Subframe Number Recommended PCell

MBSFN Subframe Numbers

3 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8

4 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8

5 1, 2, 3, 8

6 1, 2, 3, 6, 7

7 1, 2, 3, 6, 7

8 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8

9 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8

● In relaxed-backhaul-based inter-eNodeB CA scenarios where the serving

eNodeB of the SCC is of eRAN13.1 or an earlier version, if the UE supports
NSA DC and the NSA DC function has been enabled, frequent NR secondary
cell group (SCG) changes may trigger RRC connection reestablishment of the
UE with its E-UTRA PCell. For details about the NSA DC function, see NSA
Networking based on EPC.
● A larger number of SCCs aggregated using relaxed-backhaul-based inter-
eNodeB CA for a UE causes more data to be forwarded on the RLC layer at
the PCC and a higher CPU usage of the BBP where the PCC is configured. If
the CPU usage is too high, the peak data rate of the UE decreases.
● In inter-eNodeB CA based on relaxed backhaul scenarios, the CPU usage of
the main control board has the following impacts on the SCell configuration
procedure in addition to the impacts listed in 4.6.3.1.1 Triggering Conditions:
When configuring an inter-eNodeB SCell, the eNodeB that serves the PCell
checks the CPU usage of the main control board of the eNodeB that serves
this inter-eNodeB SCell.
– The CPU usage of the main control board of the eNodeB that serves the
inter-eNodeB SCell is lower than 75%.
There is no impact on the inter-eNodeB SCell configuration procedure.
– The CPU usage of the main control board of the eNodeB that serves the
inter-eNodeB SCell reaches 75%.
Within one minute, none of the cells served by the eNodeB that serves
the inter-eNodeB SCell will be configured as SCells. One minute later,
these cells can be configured as SCells gradually.
● In inter-eNodeB CA based on relaxed backhaul scenarios, if the
EX2_FLOW_CONTROL_SW option of the
eNodeBFlowCtrlPara.CongFlowCtrlSwitch parameter is selected, SCTP
congestion of the eX2 interface has the following impacts on the SCell
configuration procedure.
– If the SCTP congestion level of the eX2 interface is high, the target inter-
eNodeB SCell configuration success rate will be adjusted per second, as
indicated in Table 15-3.

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Carrier Aggregation Feature Parameter Description 15 Inter-eNodeB CA Based on Relaxed Backhaul

Table 15-3 Target inter-eNodeB SCell configuration success rates at

different time points
Time Point Target SCell Configuration Success Rate

At the 80%
beginning

In the 1st 60%

second

In the 2nd 40%

second

In the 3rd 20%

second

In the 4th 10%

second

In the 5th Inter-eNodeB SCells will not be configured.

second and
later

– When the SCTP congestion level of the eX2 interface has changed from
high to low, the target SCell configuration success rate is 95%.
– When the SCTP congestion status of the eX2 interface has changed from
no congestion to low-level congestion, the inter-eNodeB SCell
configuration procedure is not affected.
– The eX2 interface flow control status is updated every minute. Flow
control will be canceled for the eX2 interface if inter-eNodeB SCell
configuration is not performed or the target inter-eNodeB SCell
configuration success rate is 95%. After the canceling, the inter-eNodeB
SCell configuration procedure is not affected.

Function Impacts
RAT Function Function Referen Description
Name Switch ce

FDD Downlink FreqSelSwitc Scheduli In inter-eNodeB CA based

frequency h option of ng on relaxed backhaul, PCells
selective the but not SCells support
schedulin CellAlgoSwit downlink frequency
g ch.DlSchSwit selective scheduling.
ch parameter

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Carrier Aggregation Feature Parameter Description 15 Inter-eNodeB CA Based on Relaxed Backhaul

RAT Function Function Referen Description

Name Switch ce

FDD Enhanced None Scheduli This function affects only

schedulin ng the UEs for which inter-
g eNodeB CA based on
relaxed backhaul has taken
effect. To mitigate the
impact of inter-eNodeB
delay, eNodeBs must
estimate scheduling
opportunities for CA UEs in
advance. This may have a
slight short-term impact on
fairness among UEs but
does not affect scheduling-
related performance
indicators.

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RAT Function Function Referen Description

Name Switch ce

FDD Multi- SMART_CARR Multi- ● When both inter-

carrier IER_SELECTI carrier eNodeB cell filtering
Unified ON_SW Unified (controlled by the
Schedulin option of the Scheduli SccMeasRptLocalCell-
g MultiCarrUnif ng PriorSw option of the
iedSch.Multi ENodeBAlgoSwitch.CaA
CarrierUnifie lgoExtSwitch
dSchSw parameter) and Multi-
parameter carrier Unified
Scheduling (controlled
by the
SMART_CARRIER_SELEC
TION_SW option of the
MultiCarrUnifiedSch.M
ultiCarrierUnifiedSchS
w parameter) are
enabled, the number of
handovers triggered for
PCC anchoring may
increase.
● When both traffic
model-aware smart
carrier selection
(controlled by the
TRAFFIC_AWARENESS_
SCS_SW and
INTER_ENB_UL_UU_CA
PB_EVAL_SW options of
the
MultiCarrUnifiedSch.M
ultiCarrierUnifiedSchS
w parameter) and inter-
eNodeB uplink 2CC
aggregation based on
relaxed backhaul are
enabled, the eNodeB
acts as follows during
carrier evaluation based
on uplink air interface
capabilities: If two inter-
eNodeB uplink CCs have
been configured for a
UE, the eNodeB
considers the uplink air
interface capability of
the PCell only, when it
calculates the capability
of the serving cell
combination for the UE.

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Carrier Aggregation Feature Parameter Description 15 Inter-eNodeB CA Based on Relaxed Backhaul

RAT Function Function Referen Description

Name Switch ce

As a result, an incorrect
handover occurs
because the calculated
air interface capability
of the serving cell
combination is less than
the actual capability.
You are not advised to
enable both of the two
functions.

FDD Coordinat EmimoCpsSw eMIMO Downlink MU-MIMO in

ed pilot itch option of (FDD) TM9 does not work in
schedulin the SCells that have been
g CellAlgoSwit configured for inter-
ch.EmimoSwi eNodeB CA based on
tch relaxed backhaul.
parameter

FDD UMTS UMTS_LTE_ZE UMTS There are fewer PUSCH and

and LTE RO_BUFFER_ and LTE SRS resources in a cell in
Zero ZONE_SW Zero the bufferzone than in a
Bufferzon option of the Bufferzo common cell. Therefore,
e ULZeroBuffer ne when the LTE bandwidth is
Zone.ZeroBuf 5 MHz or 10 MHz, using a
ZoneSwitch cell in the bufferzone as a
parameter PCell for CA is not
recommended. If the cell is
used as a PCell, CA
performance deteriorates.

FDD GSM and SpectrumClo GSM Pre-scheduling can be

LTE ud.Spectrum and LTE performed up to 35 ms
spectrum CloudSwitch Spectru earlier than actual
concurren parameter m scheduling. The
cy with the value Concurre interference information
of ncy may have changed at the
GL_SPECTRU moment of actual
M_CONCURR scheduling. Therefore, the
ENCY RB estimation for pre-
scheduling is inaccurate,
affecting the LTE network
throughput.

15.3 Requirements

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Carrier Aggregation Feature Parameter Description 15 Inter-eNodeB CA Based on Relaxed Backhaul

15.3.1 Licenses (FDD)

● In CA-group-based configuration mode
If a CA group includes cells that are served by different eNodeBs in a relaxed
backhaul scenario, each of the eNodeBs serving these cells requires one sales
unit of the license for Inter-eNodeB CA Based on Relaxed Backhaul.
● In adaptive configuration mode
If any cell served by the local eNodeB is to be accompanied by any inter-
eNodeB SCell in a relaxed backhaul scenario, each of the eNodeBs requires
one sales unit of the license for Inter-eNodeB CA Based on Relaxed Backhaul.
In either configuration mode, each cell involved in this function also requires one
sales unit of the license for LTE-A Introduction.
In addition, the requirements described in the "Licenses" sections for downlink
2CC, 3CC, 4CC, 5CC, or 6CC–8CC aggregation or for uplink 2CC aggregation must
be fulfilled if the corresponding number of inter-eNodeB CCs need to be
aggregated.

NOTE

If the FreqBaseIntereNBSccSwitch option, introduced in eRAN12.1, of the

ENodeBAlgoSwitch.CaAlgoExtSwitch parameter is selected for a local eNodeB in a relaxed
backhaul scenario:
● The local eNodeB can acquire the CA-related switch settings of each neighboring
eNodeB and, based on the settings, determine license consumption by local cells (cells
served by the local eNodeB). For example:
If 4CC aggregation has been enabled at a neighboring eNodeB, local cells may act as
SCells. The local eNodeB then determines that each local cell on the frequencies
configured as candidate SCCs on the neighboring eNodeB should consume one sales
unit of the license for Carrier Aggregation for Downlink 4CC and 5CC.
If 4CC aggregation has been enabled neither at the local eNodeB nor at neighboring
eNodeBs, local cells will not act as SCells in 4CC aggregation. The local eNodeB
determines that the license for Carrier Aggregation for Downlink 4CC and 5CC should
not be consumed by any local cell.
● If the version of a connected neighboring eNodeB is earlier than eRAN12.1, the local
eNodeB assumes that all CA features have been enabled at the neighboring eNodeB,
for compatibility consideration. The local eNodeB attempts to make the consumption
of all CA feature licenses take effect for each local cell. In this situation, the feature
query result at the local eNodeB indicates that the configuration status of all CA
features is on.

Table 15-4 lists the license models and sales units for these features.

Table 15-4 License models and sales units

Feature ID Feature Name Model Sales Unit

LAOFD-001001 LTE-A LT1SA020CA00 per cell

Introduction

LAOFD-080201 Inter-eNodeB CA LT1S0IPRAN01 per eNodeB

Based on Relaxed
Backhaul

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15.3.2 Software
Before activating this function, ensure that its prerequisite functions have been
activated and mutually exclusive functions have been deactivated. For detailed
operations, see the relevant feature documents.

Prerequisite Functions
RAT Function Function Reference Description
Name Switch

FDD Downlink 2CC None 5 Downlink Inter-eNodeB CA

aggregation 2CC based on relaxed
Aggregation backhaul requires this
function to be
activated.

FDD Downlink 3CC FDD: the 6 Downlink (Optional) This

aggregation CaDl3CCSwit 3CC function must be
ch and Aggregation activated if three
CaDl3CCExtS carriers need to be
witch options aggregated in the
of the downlink for inter-
CaMgtCfg.Ce eNodeB CA based on
llCaAlgoSwit relaxed backhaul.
ch parameter
FDD Downlink 4CC CaDl4CCSwit 7 Downlink (Optional) This
aggregation ch option of 4CC function must be
the Aggregation activated if four
CaMgtCfg.Ce carriers need to be
llCaAlgoSwit aggregated in the
ch parameter downlink for inter-
eNodeB CA based on
relaxed backhaul.

FDD Downlink 5CC CaDl5CCSwit 8 Downlink (Optional) This

aggregation ch option of 5CC function must be
the Aggregation activated if five
CaMgtCfg.Ce carriers need to be
llCaAlgoSwit aggregated in the
ch parameter downlink for inter-
eNodeB CA based on
relaxed backhaul.

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Carrier Aggregation Feature Parameter Description 15 Inter-eNodeB CA Based on Relaxed Backhaul

RAT Function Function Reference Description

Name Switch

FDD Downlink ● CaDl5CCS 9 Downlink (Optional) This

massive CA witch Massive CA function must be
option of (FDD) activated if at least six
the 12 Downlink carriers need to be
CaMgtCfg. FDD+TDD CA aggregated in the
CellCaAlg downlink.
oSwitch
parameter
● UeBandCo
mbReduce
dR13Sw
option of
the
ENodeBAl
goSwitch.
CaAlgoExt
Switch
parameter
● DlMassive
CaSwitch
option of
the
CaMgtCfg.
CellCaAlg
oSwitch
parameter

FDD Downlink InterFddTddC 12 Downlink (Optional) This

FDD+TDD CA aSwitch FDD+TDD CA function must be
option of the activated if downlink
CaMgtCfg.Ce inter-eNodeB FDD
llCaAlgoSwit +TDD CA based on
ch parameter relaxed backhaul is
required.

FDD Intelligent CaSmartSele 11 Intelligent (Optional) This

selection of ctionSwitch Selection of function must be
serving cell option of the Serving Cell activated if it is to be
combinations ENodeBAlgoS Combination used for inter-eNodeB
witch.CaAlgo s CA based on relaxed
Switch backhaul.
parameter

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Carrier Aggregation Feature Parameter Description 15 Inter-eNodeB CA Based on Relaxed Backhaul

RAT Function Function Reference Description

Name Switch

FDD Uplink 2CC CaUl2CCSwit 13 Uplink (Optional) This

aggregation ch option of 2CC function must be
the Aggregation activated if two
CaMgtCfg.Ce carriers need to be
llCaAlgoSwit aggregated in the
ch parameter uplink for inter-
eNodeB CA based on
relaxed backhaul.

FDD Uplink FDD InterFddTddC 14 Uplink (Optional) This

+TDD CA aSwitch FDD+TDD CA function must be
option of the activated if uplink
CaMgtCfg.Ce inter-eNodeB FDD
llCaAlgoSwit +TDD CA based on
ch parameter relaxed backhaul is
required.

Mutually Exclusive Functions

None

15.3.3 Hardware

Base Station Models

All base stations models are compatible with this function.

Boards
The requirements described in Boards of 5.3.3 Hardware must be fulfilled. In
addition, note that:
● BBU3910A does not support this function.
● When deployed on LBBPc boards, FDD cells:
– Cannot act as SCells for uplink inter-eNodeB CA.
– Can act as neither PCells nor SCells when the inter-eNodeB one-way
delay is between 8 ms and 16 ms (inclusive) and the RTT is between 16
ms and 32 ms (inclusive).
● If the LMPT is used as the main control board, no more than seven inter-
eNodeB BBPs can be interconnected because the transport resource group
bandwidth of the LMPT is limited.
● For 5CC aggregation to 100 MHz, the UBBP and UMPT boards are
recommended. If LBBPd and LMPT are used, the peak data rate may not
reach the expected value, due to the lower hardware capabilities.
● If the data rate of transmission from the EPC to the eNodeB exceeds the
transmission capability of the BBP or main control board, the PCell cannot

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Carrier Aggregation Feature Parameter Description 15 Inter-eNodeB CA Based on Relaxed Backhaul

transfer data to SCells. As a result, the SCells may be activated but their
scheduling is suspended.

RF Modules
For details, see RF Modules in 5.3.3 Hardware.

15.3.4 Networking
The requirements described in 5.3.4 Networking must be fulfilled. In addition, CA
in relaxed backhaul scenarios has the following requirements:
● It is recommended that this function be deployed in urban areas to prevent
CA failures caused by large inter-site distances.
In accordance with section J.1 "Deployment Scenarios" in 3GPP TS 36.300
V10.11.0, the delay spread among the inter-eNodeB CCs monitored at the UE
cannot exceed 30.26 μs. A delay spread of 30.26 μs corresponds to a signal
transmission distance difference of about 9 kilometers among the CCs.
● The eNodeBs must use the same software version.
● The eNodeBs must be time-synchronized to within 3 μs.
The DSP CLKTST command can be used to query clock quality test
monitoring results.
● Routes between inter-eNodeB cells must be established and working properly.
eX2 or X2 interfaces must be set up between the eNodeBs. For details, see
eX2 Self-Management or S1 and X2 Self-Management.
– If the eNodeBs belong to the same operator and are managed by the
same MAE-Access:
eX2 or X2 interfaces between the eNodeBs support self-setup.
– If the eNodeBs belong to different operators or are managed by different
MAE-Access systems:
SCTP links and endpoint groups for eX2 or X2 interfaces must be
manually configured.
Both the control plane and user plane must be configured for X2 interfaces.
Otherwise, the routes between inter-eNodeB cells are unreachable, causing
CA failures. The DSP X2UPINFO command (in endpoint mode) or DSP
IPPATH command (in link mode) can be executed to check whether user-
plane information has been configured for an X2 interface.
eNodeBs will automatically create IP PM sessions to detect link status of eX2
or X2 interfaces. If an IP PM session of bidirectional activation type is
configured at either end of an eX2 or X2 interface, it may conflict with an
automatically created session. Therefore, the eX2 or X2 interface fails to work
properly.
If three consecutive attempts of a cell to set up an eX2 or X2 route to an
inter-eNodeB cell fail in a relaxed backhaul scenario, the subsequent setup
attempts on this route will be prohibited within the next 5 minutes.
The maximum number of inter-eNodeB cells that can be associated varies
depending on the type of main control board, as listed in Table 15-5.

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Carrier Aggregation Feature Parameter Description 15 Inter-eNodeB CA Based on Relaxed Backhaul

Table 15-5 Maximum number of inter-eNodeB cells for each type of main
control board
LMPT UMPTa/UMPTb UMPTe UMPTg

Not supported 288 1152 1728

● The inter-eNodeB transmission quality must meet requirements.

– For transmission delay requirements, see Usage Scenarios in 15.1
Principles.
– Jitter and packet loss rate requirements are described in Table 15-6.

Table 15-6 Jitter and packet loss rate requirements

Scenario Jitter (ms) Packet Loss
Rate (%)

Best 0 0.0001

Recommended 1 0.001

Tolerable 2 0.5

In tolerable scenarios described in Table 15-6, services can be successfully

set up, but the QoS requirements of services other than VoLTE and push
to talk (PTT) are not necessarily fulfilled.
NOTE

● If the transmission delay (maximum one-way delay or maximum RTT), jitter, or

packet loss rate deteriorates, the data rates of CA UEs in inter-eNodeB CA based on
relaxed backhaul decrease.
● If the downlink traffic to be carried on the serving board or eNodeB of the PCell
exceeds the maximum data rate supported by the hardware, the end-to-end delay
between the PCell and SCells may increase, so that the data rates in the SCells
decrease or even drop to zero.
● If TCP is used for application layer data transmission and there is packet loss on
the transmission link between the eNodeB and the EPC, the data rates of CA UEs
may be adversely affected because of insufficient incoming application layer data
packets. This insufficiency is caused by the limited size of the TCP sliding window.
Inter-eNodeB transmission quality information can be obtained using the
following methods:
– Run the DSP EX2UPINFO command to query the maximum one-way
delay and maximum RTT between eNodeBs with eX2 interfaces set up
between them, or run the DSP X2UPINFO command to query the
maximum one-way delay and maximum RTT between eNodeBs with X2
interfaces set up between them. If the status of clock synchronization
between two eNodeBs does not meet accuracy requirements, the
maximum one-way delay cannot be precisely measured. It can be
estimated by taking half of the maximum RTT.
– Monitor performance counters related to IP Performance Monitor (PM).
For details, see IP Performance Monitor.

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Carrier Aggregation Feature Parameter Description 15 Inter-eNodeB CA Based on Relaxed Backhaul

● The bandwidths of the links between the eNodeBs must meet requirements.
The required link bandwidth can be planned based on network conditions. It
must be within the transmission bandwidth capacities of the eNodeBs.
– Link bandwidth
Required link bandwidth = Bandwidth of the SCC x Spectral efficiency of
the SCC x Percentage of CA UEs on the SCC x Number of SCells to be
associated
Take a 20 MHz SCC as an example. Each time the serving eNodeB of the
PCell associates an inter-eNodeB SCell with the PCell:

▪ A link bandwidth of 35 Mbit/s is required for the uplink and also for
the downlink, assuming the average SCC spectral efficiency of 3.5
and a CA UE percentage of 50% for the SCC. The required link
bandwidth is calculated as follows:
20 x 3.5 x 50% x 1 = 35 Mbit/s
In consideration of transport protocol overheads, a bandwidth
margin of about 12% must be reserved. As a result, the bandwidth to
be configured is calculated as follows: 35 x (1 + 12%) = 39 Mbit/s.

▪ A link bandwidth of 150 Mbit/s is required for the uplink and also for
the downlink, assuming the maximum SCC spectral efficiency of 7.5
and a CA UE percentage of 100% for the SCC.
With the bandwidth margin of 12% considered, the bandwidth to be
configured is calculated as follows: 150 x (1 + 12%) = 168 Mbit/s.
Spectral efficiency = (L.Traffic.DL.SCH.QPSK.TB.bits + L.Traffic.DL.SCH.
16QAM.TB.bits + L.Traffic.DL.SCH.64QAM.TB.bits + L.Traffic.DL.SCH.
256QAM.TB.bits)/(L.ChMeas.PRB.DL.Used.Avg x measurement period),
where the measurement period is expressed in seconds.
– Transmission bandwidth capacities of eNodeBs
The CA-related transmission bandwidth capacities of eNodeBs depend on
the base station type and main control board type.
For macro and LampSite eNodeBs, the capacities depend on the main
control board type and the setting of the
GlobalProcSwitch.ProcTypeForNonIdealServData parameter, as
described in Table 15-7.

Table 15-7 CA-related transmission bandwidth capacities of macro and

LampSite eNodeBs

Value of LMPT UMPTa or UMPTe UMPTg/

GlobalProcSwitch UMPTb UMPTga
.ProcTypeForNonI
dealServData
SOFT 150 300 Mbit/s 600 Mbit/s 600 Mbit/s
Mbit/s

HARD 300 600 Mbit/s 1.2 Gbit/s 3 Gbit/s

Mbit/s

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Carrier Aggregation Feature Parameter Description 15 Inter-eNodeB CA Based on Relaxed Backhaul

If the GlobalProcSwitch.ProcTypeForNonIdealServData parameter is set

to HARD, BBPs (except LBBPc) will process data to facilitate data
forwarding at main control boards for inter-eNodeB CA based on relaxed
backhaul. This processing helps improve the CA-related transmission
bandwidth capacities of the eNodeBs. As a result, the
L.CA.Traffic.bits.RelaxedBackhaulCAUsed.DL.Scell counter will produce
a larger value, and the CPU usage of BBPs rises when the amount of
processed data increases.
Any change to the setting of the
GlobalProcSwitch.ProcTypeForNonIdealServData parameter will cause
the links between PCells and inter-eNodeB SCells to be reestablished. The
reestablishment has the following impacts on existing CA UEs in inter-
eNodeB CA based on relaxed backhaul:

▪ SCells are removed, so the instantaneous data rates of the UEs will
decrease even temporarily to zero.

▪ In CA-group-based configuration mode, after the SCell removal,

SCells will not be configured again for the UEs when the specific
traffic volume conditions are fulfilled. SCells can be configured for
the UEs only after they access the network again.
NOTE

In SCells participating in inter-eNodeB CA, the data rates on the radio interface are
determined by the transport block sizes selected by eNodeBs for UEs. The sizes must
not exceed the maximum allowed transmission bandwidth, and the size type is subject
to protocol-stipulated restrictions. It is possible that a selected transport block size
does not precisely match the transmission bandwidth. As a result, the actual data
throughput may fail to reach the maximum allowed bandwidth even though spare
radio resources are available in the SCells.
In inter-eNodeB CA based on relaxed backhaul, the PCell for a UE can allocate a
maximum of 50 KB of data to each SCell in each TTI. As a result, the air interface data
rate of the UE in the SCells cannot reach the peak value in some scenarios. For
example, if uplink-downlink subframe configuration 2 is used in TDD, the peak data
rate over the air interface in the affected SCells is 320 Mbit/s, which is lower than the
peak data rate that can be reached using TM9 in 8x8 MIMO.

15.3.5 Others
● UEs
UEs must comply with 3GPP Release 12 or later and support the frequency
bands of the carriers to be aggregated and their bandwidths. UEs must also
support the peak data rates that CA can achieve.
6CC–8CC aggregation requires UEs to comply with 3GPP Release 13 or later.
● EPC
For this function to reach a theoretical peak data rate, the maximum bit rate
that each UE subscribes to in the EPC cannot be lower than this theoretical
value. For the theoretical values, see 15.2.1 Benefits.

15.4 Operation and Maintenance

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Carrier Aggregation Feature Parameter Description 15 Inter-eNodeB CA Based on Relaxed Backhaul

15.4.1 Data Configuration

15.4.1.1 Data Preparation

This function works in either CA-group-based or adaptive configuration mode.
Prepare basic data as described in 5.4.1.1 Data Preparation.
● In CA-group-based configuration mode
In addition to 5.4.1.1.1 CA-Group-based Configuration Mode, configure
CaGroup, CaGroupCell, and CaGroupSCellCfg MOs on each eNodeB and
ensure that the CaGroup and CaGroupCell configurations of the eNodeBs
involved in CA are consistent. If the configurations are inconsistent, CA will
not work.
● In adaptive configuration mode
There are no special requirements. Adaptive configuration mode is
recommended for this function.
In addition, for either mode, prepare data as described in Table 15-8 for function
activation.

Table 15-8 Parameters for activating inter-eNodeB CA based on relaxed backhaul

Parameter Parameter ID Option Setting Notes
Name

CA Algorithm ENodeBAlgoS RelaxedBackh Select this option for all the

Switch witch.CaAlgo aulCaSwitch eNodeBs involved.
Switch
CA Algorithm ENodeBAlgoS FreqBaseInter Select this option for the
Extend Switch witch.CaAlgo eNBSccSwitch serving eNodeBs of SCells.
ExtSwitch

In addition to the preceding parameters for function activation, prepare data as

described in the "Data Preparation" sections for downlink 2CC, 3CC, 4CC, 5CC, or
6CC–8CC aggregation or for uplink 2CC aggregation if the corresponding number
of inter-eNodeB CCs need to be aggregated in relaxed backhaul scenarios.
The parameters used for optimization of inter-eNodeB CA based on relaxed
backhaul are described in Table 15-9.

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Carrier Aggregation Feature Parameter Description 15 Inter-eNodeB CA Based on Relaxed Backhaul

Table 15-9 Parameters for optimizing inter-eNodeB CA based on relaxed backhaul

Parameter Parameter ID Option Setting Notes
Name

CA Algorithm ENodeBAlgoS RelaxedBHCa On a network where the inter-

Switch witch.CaAlgo EnhanceSwitc eNodeB one-way delay is
Switch h between 4 ms and 8 ms
(inclusive) and the RTT is
between 8 ms and 16 ms
(inclusive), to activate
downlink CA, select this
option.

CA Algorithm ENodeBAlgoS RelaxedBHCa On a network where the inter-

Extend Switch witch.CaAlgo Enh2Switch eNodeB one-way delay is
ExtSwitch between 4 ms and 16 ms
(inclusive) and the RTT is
between 8 ms and 32 ms
(inclusive), to activate
downlink FDD CA, select this
option.

CA Algorithm ENodeBAlgoS SccMeasRptLo In normal scenarios, it is

Extend Switch witch.CaAlgo calCellPriorSw recommended that this option
ExtSwitch be deselected. In SCTP link
congestion scenarios, it is
recommended that this option
be selected.

Relaxed CaMgtCfg.Re None Set this parameter based on

Backhaul Ca laxedBackha site conditions.
Max ulCaMaxCcN
Component um
Carrier
Number

Relaxed CaMgtCfg.Re None Set this parameter based on

Backhaul CA laxedBHCaUl site conditions.
UL Max CC MaxCcNum
Num

FDD TDD CaMgtCfg.FT None Set this parameter based on

Relaxed BH RelaxedBHCa site conditions.
CA DL Max DLMaxCcNu
CC Num m
FDD and TDD CaMgtCfg.FT None Set this parameter based on
Relaxed RelaxedBHCa site conditions.
Backhaul CA UlMaxCcNu
UL Max CC m
Num

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Carrier Aggregation Feature Parameter Description 15 Inter-eNodeB CA Based on Relaxed Backhaul

Parameter Parameter ID Option Setting Notes

Name

Cell Level CA CaMgtCfg.Ce FddTddCaUlSe For uplink inter-eNodeB CA

Algorithm llCaAlgoSwit rviceFirstSwitc based on relaxed backhaul, it
Switch ch h is recommended that this
option be selected to prevent
CQIs on the PUSCH from
affecting uplink data rates.

Cell Level CA CaMgtCfg.Ce RelaxedBhDlR Select this option.

Algorithm llCaAlgoSwit lcRetransOptS
Switch ch w

Relaxed CaMgtCfg.Re None Set this parameter to 1.

Backhaul SCC laxedBhSccDl
DL Target TargetIbler
IBLER

15.4.1.2 Using MML Commands (FDD)

Activation Command Examples

Before activating this function, configure cells or frequencies according to 5.4.1.2.1
CA-Group-based Configuration Mode (FDD) or 5.4.1.2.2 Adaptive
Configuration Mode (FDD).
The activation command examples for this function are as follows:
//Setting the clock synchronization mode of eNodeBs to time synchronization
SET CLKSYNCMODE: CLKSYNCMODE=TIME;
//Turning on RelaxedBackhaulCaSwitch for each eNodeB
MOD ENODEBALGOSWITCH: CaAlgoSwitch=RelaxedBackhaulCaSwitch-1;
//Turning on FreqBaseIntereNBSccSwitch for the serving eNodeB of each possible SCell
MOD ENODEBALGOSWITCH: CaAlgoExtSwitch=FreqBaseIntereNBSccSwitch-1;
//For downlink 2CC aggregation based on relaxed backhaul: setting RelaxedBackhaulCaMaxCcNum to 2CC
for the serving eNodeB of each possible PCell
MOD CAMGTCFG: LocalCellId=0, RelaxedBackhaulCaMaxCcNum=2CC;
//For downlink 3CC aggregation based on relaxed backhaul: turning on CaDl3CCSwitch and setting
RelaxedBackhaulCaMaxCcNum to 3CC for the serving eNodeB of each possible PCell
MOD CAMGTCFG: LocalCellId=0, CellCaAlgoSwitch=CaDl3CCSwitch-1, RelaxedBackhaulCaMaxCcNum=3CC;
//For downlink 4CC aggregation based on relaxed backhaul: turning on CaDl3CCSwitch and CaDl4CCSwitch,
and setting RelaxedBackhaulCaMaxCcNum to 4CC for the serving eNodeB of each possible PCell
MOD CAMGTCFG: LocalCellId=0, CellCaAlgoSwitch=CaDl3CCSwitch-1&CaDl4CCSwitch-1,
RelaxedBackhaulCaMaxCcNum=4CC;
//For downlink 5CC aggregation based on relaxed backhaul: turning on CaDl3CCSwitch, CaDl4CCSwitch,
and CaDl5CCSwitch, and setting RelaxedBackhaulCaMaxCcNum to 5CC for the serving eNodeB of each
possible PCell
MOD CAMGTCFG: LocalCellId=0, CellCaAlgoSwitch=CaDl3CCSwitch-1&CaDl4CCSwitch-1&CaDl5CCSwitch-1,
RelaxedBackhaulCaMaxCcNum=5CC;
//For downlink 6CC–8CC aggregation based on relaxed backhaul: turning on CaDl3CCSwitch,
CaDl4CCSwitch, CaDl5CCSwitch, and DlMassiveCaSwitch, and setting RelaxedBackhaulCaMaxCcNum to
DL_MASSIVE_CA for the serving eNodeB of each possible PCell
MOD CAMGTCFG: LocalCellId=0,
CellCaAlgoSwitch=CaDl3CCSwitch-1&CaDl4CCSwitch-1&CaDl5CCSwitch-1&DlMassiveCaSwitch-1,
RelaxedBackhaulCaMaxCcNum=DL_MASSIVE_CA;
//For uplink 2CC aggregation based on relaxed backhaul: turning on CaUl2CCSwitch and setting
RelaxedBHCaUlMaxCcNum to 2CC for the serving eNodeB of each possible PCell; moreover, turning on
MtaAlgSwitch for each eNodeB
MOD CAMGTCFG: LocalCellId=0, CellCaAlgoSwitch=CaUl2CCSwitch-1, RelaxedBHCaUlMaxCcNum=2CC;

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Carrier Aggregation Feature Parameter Description 15 Inter-eNodeB CA Based on Relaxed Backhaul

MOD ENODEBALGOSWITCH: CaAlgoSwitch=MtaAlgSwitch-1;

//Turning on RelaxedBHCaEnhanceSwitch for the serving eNodeB of each possible PCell to use downlink CA
on a relaxed backhaul network with an inter-eNodeB one-way delay between 4 ms and 8 ms (inclusive)
and an RTT between 8 ms and 16 ms (inclusive)
MOD ENODEBALGOSWITCH: CaAlgoSwitch=RelaxedBHCaEnhanceSwitch-1;
//Turning on RelaxedBHCaEnh2Switch for the serving eNodeB of each possible PCell to use downlink CA on
a relaxed backhaul network with an inter-eNodeB one-way delay between 4 ms and 16 ms (inclusive) and
an RTT between 8 ms and 32 ms (inclusive)
MOD ENODEBALGOSWITCH: CaAlgoExtSwitch=RelaxedBHCaEnh2Switch-1;

Optimization Command Examples

//Increasing the MAC-layer scheduling priority of downlink RLC retransmission packets for UEs in the
relaxed-backhaul-based CA state
MOD CAMGTCFG: LocalCellId=0,CellCaAlgoSwitch=RelaxedBhDlRlcRetransOptSw-1;
//Configuring downlink target IBLERs for SCells in relaxed backhaul scenarios
MOD CAMGTCFG: LocalCellId=0,RelaxedBhSccDlTargetIbler=1;
//Prohibiting the serving eNodeB of the PCell for a CA UE from configuring any inter-eNodeB cell that is
working on the same frequency as an activated cell on this local eNodeB as an SCell for the UE
MOD ENODEBALGOSWITCH: CaAlgoExtSwitch=SccMeasRptLocalCellPriorSw-1;

Deactivation Command Examples

//Turning off RelaxedBackhaulCaSwitch
MOD ENODEBALGOSWITCH: CaAlgoSwitch=RelaxedBackhaulCaSwitch-0;

15.4.1.3 Using the MAE-Deployment

For detailed operations, see Feature Configuration Using the MAE-Deployment.

15.4.2 Activation Verification

Counter Observation
If the counters listed in Table 15-10 produce non-zero values on a network that is
serving CA UEs, inter-eNodeB CA based on relaxed backhaul has taken effect in
the network.

Table 15-10 Counters used to verify activation of inter-eNodeB CA based on

relaxed backhaul

Counter ID Counter Name

1526732909 L.Traffic.User.PCell.DL.RelaxedBackhaul-
CA.Avg

1526732955 L.Traffic.User.SCell.DL.RelaxedBackhaul-
CA.Avg

1526732911 L.ChMeas.PRB.DL.PCell.RelaxedBackhaul-
CAUsed.Avg

1526732912 L.ChMeas.PRB.DL.SCell.RelaxedBackhaul-
CAUsed.Avg

1526743685 L.Traffic.User.PCell.UL.RelaxedBackhaul-
CA.Avg

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Carrier Aggregation Feature Parameter Description 15 Inter-eNodeB CA Based on Relaxed Backhaul

Counter ID Counter Name

1526743658 L.Traffic.User.SCell.UL.RelaxedBackhaul-
CA.Avg

1526743661 L.Traffic.User.RelaxedBackhaul-
CA.SCell.Active.UL.Avg

Message Tracing
For the tools and IEs to observe, see Message Tracing in 5.4.2 Activation
Verification and Message Tracing in 13.4.2 Activation Verification.

15.4.3 Network Monitoring

For the counters used in scenarios of downlink 2CC, 3CC, 4CC or 5CC aggregation,
downlink massive CA, and uplink 2CC aggregation, see the corresponding
"Network Monitoring" sections.

In addition, monitor the counters in Table 15-11 and compare the results with the
network plan to evaluate network performance.

Table 15-11 Counters used to monitor performance of inter-eNodeB CA based on

relaxed backhaul

Counter ID Counter Name

1526732909 L.Traffic.User.PCell.DL.RelaxedBackhaul-
CA.Avg

1526732910 L.Traffic.User.PCell.DL.RelaxedBackhaul-
CA.Max

1526732955 L.Traffic.User.SCell.DL.RelaxedBackhaul-
CA.Avg

1526732954 L.Traffic.User.SCell.DL.RelaxedBackhaul-
CA.Max

1526732911 L.ChMeas.PRB.DL.PCell.RelaxedBackhaul-
CAUsed.Avg

1526732912 L.ChMeas.PRB.DL.SCell.RelaxedBackhaul-
CAUsed.Avg

1526733184 L.Thrp.bits.DL.RelaxedBackhaulCAUser

1526733185 L.Thrp.Time.DL.RelaxedBackhaulCAUser

1526733198 L.Traffic.User.PCell.RelaxedBackhaulCA.OFF

1526737803 L.CA.Traffic.bits.RelaxedBackhaul-
CAUsed.DL.Pcell

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Counter ID Counter Name

1526737804 L.CA.Traffic.bits.RelaxedBackhaul-
CAUsed.DL.Scell

1526743685 L.Traffic.User.PCell.UL.RelaxedBackhaul-
CA.Avg

1526743658 L.Traffic.User.SCell.UL.RelaxedBackhaul-
CA.Avg

1526743661 L.Traffic.User.RelaxedBackhaul-
CA.SCell.Active.UL.Avg

1526759044 L.CA.SCell.DLSCell.RelaxedBackhaul-
CA.Mod.Att

1526759045 L.CA.SCell.DLSCell.RelaxedBackhaul-
CA.Rmv.Att

1526759046 L.CA.SCell.DLSCell.RelaxedBackhaul-
CA.Add.Att

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Carrier Aggregation Feature Parameter Description 16 Inter-eNodeB CA Based on eNodeB Coordination

16 Inter-eNodeB CA Based on eNodeB

Coordination

16.1 Principles
This function allows for downlink 2CC to 8CC aggregation and uplink 2CC
aggregation between inter-eNodeB cells in eNodeB coordination scenarios.
For FDD, in eNodeB coordination scenarios, the eNodeBs are deployed in a
centralized or distributed manner.
Figure 16-1 illustrates an example of the scenarios.

Figure 16-1 Inter-eNodeB CA based on eNodeB coordination

In CA-group-based configuration mode, this function is not under switch control.

In adaptive configuration mode, this function is controlled by the switches listed in
Table 16-1.

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Table 16-1 Switch control over inter-eNodeB CA based on eNodeB coordination

RAT Option Description

FDD FreqCfgCaOverBBUsSwitch Select this option for all the

option of the eNodeBs involved.
ENodeBAlgoSwitch.OverBBUsSwi
tch parameter
FDD FreqBaseIntereNBSccSwitch Select this option for the serving
option of the eNodeBs of SCells.
ENodeBAlgoSwitch.CaAlgoExtSwi
tch parameter

This function employs the same PCC anchoring and SCell management procedures
as for intra-eNodeB CA. For details, see 4.6 Carrier Management for
RRC_CONNECTED UEs and 4.7 Carrier Management for RRC_IDLE UEs.

Centralized Deployment
In the centralized architecture of eNodeB coordination, the eNodeBs exchange
signaling messages and transmit service data through one or two levels of
universal switching units (USUs). For details about this architecture, see USU3900-
based Multi-BBU Interconnection and USU3910-based Multi-BBU Interconnection.

CA works in this centralized architecture only when the inter-eNodeB round trip
time (RTT) is less than 44 μs.

Distributed Deployment (FDD)

FDD CA works in the distributed architecture of eNodeB coordination.

In this architecture, a Universal inter-Connection Combo Unit (UCCU) board is

installed in the BBU of each eNodeB and connected to a USU through an optical
cable for signaling exchange and service data transmission between the eNodeBs.
For details about this architecture, see USU3910-based Multi-BBU Interconnection.

CA works in this distributed architecture only when the inter-eNodeB RTT is less
than 260 μs.

This function is controlled by the DistributeCloudbbCaSwitch option of the

ENodeBAlgoSwitch.CaAlgoSwitch parameter, in addition to the switches listed in
Table 16-1.

Hybrid Deployment (FDD)

FDD CA works in the hybrid architecture of eNodeB coordination.

In this architecture, a USU is working simultaneously in centralized and distributed

deployment modes. However, a single eNodeB can be connected to the USU in
only one mode: centralized or distributed. For details about this architecture, see
USU3910-based Multi-BBU Interconnection.

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16.2 Network Analysis

16.2.1 Benefits
This function enables inter-eNodeB carriers to be aggregated to increase user-
perceived data rates for CA UEs.

16.2.2 Impacts
This section describes the network and function impacts of this function itself.
For the network and function impacts of the prerequisite functions, see the
"Impacts" sections for the prerequisite functions.

Network Impacts
This function has the following impacts on the network, because of the delay:
● In the centralized architecture
This function has a slight negative impact on the peak data rates of CA UEs
but does not affect user experience. The reason is that the data to be sent
does not arrive at SCells precisely at the moment of the SCells' scheduling
occasion and the UEs cannot be scheduled for that moment.
● In the distributed or hybrid architecture (FDD only)
– CA UEs cannot promptly acquire the real-time CQI changes about inter-
eNodeB SCells. This causes slight deterioration in frequency-selective
scheduling performance and an increase in IBLER.
– Reports of HARQ retransmission demodulation results are delayed,
affecting the single-UE peak data rate and resulting in an increase in
RBLER.
– CQI and IBLER feedback is delayed, causing variations in the data rates of
UEs located medium or long distances from the center of their SCells.
– Due to the differences in the RLC data arrival time for the aggregated
carriers, CA UEs have to combine and organize the received data. This
process places an additional burden on the UEs' CPUs. If the CPU capacity
is insufficient, the data rates of the UEs fluctuate.
– To minimize the impact of inter-eNodeB delay, RLC retransmissions occur
only in PCells. If the Uu bandwidth of a PCell is used up by guaranteed
bit rate (GBR) services, RLC retransmissions for the CA UE are often
blocked and the data rate of the UE fluctuates.
– Due to possible errors in the estimated scheduling priorities of CA UEs,
the PRBs in SCells for the UEs may not be fully utilized when the SCells
are each serving a small number of non-CA UEs and the non-CA UE
traffic is light.
– When route setup is triggered for the first time between the PCell and an
inter-eNodeB SCell for a CA UE, this route is set up assuming the eNodeB
is in the centralized eNodeB coordination architecture by default, before
the inter-eNodeB transmission delay is detected. If the detected inter-
eNodeB transmission delay indicates the distributed eNodeB coordination

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architecture, the eNodeB removes this SCell for the UE. The eNodeB will
attempt to configure this SCell for the UE again when the uplink or
downlink traffic volume of the UE meets the SCell activation conditions
described in 4.6.3.4 SCell Activation. For subsequent CA UEs, the
eNodeB configures this SCell considering that it is in the distributed
eNodeB coordination architecture.

Function Impacts
RAT Function Function Reference Description
Name Switch

FDD Downlink 4TxTM9MuM eMIMO Downlink MU-MIMO

MU-MIMO in imoSwitch (FDD) in TM9 does not work
TM9 option of the in SCells of CA UEs in
CellAlgoSwit the distributed
ch.EmimoSwi architecture of
tch eNodeB coordination.
parameter

16.3 Requirements

16.3.1 Licenses (FDD)

● In CA-group-based configuration mode
If a CA group includes cells that are served by different eNodeBs in an
eNodeB coordination scenario, each of the eNodeBs serving these cells
requires one sales unit of the license for Inter-eNodeB CA based on
Coordinated eNodeB.
● In adaptive configuration mode
If any cell served by the local eNodeB is to be accompanied by any inter-
eNodeB SCell in an eNodeB coordination scenario, each of the eNodeBs
requires one sales unit of the license for Inter-eNodeB CA based on
Coordinated eNodeB.
In either configuration mode, each cell involved in this function also requires one
sales unit of the license for LTE-A Introduction.
In addition, the requirements described in the "Licenses" sections for downlink
2CC, 3CC, 4CC, or 5CC aggregation, for downlink 6CC–8CC aggregation, or for
uplink 2CC aggregation must be fulfilled if the corresponding number of inter-
eNodeB CCs need to be aggregated.
Table 16-2 lists the license models and sales units for these features.

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Table 16-2 License models and sales units

Feature ID Feature Name Model Sales Unit

LAOFD-001001 LTE-A LT1SA020CA00 per cell

Introduction

LAOFD-070202 Inter-eNodeB LT1SCAFBCB00 per eNodeB

CA based on
Coordinated
eNodeB

16.3.2 Software
Before activating this function, ensure that its prerequisite functions have been
activated and mutually exclusive functions have been deactivated. For detailed
operations, see the relevant feature documents.

Prerequisite Functions
RAT Function Function Reference Description
Name Switch

FDD Downlink 2CC None 5 Downlink Inter-eNodeB CA

aggregation 2CC based on eNodeB
Aggregation coordination requires
this function to be
activated.

FDD Downlink 3CC FDD: the 6 Downlink (Optional) This

aggregation CaDl3CCSwit 3CC function must be
ch and Aggregation activated if three
CaDl3CCExtS carriers need to be
witch options aggregated in the
of the downlink for inter-
CaMgtCfg.Ce eNodeB CA based on
llCaAlgoSwit eNodeB coordination.
ch parameter
FDD Downlink 4CC CaDl4CCSwit 7 Downlink (Optional) This
aggregation ch option of 4CC function must be
the Aggregation activated if four
CaMgtCfg.Ce carriers need to be
llCaAlgoSwit aggregated in the
ch parameter downlink for inter-
eNodeB CA based on
eNodeB coordination.

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RAT Function Function Reference Description

Name Switch

FDD Downlink 5CC CaDl5CCSwit 8 Downlink (Optional) This

aggregation ch option of 5CC function must be
the Aggregation activated if five
CaMgtCfg.Ce carriers need to be
llCaAlgoSwit aggregated in the
ch parameter downlink for inter-
eNodeB CA based on
eNodeB coordination.

FDD Downlink ● CaDl5CCS 9 Downlink (Optional) This

massive CA witch Massive CA function must be
option of (FDD) activated if at least six
the 12 Downlink carriers need to be
CaMgtCfg. FDD+TDD CA aggregated in the
CellCaAlg downlink.
oSwitch
parameter
● UeBandCo
mbReduce
dR13Sw
option of
the
ENodeBAl
goSwitch.
CaAlgoExt
Switch
parameter
● DlMassive
CaSwitch
option of
the
CaMgtCfg.
CellCaAlg
oSwitch
parameter

FDD Downlink InterFddTddC 12 Downlink (Optional) This

FDD+TDD CA aSwitch FDD+TDD CA function must be
option of the activated if downlink
CaMgtCfg.Ce inter-eNodeB FDD
llCaAlgoSwit +TDD CA based on
ch parameter eNodeB coordination
is required.

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RAT Function Function Reference Description

Name Switch

FDD Intelligent CaSmartSele 11 Intelligent (Optional) This

selection of ctionSwitch Selection of function must be
serving cell option of the Serving Cell activated if it is to be
combinations ENodeBAlgoS Combination used for inter-eNodeB
witch.CaAlgo s CA based on eNodeB
Switch coordination.
parameter

FDD Uplink 2CC CaUl2CCSwit 13 Uplink (Optional) This

aggregation ch option of 2CC function must be
the Aggregation activated if two
CaMgtCfg.Ce carriers need to be
llCaAlgoSwit aggregated in the
ch parameter uplink for inter-
eNodeB CA based on
eNodeB coordination.

FDD Uplink FDD InterFddTddC 14 Uplink (Optional) This

+TDD CA aSwitch FDD+TDD CA function must be
option of the activated if uplink
CaMgtCfg.Ce inter-eNodeB FDD
llCaAlgoSwit +TDD CA based on
ch parameter eNodeB coordination
is required.

Mutually Exclusive Functions

None

16.3.3 Hardware

Base Station Models

3900 and 5900 series base stations

Boards
The requirements described in Boards of 5.3.3 Hardware must be fulfilled. In
addition:
● Do not use LMPT, which does not support this function.
● For FDD, do not use LBBPc, BBU3910A, or BBU3910C, which does not support
this function.
● Do not use BBU5900A or BookBBU5901, which does not support this function.
● Before deploying this function, contact Huawei engineers for a resource audit.
This function shares system resources with SFN, UL CoMP, and coordinated
scheduling based power control (CSPC).

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RF Modules
For details, see RF Modules in 5.3.3 Hardware.

16.3.4 Networking
The requirements described in 5.3.4 Networking must be fulfilled. In addition, CA
in eNodeB coordination scenarios has the following requirements:
● The eNodeBs must use the same software version.
● The eNodeBs must be time-synchronized.
● Routes between inter-eNodeB cells must be established and working properly.
– When USU3910 is used, eX2 interfaces must be set up between the
eNodeBs.

▪ If the eNodeBs belong to the same operator and are managed by the
same MAE-Access, eX2 self-setup works.

▪ If the eNodeBs belong to different operators or are managed by

different MAE-Access systems, Stream Control Transmission Protocol
(SCTP) links and endpoint groups must be manually configured for
eX2 interfaces. For details about the configuration, see eX2 Self-
Management.
If three consecutive attempts of a cell to set up an eX2 route to an inter-
eNodeB cell fail in an eNodeB coordination scenario, the subsequent
setup attempts on this route will be prohibited within the next 5 minutes.
– When USU3900 is used, eX2 interfaces are not required between the
eNodeBs.

For details about eNodeB coordination, see USU3900-based Multi-BBU

Interconnection and USU3910-based Multi-BBU Interconnection.

16.3.5 Others
● UEs
UEs must comply with 3GPP Release 12 or later and support the frequency
bands of the carriers to be aggregated and their bandwidths. UEs must also
support the peak data rates that CA can achieve.
6CC–8CC aggregation requires UEs to comply with 3GPP Release 13 or later.
● EPC
For this function to reach a theoretical peak data rate, the maximum bit rate
that each UE subscribes to in the EPC cannot be lower than this theoretical
value. For the theoretical values, see 16.2.1 Benefits.

16.4 Operation and Maintenance

16.4.1 Data Configuration

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16.4.1.1 Data Preparation

This function works in either CA-group-based or adaptive configuration mode.
Prepare basic data as described in 5.4.1.1 Data Preparation.

● In CA-group-based configuration mode

In addition to 5.4.1.1.1 CA-Group-based Configuration Mode, configure
CaGroup, CaGroupCell, and CaGroupSCellCfg MOs on each eNodeB and
ensure that the CaGroup and CaGroupCell configurations of the eNodeBs
involved in CA are consistent. If the configurations are inconsistent, CA will
not work.
● In adaptive configuration mode
In addition to 5.4.1.1.2 Adaptive Configuration Mode, prepare data as
described in Table 16-3 for function activation.

Table 16-3 Parameters for activating adaptive inter-eNodeB CA based on

eNodeB coordination

Parameter Parameter Option Setting Notes

Name ID

OverBBUsSwi ENodeBAlgo FreqCfgCaOv Select this option for all the

tch Switch.Over erBBUsSwitc eNodeBs involved.
BBUsSwitch h

CA ENodeBAlgo FreqBaseInte Select this option for the

Algorithm Switch.CaAl reNBSccSwitc serving eNodeBs of SCells.
Extend goExtSwitch h
Switch

Moreover, in either configuration mode:

● To activate this function in the distributed architecture of eNodeB
coordination (only for FDD), prepare data as described in Table 16-4.

Table 16-4 Parameters for activating inter-eNodeB CA based on distributed

eNodeB coordination

Parameter Parameter ID Setting Notes

Name

CA Algorithm ENodeBAlgoSwi Select the DistributeCloudbbCaS-

Switch tch.CaAlgoSwitc witch option.
h
Distribute Cloud CaMgtCfg.DisCl Set this parameter based on site
BB CA Max oudBBCaMaxCc conditions.
Component Num
Carrier Number

● Prepare data as described in the "Data Preparation" sections for downlink

2CC, 3CC, 4CC, 5CC, or 6CC–8CC aggregation or for uplink 2CC aggregation if

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the corresponding number of inter-eNodeB CCs need to be aggregated in

eNodeB coordination scenarios.

16.4.1.2 Using MML Commands (FDD)

Before activating this function, perform the following configurations:
1. Configure a USU.
For details, see USU3900-based Multi-BBU Interconnection or USU3910-based
Multi-BBU Interconnection.
2. Configure cells or frequencies.
Perform the steps described in 5.4.1.2.1 CA-Group-based Configuration
Mode (FDD) or 5.4.1.2.2 Adaptive Configuration Mode (FDD) on each
eNodeB.

16.4.1.2.1 Centralized Architecture

Activation Command Examples

● CA-group-based configuration mode
//(Optional) Turning on CaDl3CCSwitch for the serving eNodeB of each possible PCell to enable
downlink 3CC aggregation for inter-eNodeB CA based on eNodeB coordination in the centralized
architecture
MOD CAMGTCFG: LocalCellId=0, CellCaAlgoSwitch=CaDl3CCSwitch-1;
//(Optional) Turning on both CaDl3CCSwitch and CaDl4CCSwitch for the serving eNodeB of each
possible PCell to enable downlink 4CC aggregation for inter-eNodeB CA based on eNodeB
coordination in the centralized architecture
MOD CAMGTCFG: LocalCellId=0, CellCaAlgoSwitch=CaDl3CCSwitch-1&CaDl4CCSwitch-1;
//(Optional) Turning on CaDl3CCSwitch, CaDl4CCSwitch, and CaDl5CCSwitch for the serving eNodeB
of each possible PCell to enable downlink 5CC aggregation for inter-eNodeB CA based on eNodeB
coordination in the centralized architecture
MOD CAMGTCFG: LocalCellId=0,
CellCaAlgoSwitch=CaDl3CCSwitch-1&CaDl4CCSwitch-1&CaDl5CCSwitch-1;
//(Optional) Turning on CaDl3CCSwitch, CaDl4CCSwitch, CaDl5CCSwitch, and DlMassiveCaSwitch for
the serving eNodeB of each possible PCell to enable downlink 6CC–8CC aggregation for inter-eNodeB
CA based on eNodeB coordination in the centralized architecture
MOD CAMGTCFG: LocalCellId=0,
CellCaAlgoSwitch=CaDl3CCSwitch-1&CaDl4CCSwitch-1&CaDl5CCSwitch-1&DlMassiveCaSwitch-1;
//(Optional) Turning on CaUl2CCSwitch for the serving eNodeB of each possible PCell to enable
uplink 2CC aggregation for inter-eNodeB CA based on eNodeB coordination in the centralized
architecture
MOD CAMGTCFG: LocalCellId=0, CellCaAlgoSwitch=CaUl2CCSwitch-1;
● Adaptive configuration mode
//Turning on FreqCfgCaOverBBUsSwitch for each eNodeB
MOD ENODEBALGOSWITCH: OverBBUsSwitch=FreqCfgCaOverBBUsSwitch-1;
//Turning on FreqBaseIntereNBSccSwitch for the serving eNodeB of each possible SCell
MOD ENODEBALGOSWITCH: CaAlgoExtSwitch=FreqBaseIntereNBSccSwitch-1;
//(Optional) Turning on CaDl2CCExtSwitch for both the serving eNodeB of each possible PCell and
the serving eNodeB of each possible SCell to enable downlink aggregation of two CCs with total
bandwidth between 20 MHz and 40 MHz (inclusive) for inter-eNodeB CA based on eNodeB
coordination in the centralized architecture
MOD CAMGTCFG: LocalCellId=0, CellCaAlgoSwitch=CaDl2CCExtSwitch-1;
MOD CAMGTCFG: LocalCellId=1, CellCaAlgoSwitch=CaDl2CCExtSwitch-1;
//(Optional) Turning on CaDl3CCSwitch for the serving eNodeB of each possible PCell to enable
downlink 3CC aggregation for inter-eNodeB CA based on eNodeB coordination in the centralized
architecture
MOD CAMGTCFG: LocalCellId=0, CellCaAlgoSwitch=CaDl3CCSwitch-1;
//(Optional) Turning on both CaDl3CCSwitch and CaDl4CCSwitch for the serving eNodeB of each
possible PCell to enable downlink 4CC aggregation for inter-eNodeB CA based on eNodeB
coordination in the centralized architecture
MOD CAMGTCFG: LocalCellId=0, CellCaAlgoSwitch=CaDl3CCSwitch-1&CaDl4CCSwitch-1;
//(Optional) Turning on CaDl3CCSwitch, CaDl4CCSwitch, and CaDl5CCSwitch for the serving eNodeB
of each possible PCell to enable downlink 5CC aggregation for inter-eNodeB CA based on eNodeB

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coordination in the centralized architecture

MOD CAMGTCFG: LocalCellId=0,
CellCaAlgoSwitch=CaDl3CCSwitch-1&CaDl4CCSwitch-1&CaDl5CCSwitch-1;
//(Optional) Turning on CaDl3CCSwitch, CaDl4CCSwitch, CaDl5CCSwitch, and DlMassiveCaSwitch for
the serving eNodeB of each possible PCell to enable downlink 6CC–8CC aggregation for inter-eNodeB
CA based on eNodeB coordination in the centralized architecture
MOD CAMGTCFG: LocalCellId=0,
CellCaAlgoSwitch=CaDl3CCSwitch-1&CaDl4CCSwitch-1&CaDl5CCSwitch-1&DlMassiveCaSwitch-1;
//(Optional) Turning on CaUl2CCSwitch for the serving eNodeB of each possible PCell to enable
uplink 2CC aggregation for inter-eNodeB CA based on eNodeB coordination in the centralized
architecture
MOD CAMGTCFG: LocalCellId=0, CellCaAlgoSwitch=CaUl2CCSwitch-1;

Deactivation Command Examples

● CA-group-based configuration mode
//Removing all inter-eNodeB cells from the CA group at each eNodeB. Inter-eNodeB cells have
different eNodeB IDs from the local eNodeB ID.
RMV CAGROUPCELL: CaGroupId=0, LocalCellId=0, eNodeBId=1234;

● Adaptive configuration mode

//Turning off FreqCfgCaOverBBUsSwitch for each eNodeB
MOD ENODEBALGOSWITCH: OverBBUsSwitch=FreqCfgCaOverBBUsSwitch-0;

16.4.1.2.2 Distributed Architecture

Activation Command Examples

● CA-group-based configuration mode
//Turning on DistributeCloudbbCaSwitch for the serving eNodeB of each possible PCell
MOD ENODEBALGOSWITCH: CaAlgoSwitch=DistributeCloudbbCaSwitch-1;
//(Optional) Turning on CaDl3CCSwitch and setting DisCloudBBCaMaxCcNum to 3CC for the serving
eNodeB of each possible PCell to enable downlink 3CC aggregation for inter-eNodeB CA based on
eNodeB coordination in the distributed architecture
MOD CAMGTCFG: LocalCellId=0, CellCaAlgoSwitch=CaDl3CCSwitch-1, DisCloudBBCaMaxCcNum=3CC;
//(Optional) Turning on CaDl3CCSwitch and CaDl4CCSwitch, and setting DisCloudBBCaMaxCcNum to
4CC for the serving eNodeB of each possible PCell to enable downlink 4CC aggregation for inter-
eNodeB CA based on eNodeB coordination in the distributed architecture
MOD CAMGTCFG: LocalCellId=0, CellCaAlgoSwitch=CaDl3CCSwitch-1&CaDl4CCSwitch-1,
DisCloudBBCaMaxCcNum=4CC;
//(Optional) Turning on CaDl3CCSwitch, CaDl4CCSwitch, and CaDl5CCSwitch, and setting
DisCloudBBCaMaxCcNum to 5CC for the serving eNodeB of each possible PCell to enable downlink
5CC aggregation for inter-eNodeB CA based on eNodeB coordination in the distributed architecture
MOD CAMGTCFG: LocalCellId=0,
CellCaAlgoSwitch=CaDl3CCSwitch-1&CaDl4CCSwitch-1&CaDl5CCSwitch-1,
DisCloudBBCaMaxCcNum=5CC;
//(Optional) Turning on CaDl3CCSwitch, CaDl4CCSwitch, CaDl5CCSwitch, and DlMassiveCaSwitch, and
setting DisCloudBBCaMaxCcNum to DL_MASSIVE_CA for the serving eNodeB of each possible PCell to
enable downlink 6CC–8CC aggregation for inter-eNodeB CA based on eNodeB coordination in the
distributed architecture
MOD CAMGTCFG: LocalCellId=0,
CellCaAlgoSwitch=CaDl3CCSwitch-1&CaDl4CCSwitch-1&CaDl5CCSwitch-1&DlMassiveCaSwitch-1,
DisCloudBBCaMaxCcNum=DL_MASSIVE_CA;
//(Optional) Turning on CaUl2CCSwitch and setting DisCloudBBCaMaxCcNum to 2CC for the serving
eNodeB of each possible PCell to enable uplink 2CC aggregation for inter-eNodeB CA based on
eNodeB coordination in the distributed architecture
MOD CAMGTCFG: LocalCellId=0, CellCaAlgoSwitch=CaUl2CCSwitch-1, DisCloudBBCaMaxCcNum=2CC;

● Adaptive configuration mode

//Turning on DistributeCloudbbCaSwitch for the serving eNodeB of each possible PCell
MOD ENODEBALGOSWITCH: CaAlgoSwitch=DistributeCloudbbCaSwitch-1;
//Turning on FreqCfgCaOverBBUsSwitch for each eNodeB
MOD ENODEBALGOSWITCH: OverBBUsSwitch=FreqCfgCaOverBBUsSwitch-1;
//Turning on FreqBaseIntereNBSccSwitch for the serving eNodeB of each possible SCell
MOD ENODEBALGOSWITCH: CaAlgoExtSwitch=FreqBaseIntereNBSccSwitch-1;
//(Optional) Turning on CaDl2CCExtSwitch for both the serving eNodeB of each possible PCell and
the serving eNodeB of each possible SCell to enable downlink aggregation of two CCs with total
bandwidth between 20 MHz and 40 MHz (inclusive) for inter-eNodeB CA based on eNodeB

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coordination in the distributed architecture

MOD CAMGTCFG: LocalCellId=0, CellCaAlgoSwitch=CaDl2CCExtSwitch-1;
MOD CAMGTCFG: LocalCellId=1, CellCaAlgoSwitch=CaDl2CCExtSwitch-1;
//(Optional) Turning on CaDl3CCSwitch and setting DisCloudBBCaMaxCcNum to 3CC for the serving
eNodeB of each possible PCell to enable downlink 3CC aggregation for inter-eNodeB CA based on
eNodeB coordination in the distributed architecture
MOD CAMGTCFG: LocalCellId=0, CellCaAlgoSwitch=CaDl3CCSwitch-1, DisCloudBBCaMaxCcNum=3CC;
//(Optional) Turning on CaDl3CCSwitch and CaDl4CCSwitch, and setting DisCloudBBCaMaxCcNum to
4CC for the serving eNodeB of each possible PCell to enable downlink 4CC aggregation for inter-
eNodeB CA based on eNodeB coordination in the distributed architecture
MOD CAMGTCFG: LocalCellId=0, CellCaAlgoSwitch=CaDl3CCSwitch-1&CaDl4CCSwitch-1,
DisCloudBBCaMaxCcNum=4CC;
//(Optional) Turning on CaDl3CCSwitch, CaDl4CCSwitch, and CaDl5CCSwitch, and setting
DisCloudBBCaMaxCcNum to 5CC for the serving eNodeB of each possible PCell to enable downlink
5CC aggregation for inter-eNodeB CA based on eNodeB coordination in the distributed architecture
MOD CAMGTCFG: LocalCellId=0,
CellCaAlgoSwitch=CaDl3CCSwitch-1&CaDl4CCSwitch-1&CaDl5CCSwitch-1,
DisCloudBBCaMaxCcNum=5CC;
//(Optional) Turning on CaDl3CCSwitch, CaDl4CCSwitch, CaDl5CCSwitch, and DlMassiveCaSwitch, and
setting DisCloudBBCaMaxCcNum to DL_MASSIVE_CA for the serving eNodeB of each possible PCell to
enable downlink 6CC–8CC aggregation for inter-eNodeB CA based on eNodeB coordination in the
distributed architecture
MOD CAMGTCFG: LocalCellId=0,
CellCaAlgoSwitch=CaDl3CCSwitch-1&CaDl4CCSwitch-1&CaDl5CCSwitch-1&DlMassiveCaSwitch-1,
DisCloudBBCaMaxCcNum=DL_MASSIVE_CA;
//(Optional) Turning on CaUl2CCSwitch and setting DisCloudBBCaMaxCcNum to 2CC for the serving
eNodeB of each possible PCell to enable uplink 2CC aggregation for inter-eNodeB CA based on
eNodeB coordination in the distributed architecture
MOD CAMGTCFG: LocalCellId=0, CellCaAlgoSwitch=CaUl2CCSwitch-1, DisCloudBBCaMaxCcNum=2CC;

Deactivation Command Examples

Turn off DistributeCloudbbCaSwitch for the serving eNodeB of each possible
PCell.
MOD ENODEBALGOSWITCH: CaAlgoSwitch=DistributeCloudbbCaSwitch-0;

16.4.1.2.3 Hybrid Architecture

For details, see 16.4.1.2.1 Centralized Architecture and 16.4.1.2.2 Distributed
Architecture.

16.4.1.3 Using the MAE-Deployment

For detailed operations, see Feature Configuration Using the MAE-Deployment.

16.4.2 Activation Verification

Counter Observation
If the counters listed in Table 16-5 produce non-zero values on a network that is
serving CA UEs, inter-eNodeB CA based on eNodeB coordination has taken effect
in the network.

Table 16-5 Counters used to verify activation of inter-eNodeB CA based on

eNodeB coordination

Counter ID Counter Name

1526739785 L.Traffic.User.PCell.USUCA.Avg

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Counter ID Counter Name

1526739786 L.Traffic.User.SCell.USUCA.Avg

Message Tracing
For the tools and IEs to observe, see Message Tracing in 5.4.2 Activation
Verification and Message Tracing in 13.4.2 Activation Verification.

16.4.3 Network Monitoring

For the counters used in scenarios of downlink 2CC, 3CC, 4CC or 5CC aggregation,
downlink massive CA, and uplink 2CC aggregation, see the corresponding
"Network Monitoring" sections.

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17 Collaboration Between CA and

Other Key Technologies

17.1 Multi-Band Compatibility Enhancement

If multi-band compatibility enhancement is enabled for a cell, the eNodeB checks
whether the primary and secondary operating bands of the cell are present in the
CA band combinations supported by individual CA UEs. The cell can be configured
as an SCell for a CA UE as long as an operating band of the cell is included in the
CA band combinations supported by the UE. If the CA UE can operate in both the
primary band and a secondary band but only the secondary band supports CA, the
eNodeB transfers the UE to the secondary band through an intra-cell handover
and then configures the cell as an SCell for the UE. An exception is that if the
eNodeB and CA UE both support the freqBandIndicatorPriority-r12 IE, the eNodeB
directly configures the cell as an SCell for the UE without transferring the UE to
the secondary band.

If a carrier involved in CA is used by multiple frequency bands, the primary and

secondary bands must be all configured in the PccFreqCfg, SccFreqCfg, and
EutranInterNFreq MOs. You are advised to set the parameters consistently for the
primary and secondary bands. For detailed examples, see Multi-Band
Compatibility Enhancement.

17.2 Multiple-Antenna Technologies

17.2.1 Adaptive Handling of CA for MU Beamforming

Adaptive handling of CA for MU beamforming can be enabled when all the
following conditions are met (the LBBPc does not support adaptive handling of CA
for MU beamforming):
● The FreqCfgSwitch and AdpCaSwitch options of the
ENodeBAlgoSwitch.CaAlgoSwitch parameter are selected.
● The CaSmartSelectionSwitch option of the
ENodeBAlgoSwitch.CaAlgoSwitch parameter is deselected.

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● The CaMubfPairingAdaptOptSwitch option of the

ENodeBAlgoSwitch.CaAlgoExtSwitch parameter is selected.
When all the above conditions are met:
● CaMgtCfg.HighLoadCellTypeNotAsScell set to MASSIVE_MIMO_CELL
For CA UEs that cannot participate in pairing in high-load massive MIMO
SCells, high-load massive MIMO cells cannot be configured as SCells in the
downlink at initial access, incoming RRC connection reestablishments, or
incoming necessary handovers. As a result, the downlink user-perceived data
rates and downlink PCell throughput of these UEs may decrease.
A high-load massive MIMO cell is defined as follows:
– With the CaMgtCfg.HLUeCntThldForScellConfig parameter set to a
value other than 65535
The eNodeB determines the load status of the massive MIMO cell based
on the number of UEs that can be paired in the cell.

▪ Condition for entering the high-load state: Number of UEs that can
be paired in the massive MIMO cell >
CaMgtCfg.HLUeCntThldForScellConfig

▪ Condition for exiting the high-load state: Number of UEs that can be
paired in the massive MIMO cell ≤ max{0,
CaMgtCfg.HLUeCntThldForScellConfig – 20}
– With the CaMgtCfg.HLUeCntThldForScellConfig parameter set to
65535

▪ MmLoadSteeringSw option of the CellAlgoSwitch.MlbAlgoSwitch

parameter selected
The eNodeB determines the load status of the massive MIMO cell
based on the number of layers paired in the cell. A massive MIMO
cell in which the average number of layers paired exceeds the value
of CellMLB.MmLoadSteeringLayerThld is defined as a high-load
massive MIMO cell.
○ Condition for entering the high-load state: Average number of
layers paired in the cell ≥ CellMLB.MmLoadSteeringLayerThld
x Step, where the step is always equal to 0.01
○ Condition for exiting the high-load state: Average number of
layers paired in the cell < CellMLB.MmLoadSteeringLayerThld
x Step x 0.9, where the step is always equal to 0.01

▪ MmLoadSteeringSw option of the CellAlgoSwitch.MlbAlgoSwitch

parameter deselected
The method of determining high-load massive MIMO cells does not
take effect.
● CaMgtCfg.HighLoadCellTypeNotAsScell set to NORMAL_CELL
High-load normal cells cannot be configured as SCells in the downlink for CA
UEs at initial access, incoming RRC connection reestablishments, or incoming
necessary handovers.
A high-load normal cell is defined as follows:
– With the CaMgtCfg.HLUeCntThldForScellConfig parameter set to a
value other than 65535

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The eNodeB determines the load status of the cell based on the number
of UEs in the cell. Number of UEs in a cell = Number of CA UEs that treat
the cell as their PCell + Number of CA UEs that treat the cell as their
SCell + Number of non-CA UEs that treat the cell as their serving cell

▪ Condition for entering the high-load state: Number of UEs in the cell
> CaMgtCfg.HLUeCntThldForScellConfig

▪ Condition for exiting the high-load state: Number of UEs in the cell ≤
max{0, CaMgtCfg.HLUeCntThldForScellConfig – 20}
– With the CaMgtCfg.HLUeCntThldForScellConfig parameter set to
65535
The eNodeB does not determine the load status of the cell.
● CaMgtCfg.HighLoadCellTypeNotAsScell set to ALL_CELL
During downlink SCell configuration for a CA UE at initial access, an incoming
RRC connection reestablishment, or an incoming necessary handover:
– If the CA UE cannot participate in pairing in high-load massive MIMO
cells, these cells cannot be configured as SCells for the UE.
– If a candidate SCell is a high-load normal cell, the cell cannot be
configured as an SCell for the CA UE.

When the SMART_CARRIER_SELECTION_SW option of the

MultiCarrUnifiedSch.MultiCarrierUnifiedSchSw parameter is selected, whether a
massive MIMO cell can be configured as an SCell depends on the carrier
combination selected using smart carrier selection based on virtual grids. For
details about smart carrier selection based on virtual grids, see Multi-carrier
Unified Scheduling.

If the value of the L.Traffic.User.SCell.DL.Avg counter decreases after adaptive

handling of CA for MU beamforming is enabled, this function has taken effect.

Adaptive handling of CA for MU beamforming has the following impacts on the

network:
● The number of CA UEs that are in the downlink 3CC–8CC aggregation state
decreases. The related counters are listed in the following table.

Counter ID Counter Name Counter Description

1526732907 L.Traffic.User.PCell.DL. Average number of CA

3CC.Avg UEs that treat the local
cell as their PCell in the
downlink 3CC CA state

1526737780 L.Traffic.User.PCell.DL. Average number of CA

4CC.Avg UEs that treat the local
cell as their PCell in the
downlink 4CC CA state

1526739805 L.Traffic.User.PCell.DL. Average number of CA

5CC.Avg UEs that treat the local
cell as their PCell in the
downlink 5CC CA state

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Counter ID Counter Name Counter Description

1526749452 L.Traffic.User.PCell.DL. Average number of UEs

6CC.Avg that treat the local cell
as their PCell in the
downlink 6CC CA state

1526749453 L.Traffic.User.PCell.DL. Average number of UEs

7CC.Avg that treat the local cell
as their PCell in the
downlink 7CC CA state

1526749454 L.Traffic.User.PCell.DL. Average number of UEs

8CC.Avg that treat the local cell
as their PCell in the
downlink 8CC CA state

1526728427 L.Traffic.User.SCell.DL. Average number of

Avg downlink CA UEs that
treat the local cell as
their SCell

1526728425 L.ChMeas.PRB.DL.SCel Number of downlink

l.Used.Avg PRBs occupied by CA
UEs that treat the local
cell as their SCell

1526729045 L.CA.DLSCell.Add.Att Number of SCell

addition attempts for
CA UEs

1526729046 L.CA.DLSCell.Add.Succ Number of successful

SCell additions for CA
UEs

1526728999 L.CA.DLSCell.Act.Att Number of SCell

activation executions
for CA UEs

1526729000 L.CA.DLSCell.Act.Succ Number of successful

SCell activations for CA
UEs

● The downlink throughput of CA UEs on the entire network decreases.

Downlink throughput of CA UEs on the entire network =
L.Thrp.bits.DL.CAUser/L.Thrp.Time.DL.CAUser

17.2.2 MIMO (FDD)

MIMO Schemes
In CA scenarios, each CC supports 2T or 4T MIMO (the number of antennas may
vary with carriers). The MIMO scheme is separately configured for each CC.

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● If the CellMimoParaCfg.MimoAdaptiveSwitch parameter is set to

NO_ADAPTIVE for a cell, the transmission mode specified by the
CellMimoParaCfg.FixedMimoMode parameter takes effect. The transmission
mode can be TM2, TM3, TM4, or TM6.
● If the CellMimoParaCfg.MimoAdaptiveSwitch parameter is set to
OL_ADAPTIVE, CL_ADAPTIVE, or OC_ADAPTIVE for a cell, the specified
transmission mode adaptation takes effect in the cell.
● If the TM9Switch option of the CellAlgoSwitch.EnhMIMOSwitch parameter
is selected and the CellCsiRsParaCfg.CsiRsSwitch parameter is set to
FIXED_CFG, TM9-capable CA UEs work in TM9 and other CA UEs work in a
MIMO scheme depending on the setting of the
CellMimoParaCfg.MimoAdaptiveSwitch parameter.
On a 4T MIMO network, CA works in downlink 4x2 MIMO scenarios if CA UEs
support 2R and in downlink 4x4 MIMO scenarios if CA UEs support 4R.
When FDD and TDD cells serve as the PCell and an SCell for uplink FDD+TDD CA,
respectively, the SRS subframe configurations of the two cells must overlap if the
TDD SCell needs to support TM7, TM8, or TM9 without PMI.
For more details about MIMO, see MIMO.

UEs
The way the terminal industry chain has developed, some UEs do not support
aggregation of the maximum number of CCs while using the highest-order MIMO
configurations. For example, some UEs support aggregation of three 2x2 MIMO
CCs or aggregation of one 4x4 MIMO CC and one 2x2 MIMO CC, but not
aggregation of three 4x4 MIMO CCs.
For these UEs, the CaMgtCfg.CaMimoPriorityStrategySw parameter can be used
to determine the policy for adaptive selection of CA or high-order MIMO when the
UEs have been configured with a maximum number of CCs.
● If this parameter is set to CA_PRIOR, CA takes precedence.
● If this parameter is set to MIMO_PRIOR, the eNodeB attempts to configure as
many 4x4 MIMO-capable CCs as possible.
For this purpose, the eNodeB removes SCells for a CA UE when two conditions
are fulfilled. The UE falls back to be served by fewer CCs and enables rank-4-
based transmission on the 4x4 MIMO-capable CCs. These conditions are:
– The UE determines that SCell removal will allow a larger number of CCs
to be capable of 4x4 MIMO.
– The eNodeB determines that, after the fallback, any one of the 4x4
MIMO-capable CCs will meet the conditions described in Table 17-1.

Table 17-1 Conditions to be met by 4x4 MIMO-capable CCs

Modulation Conditions to Meet

Scheme

64QAM CQI adjustment value used in rank-2-based

transmission >
CellDlschAlgo.RankChangeAttemptMcsThld

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Modulation Conditions to Meet

Scheme

64QAM IBLER < CellDlschAlgo.RBDamageNearPointI-

blerTh
256QAM CQI adjustment value used in rank-2-based
transmission >
CellDlschAlgo.RankChangeAttemptMcsThld + 7

256QAM IBLER < CellDlschAlgo.RBDamageNearPointI-

blerTh

● If this parameter is set to PEAK_RATE_PRIOR, the eNodeB attempts to render

CA UEs to reach highest theoretical peak data rates.
For this purpose, the eNodeB removes SCells for a CA UE when two conditions
are fulfilled. The UE falls back to be served by fewer CCs and enables rank-4-
based transmission on the 4x4 MIMO-capable CCs. These conditions are:
– The UE determines that SCell removal will help reach a higher theoretical
peak data rate.
– The eNodeB determines that, after the fallback, all of the 4x4 MIMO-
capable CCs will meet the conditions described in Table 17-1.
When all 4x4 MIMO-capable CCs meet the conditions described in Table
17-2, the eNodeB configures SCells again so that the number of CCs for the
UE reaches the maximum.

Table 17-2 Conditions to be met by all 4x4 MIMO-capable CCs

Modulation Conditions to Meet
Scheme

64QAM Sum of the CQI adjustment values for all codewords

< (CellDlschAlgo.RankChangeAttemptMcsThld
+ 3) x 2

256QAM Sum of the CQI adjustment values for all codewords

< (CellDlschAlgo.RankChangeAttemptMcsThld
+ 11) x 2

Sum of the CQI adjustment values for all codewords in rank-3-based

transmission = CQI adjustment value for codeword 0 + CQI adjustment value
for codeword 1 x 2
Sum of the CQI adjustment values for all codewords in rank-4-based
transmission = CQI adjustment value for codeword 0 x 2 + CQI adjustment
value for codeword 1 x 2

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NOTE

If this parameter is set to MIMO_PRIOR or PEAK_RATE_PRIOR and uplink CA is enabled,

uplink SCell configuration takes priority over 4x4 MIMO configuration for UEs capable of
uplink CA after their fallback. The CCs with the uplink SCells may not be capable of 4x4
MIMO.

17.3 Connection Management

When CA is enabled, connection management has the following characteristics:

● After an RRC connection is set up between a CA UE and a cell, the cell acts as
the PCell of the UE. The PCell transmits non-access stratum (NAS) messages
for the UE.
● An eNodeB configures SCells for a CA UE by sending messages over the RRC
connection. After the SCells are configured, the CA UE still has only one RRC
connection with the network and is allocated only one cell radio network
temporary identifier (C-RNTI).
● The PCell and SCells of a CA UE each have a complete set of channels with
one exception: the PUCCH. This channel carries layer 1 uplink control
information, such as ACKs or NACKs to downlink data, scheduling requests,
and periodic CSI reports. The PUCCH exists only in the PCell.
● The PCell is set up for a CA UE during initial access or an RRC connection
reestablishment. A handover is required to change the PCell for the UE. An
RRC connection reestablishment procedure is triggered if a radio link failure
(RLF) occurs in the PCell.
● SCells can be deactivated, but the PCell cannot. Only the serving eNodeB of
the PCell can deactivate and remove SCells.

For more details about connection management, see Connection Management.

17.4 Mobility and Load Management

17.4.1 Mobility Management

This section describes how mobility management works when CA is enabled.

Handover Messages
The handover procedures for CA UEs have the following characteristics:

● The handover procedure for PCell changes is the same as a common

handover procedure, in which the eNodeB sends an RRC Connection
Reconfiguration message that contains the mobilityControlInfo IE to the UE.
● Unlike a common handover procedure, a handover procedure that involves an
SCell update has the following characteristics:
– If SCell configuration is required, the eNodeB sends an RRC Connection
Reconfiguration message that contains the sCellToAddModList IE to the
UE.

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– If SCell removal is required, the eNodeB sends an RRC Connection

Reconfiguration message that contains the sCellToReleaseList IE to the
UE.

The difference in the number of CCs between source and target eNodeBs has no
impact on the handover procedure.

The RRC Connection Reconfiguration message and the preceding IEs can be traced
as described in 5.4.2 Activation Verification.

Measurement Configuration
If an eNodeB performs CA for a CA UE whose signal quality is so poor that an
inter-frequency handover may occur, the spectral efficiency of the network
decreases and the block error rate (BLER) increases. To prevent this, set thresholds
as described in Table 17-3.

Table 17-3 Threshold setting rules

Threshold Parameter Setting Rules

Threshold for ● In CA-group-based This threshold must be

CA event A4 configuration mode: A4 greater than or equal to
that triggers threshold = the threshold for inter-
SCell CaMgtCfg.CarrAggrA4ThdRsr frequency handover event
configuration p+ A4, which is specified by
CaGroupSCellCfg.SCellA4Offs the
et (These parameters are InterFreqHoGroup.InterFr
configured on the PCell side.) eqHoA4ThdRsrp
● In adaptive configuration parameter.
mode, A4 threshold varies as
follows:
For a CA UE for which SCell
configuration is performed
during initial access, an
incoming handover, or an
incoming RRC connection
reestablishment: A4 threshold
=
CaMgtCfg.CarrAggrA4ThdRsr
p + SccFreqCfg.SccA4Offset +
SccFreqCfg.SccA2RsrpThldExt
endedOfs (These parameters
are configured on the PCell
side.)
For a CA UE for which SCell
configuration is periodically
triggered based on the traffic
volume: A4 threshold =
CaMgtCfg.CarrAggrA4ThdRsr
p + SccFreqCfg.SccA4Offset
(These parameters are
configured on the PCell side.)

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Threshold Parameter Setting Rules

Threshold for ● In CA-group-based This threshold must be

CA event A2 configuration mode: A2 greater than or equal to
that triggers threshold = the threshold for inter-
SCell removal CaMgtCfg.CarrAggrA2ThdRsr frequency handover event
p+ A2, which is specified by
CaGroupSCellCfg.SCellA2Offs the
et + InterFreqHoGroup.InterFr
SccFreqCfg.SccA2RsrpThldExt eqHoA2ThdRsrp
endedOfs (These parameters parameter.
are configured on the PCell
side.)
● In adaptive configuration
mode: A2 threshold =
CaMgtCfg.CarrAggrA2ThdRsr
p + SccFreqCfg.SccA2Offset +
SccFreqCfg.SccA2RsrpThldExt
endedOfs (These parameters
are configured on the PCell
side.)

Blacklist Control over Autonomous Gap

Certain UEs with the autonomous gap function enabled will encounter
measurement errors or even service drops. These UEs can be blacklisted so that
the autonomous gap function does not take effect for them. For details about this
function, see Terminal Awareness Differentiation.

Handover Events
CA UEs report events for eNodeBs to evaluate the following handovers:
● Intra-frequency handover (Related parameters are configured in the
IntraFreqHoGroup MO.)
An eNodeB performs an intra-frequency handover for a CA UE when it
receives an A3 measurement report from the UE in the PCell.
● Inter-frequency handover (Related parameters are configured in the
InterFreqHoGroup MO.)
After receiving an A2 measurement report from a CA UE in the PCell, the
serving eNodeB of the PCell delivers the inter-frequency measurement
configuration to the UE. The measurement configuration varies depending on
whether SCells have been configured for the UE:
– If SCells have been configured, the eNodeB delivers an A3 or A5
measurement configuration: A3 in case the
EutranInterNFreq.InterFreqHoEventType parameter is set to EventA3
and A5 in case this parameter is set to any other value.
– If no SCells have been configured, the eNodeB delivers a measurement
configuration related to the event specified by the
EutranInterNFreq.InterFreqHoEventType parameter.

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The eNodeB performs an inter-frequency handover for the UE when it receives

a measurement report of the specified event from the UE.
NOTE

● For the triggering conditions for these events, see Mobility Management in
Connected Mode. Event A5 is triggered if the signal quality in the PCell is lower
than the threshold for handover event A2 and the signal quality in at least one
neighboring cell is higher than the threshold for handover event A4.
● It is recommended that threshold 1 for event A5 be the same as the threshold for
inter-frequency handover event A2. If threshold 1 is lower than or equal to the
threshold for blind handover event A2, the eNodeB will not deliver A5
measurement configurations to the UEs.

Frequency-Priority-based Handover
If the operator-specified frequency with the highest priority for frequency-priority-
based handovers is different from the frequency with the highest priority for PCC
anchoring, you are advised to select the FreqPriBasedHoCaFiltSwitch option of
the ENodeBAlgoSwitch.CaAlgoSwitch parameter. In such a case, the eNodeB
does not deliver the measurement configurations related to frequency-priority-
based handovers to CA UEs. If you do not select this option, frequency-priority-
based handovers may occur on CA UEs soon after the UEs are handed over to a
frequency with a high PCC anchoring priority.

If a frequency has both the highest priority for frequency-priority-based handovers

and the highest priority for PCC anchoring, you can deselect the
FreqPriBasedHoCaFiltSwitch and PccAnchorSwitch options of the
ENodeBAlgoSwitch.CaAlgoSwitch parameter. In such a case, mobility of both CA
UEs and non-CA UEs is subject to the frequency priorities defined for frequency-
priority-based handovers.

Load-based Handover
If the PCell of a CA UE meets the triggering conditions for load balancing and the
UE meets the UE selection conditions, the eNodeB performs a load-based inter-
frequency handover on the UE. For details about this type of handover, see Intra-
RAT Mobility Load Balancing.

SCell Configuration During Handovers

To reduce the SCell configuration delay, enable SCell configuration during
handovers by selecting the HoWithSccCfgSwitch option of the
ENodeBAlgoSwitch.CaAlgoSwitch parameter. The procedure for SCell
configuration during handovers varies depending on the setting of
HoWithSccCfgSwitch.

● If the HoWithSccCfgSwitch option is selected for both the source and target
eNodeBs, this function is enabled. The procedure is as follows:
a. The source eNodeB includes the reportAddNeighMeas IE in the handover-
related A3, A4, and A5 measurement configurations delivered to the CA
UE.
b. The CA UE sends the source eNodeB the measurement reports that
contain the measurement result of the best cell on each serving

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frequency (in the measResultBestNeighCell IE) and the PCell and SCell
measurement results (in the measResultPCell and measResultSCell IEs).
c. The source eNodeB includes the best cell information in the
CandidateCellInfoList IE of the handover request message and sends the
message to the target eNodeB.
The source eNodeB also includes the blind-configurable candidate SCells
of the source cell in the CandidateCellInfoList IE of the handover request
message if the ENodeBAlgoSwitch.HoWithSccCfgAddBlindSwitch
parameter is set to ON.
d. The target eNodeB acquires measurement results from the
CandidateCellInfoList IE, determines the new SCell to be configured to
accompany the target cell (acting as the PCell) of the handover, and
updates the sCellToAddModList IE with the new SCell information. The
target eNodeB then sends the updated information in the handover
command to the source eNodeB.
The eNodeB preferentially selects blind-configurable candidate SCells as
new SCells. This takes effect in adaptive configuration mode and only if
the HoWithSccCfgBlindFirstSw option of the
ENodeBAlgoSwitch.CaAlgoExtSwitch parameter is selected. It takes
effect in CA-group-based configuration mode without switch control.
e. The source eNodeB sends an RRC Connection Reconfiguration message
containing the mobilityControlInfo, sCellToReleaseList, and
sCellToAddModList IEs to remove the original SCells and configure the
new SCells during the handover.
After the HoWithSccCfgSwitch option of the
ENodeBAlgoSwitch.CaAlgoSwitch parameter is selected, the SCell
configuration success rate changes as affected by the handover success rate.
(The SCell configuration success rate can be observed using the
L.CA.DLSCell.Add.Succ and L.CA.DLSCell.Add.Att counters.)
The CaTrafficTriggerSwitch option of the ENodeBAlgoSwitch.CaAlgoSwitch
parameter does not take effect in this procedure. The source and target
eNodeBs perform the procedure without considering traffic volume for
configuring SCells, even if the CaTrafficTriggerSwitch option has been
selected.
If this procedure fails, no SCell is configured for the UE that has been handed
over to the target cell. The target eNodeB then performs an SCell
configuration procedure. For details, see 4.6.3.1.2 CA-Group-based SCell
Configuration Procedure and 4.6.3.1.3 Adaptive SCell Configuration
Procedure.
NOTE

● The preceding procedure results in fewer blind or A4-based SCell configurations.

● SCell configuration during a handover requires that a routing relationship be set up
between the SCell and the target cell of the handover.
● If SCell configuration during handovers is enabled, the eNodeB attempts to
configure SCells without considering the load status of the candidate SCells, when
PCC anchoring is triggered. This allows the SCells to be configured more quickly.
● During a blind handover of a CA UE with heavy uplink traffic load for MLB, the
source eNodeB includes the PCell and SCell information for the UE in the handover
request sent to the target eNodeB. Based on the received information, the target
eNodeB selects the SCells to be configured for the CA UE after the handover.

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● If the HoWithSccCfgSwitch option is deselected for both the source and

target eNodeBs, this function is disabled. The procedure is as follows:
The source eNodeB delivers an RRC Connection Reconfiguration message to
remove the SCells of the CA UE and performs an intra- or inter-frequency
handover for the UE. After the UE is handed over to the target cell, the target
eNodeB configures SCells for the UE.
NOTE

SCell configuration, SCell change, and PCC anchoring may or may not be affected by event
A2 reporting, depending on the setting of the RcvA2CfgSccSwitch option of the
CaMgtCfg.CellCaAlgoSwitch parameter:
● If this option is deselected, SCell configuration, SCell change, and PCC anchoring are
affected by event A2 reporting.
If the serving eNodeB of the PCell for a CA UE receives a handover-related event A2
report from the UE, the eNodeB stops configuring SCells, changing SCells, and
performing PCC anchoring for the UE. If the eNodeB receives a handover-related event
A1 report, the eNodeB can configure SCells in a blind manner (if blind SCell
configuration is enabled) or after receiving an event A4 report related to carrier
management from the UE, can change SCells, and can perform PCC anchoring for the
UE.
● If this option is selected, SCell configuration, SCell change, and PCC anchoring are not
affected by event A2 reporting. The serving eNodeB of the PCell for a CA UE can still
configure SCells, change SCells, and perform PCC anchoring for the UE after receiving a
handover-related event A2 report from the UE.

For more details about mobility management, see Mobility Management in

Connected Mode.

17.4.2 Admission and Congestion Control

This section describes how admission control and congestion control work when
CA is enabled.

Admission Control
Admission control under CA differs from admission control without CA in the
following ways:
● Admission control based on the number of UEs
When an eNodeB receives an access request from a CA UE (for RRC
connection setup or reestablishment, an incoming handover, or a transition
from out-of-synchronization to in-synchronization), the eNodeB performs
admission control in both the PCell and SCells based on the number of UEs in
the individual cells. If the eNodeB accepts the access request, it treats the UE
as an RRC_CONNECTED UE in each serving cell. However, only the
RRC_CONNECTED UEs in the PCell consume UE count license units. Take 2CC
aggregation as an example. If all UEs on the entire network have their SCells
activated and are working in the 2CC aggregation state, the maximum
number of UEs that can access the network decreases by half, and the
number of consumed UE count license units is equal to the actual number of
UEs that have accessed the network.
The UE count threshold used to determine whether to admit a CA UE to an
SCell is equal to 90% of the CellRacThd.AcUserNumber parameter value
specified for this cell.

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When a UE attempts to access a cell, the eNodeB preferentially releases other

CA UEs that treat the cell as their SCell, if the number of UEs has already
reached the maximum number allowed. The release maximizes the total
number of UEs on the entire network.
● Admission control based on QoS satisfaction rates
This type of admission control applies to GBR services of CA UEs only in their
PCells.
– If a CA UE is admitted to its PCell, the UE accesses the network.
– If the UE is not admitted to its PCell but is capable of preemption, the UE
performs preemption in this PCell. If the preemption is successful, the UE
accesses the network.
– If the UE is not admitted to its PCell and if it is incapable of preemption
or the preemption fails, the UE cannot access the network.
For more details about admission control, see Admission and Congestion Control.

Congestion Control
Huawei eNodeBs relieve traffic congestion mainly by releasing GBR services. When
a cell is overloaded, GBR services in the cell do not meet their QoS requirements.
If the DlLdcSwitch and UlLdcSwitch options of the
CellAlgoSwitch.RacAlgoSwitch parameter are selected for the cell, the eNodeB
releases low-priority GBR services in the cell to ensure satisfaction rates for high-
priority GBR services. This congestion control mechanism works in CA scenarios.
If congestion control over GBR services is triggered in a cell because there are
insufficient radio resources, the eNodeB releases GBR services of CA UEs that treat
this cell as their PCell and of non-CA UEs in this cell. (Non-CA UEs are terminals
that do not support CA.) When the eNodeB selects the UEs whose services are to
be released, it removes CA UEs that treat the cell as their SCell from the list of
prioritized candidates. If a service to be released is the only GBR service of a UE
(either CA UE or non-CA UE) that meets conditions for redirection, the eNodeB
redirects the UE. If the service is not the only GBR service or the conditions for
redirection have not been met, the eNodeB releases this GBR service of the UE.
For more details about congestion control, see Admission and Congestion Control.

17.4.3 High-Speed UE Return

High-speed UE return transfers high-speed UEs from public-network cells back to
overlapping inter-frequency cells on networks dedicated to high-speed railways.
High-speed UEs are frequently handed over within the public network because the
public-network cells cover relatively small areas. The eNodeBs on the public
network identify high-speed CA UEs based on how often they are handed over. If
an eNodeB identifies a CA UE as a high-speed UE and detects that one of its
SCells belongs to the dedicated network, the eNodeB redirects the UE to that SCell
without instructing the UE to perform inter-frequency measurements.
This function is controlled by the HSCABlindRedirectSw option of the
CellAlgoSwitch.HighSpeedSchOptSwitch parameter.
For the mechanism and engineering guidelines for this function, see High Speed
Mobility.

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17.5 Resource Management

17.5.1 Scheduling
This section describes how scheduling works when CA is enabled. For more details
about scheduling, see Scheduling.

Mechanisms of Scheduling Under CA

This section describes the characteristics of scheduling in CA scenarios.

For GBR services, scheduling with CA enabled is almost the same as scheduling
with CA disabled. The goal of scheduling is still to meet the QoS requirements of
GBR services.

For non-GBR services, Huawei has designed two scheduling methods for the
enhanced proportional fair (EPF) policy: basic and differentiated. The method used
is specified by the CellDlschAlgo.CaSchStrategy parameter. The default method is
basic scheduling. The scheduling method must be consistent between serving cells
to prevent data transmission exceptions. The following presents the characteristics
of the two methods:
● Basic scheduling
When PRBs on a network are abundant, basic scheduling works in the same
way as differentiated scheduling. CA UEs can use sufficient PRBs to meet their
service requirements.
When there is PRB congestion on a network, basic scheduling works to
maintain fairness. The data rate of a CA UE is almost the same as the data
rate of a non-CA UE that is running services with the same QCI.
Due to inconsistent spectral efficiency for the CA UE between CCs, basic
scheduling does not achieve the same data rates for the CA UE and the non-
CA UE when planning to allocate the same number of PRBs to the two UEs.
– If the difference in spectral efficiency between CCs is large (for example,
when the CA UE is located at the edge of its PCell or SCell), there is a
large difference in the number of allocated PRBs between the CA UE and
the non-CA UE.
– If the spectral efficiency is almost the same between CCs, the number of
PRBs allocated to the CA UE is close to that of PRBs allocated to the non-
CA UE.
The CellDlschAlgo.CaSchWeight parameter has been added in eRAN11.1 to
specify a differentiated scheduling factor for CA UEs when the scheduling
method is basic scheduling. This parameter can be set to values of 0 to 10,
which correspond to actual values ranging from 0 to 1. It takes effect only for
downlink scheduling. A larger parameter value results in more scheduling
differentiation between CA UEs and non-CA UEs. A smaller parameter value
results in fairer scheduling. This is a parameter to be set only for PCells. If this
parameter is set to its default value 0, basic scheduling works in the same
way as before. If this parameter is set to a non-zero value, the number of
PRBs allocated to a CA UE is (1 + n x m) times the number of PRBs allocated

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to a non-CA UE, where n is the number of activated SCells and m is the actual
value of the parameter that specifies the differentiated scheduling factor.
● Differentiated scheduling
The data rate of a CA UE for priority calculation is defined as the data rate
only on the current CC of the UE. On each CC, the CA UE is allocated the
same number of RBs as a non-CA UE on the same CC would be. Therefore,
the number of RBs allocated to the CA UE is the sum of the average number
of RBs per non-CA UE in each of the serving cells. The data rate of the CA UE
served by n CCs is almost n times the data rate of a non-CA UE, assuming
that the spectral efficiencies of the CCs are close to each other, UEs are evenly
distributed on the CCs, and channel conditions are the same between the CCs.
In differentiated scheduling, a CA UE is treated as a common UE on each CC.
It is scheduled separately in the CCs. Therefore, a CA UE can be allocated
more PRBs and deliver a better user experience than a non-CA UE. However,
radio resources for non-CA UEs decrease.
Currently, frequency selective scheduling is not used in SCells by default. To enable
frequency selective scheduling in SCells, set the CellDlschAlgo.CaSccDopMeas
parameter to FROMPCC.

NOTE

If an SCell is configured in the uplink for a CA UE, uplink scheduling uses the method
configured for downlink scheduling: basic or differentiated scheduling.

PCC/SCC Scheduling Principles

UE scheduling on their PCCs and SCCs varies depending on the CA scenario:
● When RLC unacknowledged mode (UM) is used:
– In inter-eNodeB CA based on centralized eNodeB coordination and in
intra-eNodeB CA
The serving eNodeB of the PCell schedules the UE only on the PCC if the
service type is VoLTE or emergency call. (If a UE reverts from the uplink
CA state to the single-carrier state due to a lack of power, one of the
original SCCs may become the only carrier and scheduling on this SCC
occurs.) If the service type is neither VoLTE nor emergency call, the
eNodeB can schedule the UE on all the CCs.
– In inter-eNodeB CA based on relaxed backhaul
If the service type is neither VoLTE nor PTT, the serving eNodeB of the
PCell can schedule the UE on both the PCC and SCC.
If the service type is VoLTE or PTT, the serving eNodeB of the PCell
schedules the UE only on the PCC.
For details about RLC UM, see section 4.2.1 "RLC entities" in 3GPP TS 36.322
V10.0.0.

Precise Scheduling for CA UEs

With precise scheduling, the eNodeB dynamically distributes traffic to CCs based
on the real-time traffic volumes and scheduling capabilities of the CCs. This
function is enabled if the CaEnhancedPreAllocSwitch option of the
ENodeBAlgoSwitch.CaAlgoExtSwitch parameter is selected.

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The following constraints apply to the CaEnhancedPreAllocSwitch option:

● In FDD, this option does not take effect for inter-eNodeB CA based on relaxed
backhaul.
Before selecting the CaEnhancedPreAllocSwitch option, ensure that the
DlCaLbAlgoSwitch option of the ENodeBAlgoSwitch.CaLbAlgoSwitch parameter
and the CaLoadBalancePreAllocSwitch option of the
ENodeBAlgoSwitch.CaAlgoSwitch parameter have been deselected.
If the EpfEnhancedSwitch option of the CellAlgoSwitch.DlSchSwitch parameter
is selected, it is recommended that the CellDlschAlgo.EpfEnhancedSchOptSwitch
parameter be set to ON. With this setting, UEs in their SCells for inter-BBP CA can
also use the priority calculation method for enhanced proportional fair (EPF)
enhancement, resulting in shorter initial-packet delay in the SCells.

CCE-Usage-based Downlink Data Split for CA UEs (FDD)

Low-frequency LTE cells can serve a relatively large number of UEs at the cell edge
due to their large coverage. When these cells are congested, the experience of
non-CA UEs in the cells deteriorate. To address this issue, CCE-usage-based
downlink data split for CA UEs can be enabled in their PCells. This function
relieves cell congestion and improves the experience of non-CA UEs by lowering
user experience of CA UEs in the cells. It takes effect only in cells with a
bandwidth less than or equal to 5 MHz. This function is controlled by the
CellDlschAlgo.DataSplitCceUsageHighThld parameter. When this function takes
effect for a cell, the value of the L.CA.Traffic.bits.DL.PCell counter decreases for
the cell.
The relationships between the configured values and effective values of the
related threshold parameters are described in Table 17-4.

Table 17-4 Relationships between the configured values and effective values of
the related threshold parameters
Parameter Configured Effective Value
Value

CellDlschAlgo.DataSplitC 0 to 100 Same as the configured value

ceUsageHighThld

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Parameter Configured Effective Value

Value

CellDlschAlgo.DataSplitC 0 to 100 ● The effective value of this

ceUsageLowThld parameter is 0 if the
configured value is greater
than or equal to the
effective value of the
CellDlschAlgo.DataSplitCc
eUsageHighThld
parameter.
● The effective value of this
parameter is the same as its
configured value if the
configured value is less than
the effective value of the
CellDlschAlgo.DataSplitCc
eUsageHighThld
parameter.

If an SCell has been activated for a CA UE, the CCE usage of the PCell for the UE is
calculated as follows:

CCE usage = max((L.ChMeas.CCE.ULUsed.Equivalent +

L.ChMeas.CCE.DLUsed.Equivalent)/L.ChMeas.CCE.AvailPower.Equivalent x
100%, (L.ChMeas.CCE.CommUsed + L.ChMeas.CCE.ULUsed +
L.ChMeas.CCE.DLUsed)/L.ChMeas.CCE.Avail x 100%)

The calculation result will be filtered. The value obtained after filtering will be
compared with the values of CellDlschAlgo.DataSplitCceUsageHighThld and
CellDlschAlgo.DataSplitCceUsageLowThld to determine whether the PCell is in
the congested state.

Table 17-5 provides the definitions of the PCell congested state and non-
congested state and the corresponding handling mechanisms.

Table 17-5 Definitions of the PCell congested state and non-congested state and
the corresponding handling mechanisms

PCell Definition Handling Mechanism

Status

Congested The CCE usage in the PCell for the The downlink data of the
CA UE is greater than the effective UE is transmitted only in
value of the the LTE SCells. However, in
CellDlschAlgo.DataSplitCceUsage- the case of relaxed-
HighThld parameter. backhaul-based inter-
eNodeB CA, the downlink
RLC retransmission data of
inter-eNodeB SCells is still
transmitted in the PCell.

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PCell Definition Handling Mechanism

Status

Non- The CCE usage in the PCell for the Downlink data of the UE is
congested CA UE is less than or equal to the transmitted as usual.
effective value of the
CellDlschAlgo.DataSplitCceUsage-
LowThld parameter.

If the CCE usage in the PCell for the CA UE is less than or equal to the effective
value of CellDlschAlgo.DataSplitCceUsageHighThld and greater than the
effective value of CellDlschAlgo.DataSplitCceUsageLowThld, the congestion
status of the PCell is the same as that in the last second.
If the downlink data of a CA UE cannot be transmitted in the PCell:
● The user-perceived data rate decreases. In this situation, if the SCells are
unavailable due to coverage or air interface quality deterioration or because
the transmission rate of downlink data from the core network to the eNodeB
exceeds the transmission specification of the BBP or main control board, the
user-perceived data rate will notably decrease.
● The downlink retransmission rate and downlink scheduling delay will increase
for the CA UE but decrease for non-CA UEs. Therefore, the downlink
retransmission rate and downlink packet delay of the cell will change.
● More resources in the PCell can be spared to non-CA UEs or VoLTE services.
When there are a large number of small-packet services, the number of
scheduling times in the PCell increases. As a result, the CCE usage in the PCell
increases.

17.5.2 Power Control

If an SCell has been configured and activated for a CA UE in the uplink, uplink
power control works separately on the two CCs. The UE sends CC-specific
extended power headroom reports (PHRs) to the eNodeB. Based on these reports,
the eNodeB calculates the total required power for the two CCs. The required
power for the PCC or an SCC is equal to the maximum transmit power supported
by the UE minus the power headroom indicated in the PCC- or SCC-specific
extended PHR, respectively. If the total required power exceeds the maximum
transmit power of the UE while the transmit power per PRB remains unchanged,
the eNodeB reduces the number of uplink PRBs for the UE till the UE enters the
single carrier state.

NOTE

Extended PHR is an information element introduced by 3GPP for uplink CA UEs. It contains
the PHR for each CC. For details, see section 6.1.3.6a "Extended Power Headroom MAC
Control Element" in 3GPP TS 36.321 V11.0.0.

The UlCaPuschPcOptSwitch option of the CellAlgoSwitch.UlPcAlgoSwitch

parameter can be selected to increase the number of UEs in the UL CA state. That
is because when this option is selected, the transmit power on each PRB decreases
for CA UEs so that more PRBs can be allocated to the UEs. This function increases
uplink throughput of these UEs when resources are sufficient. However, selecting

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this option does not produce gains for uplink CA UEs that experience poor uplink
SINR in their SCells in relaxed backhaul scenarios.

17.5.3 MTA
For UEs that support uplink CA, both PCells and SCells provide uplink resources. It
is recommended that multiple timing advances (MTA) be enabled in either of the
following scenarios because using a single TA has a significant impact on
demodulation performance:
● There is a noticeable difference (for example, about 78 meters, which is
equivalent to a TA) between the distances of a CA UE to the receive antennas
of the PCell and an SCell.
● The PCell and an SCell are not served by the same pRRU of a LampSite
eNodeB.
The switch used to enable MTA varies depending on the CA scenario:
● Single-duplex-mode uplink 2CC aggregation: the MtaAlgSwitch option of the
ENodeBAlgoSwitch.CaAlgoSwitch parameter
● FDD+TDD uplink 2CC aggregation: the FTMtaAlgSwitch option of the
ENodeBAlgoSwitch.CaAlgoExtSwitch parameter
After an SCell is configured and activated in both downlink and uplink for a CA
UE, the eNodeB sends a PDCCH order to the UE and, as instructed, the UE initiates
a non-contention-based random access procedure in the SCell. The eNodeB then
sends the UE a random access response to configure a secondary timing advance
group (sTAG) for the UE. The network maintains a TA for each serving cell of the
UE.
If the number of preamble retransmissions in the SCell reaches the maximum
number allowed, the random access procedure fails. The UE stops random access
without instructing the PCell to perform an RRC connection reestablishment. As a
result, the UE is out-of-synchronization in the uplink, and only downlink
scheduling is allowed. If the SCell activation conditions are met and the
resynchronization timer expires, a random access procedure is triggered again. The
eNodeB removes the SCell if consecutive random access attempts fail.

NOTE

For details about PDCCH order, see section 8.0 "UE procedure for transmitting the physical
uplink shared channel" in 3GPP TS 36.213 V11.4.0.

If a TDD cell and an FDD cell are acting as the PCell and SCell respectively in
uplink 2CC aggregation for a UE and the FTMtaAlgSwitch option of the
ENodeBAlgoSwitch.CaAlgoExtSwitch parameter is selected:
● The eNodeB preferentially instructs the UE to send SRSs in the 13th
orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) symbol of an uplink
subframe. Uplink scheduling of the UE in the FDD cell yields to the SRS
transmission to ensure beamforming gains in the TDD cell.
● If the CellPdcchAlgo.ComSigCongregLv parameter is set to CONGREG_LV8
for the TDD cell, the PDCCH control channel element (CCE) aggregation level
for common control signaling is so high that the eNodeB transmit power
might be insufficient for sending a Random Access Response message to the
UE. This negatively affects configuration of the uplink SCell for the UE.

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In a network with macro-micro or micro-micro CoMP enabled, the average

measured TA value for a micro cell is 2 microseconds greater than the actual value
when certain conditions are met. In this micro cell, the values of individual
counters L.RA.TA.UE.Index0 to L.RA.TA.UE.Index11 are not smooth. In addition, if
TA is used to estimate the distance between a UE in the cell and the antenna of
the eNodeB serving the cell, the estimation result is inaccurate. The conditions are
as follows:
● The MtaAlgSwitch option of the ENodeBAlgoSwitch.CaAlgoSwitch
parameter is selected.
● The CaUl2CCSwitch option of the CaMgtCfg.CellCaAlgoSwitch parameter is
selected.
● Any of the following options is selected:
– UlJointReceptionSwitch option of the
CellAlgoSwitch.UplinkCompSwitch parameter
– UlCompForVideoSwitch option of the
CellAlgoSwitch.UplinkCompSwitch parameter
– UlVoiceJROverRelaxedBHSw option of the
ENodeBAlgoSwitch.OverBBUsSwitch parameter
– UlNonVoiceJROverRelaxedBHSw option of the
ENodeBAlgoSwitch.OverBBUsSwitch parameter
The TaDistanceMappingSwitch option of the
CellCounterParaGroup.CellCounterAlgoSwitch parameter can be selected to
resolve this problem.

17.5.4 RAN Sharing

In RAN sharing scenarios, the operators involved allocate resources to their
subscribers based on the predefined proportions of resources. To enhance fairness
in resource usage among the operators that share a carrier, differentiated
scheduling is recommended.
CA UEs can access only operator-specific carriers (either in PCells or in SCells). For
example, there are three frequencies:
● f1, shared by operators A and B
● f2, dedicated to operator A
● f3, dedicated to operator B
On this network, only the carriers of f1 and f2 can be aggregated for CA UEs of
operator A, and only the carriers of f1 and f3 can be aggregated for CA UEs of
operator B. Cells on f3 cannot be accessed by or configured as SCells for CA UEs of
operator A. Cells on f2 cannot be accessed by or configured as SCells for CA UEs of
operator B.
If equivalent PLMNs are configured or inter-PLMN handovers are enabled, carriers
of frequencies owned by different operators can be aggregated. For example, cells
on f2 and f3 can be aggregated. For details about the configuration, see Mobility
Management in Connected Mode.
In RAN sharing scenarios, different eNodeBs must be assigned different eNodeB
IDs. Otherwise, errors will occur in SCell configuration because target eNodeBs
cannot be identified.

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For more details about RAN sharing, see RAN Sharing.

17.6 RAN-Terminal Coordination

17.6.1 DRX Control

In discontinuous reception (DRX) mode, UEs save power by not monitoring the
physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) for certain periods.

According to section 5.7 "Discontinuous Reception (DRX)" in 3GPP TS 36.321

V11.2.0, the same active time applies to all activated serving cells.

For this purpose, all the serving cells use the DRX parameters of the PCell,
including On Duration Timer, DRX Inactivity Timer, and DRX Short Cycle Timer.
Figure 17-1 shows an example of the DRX configuration under CA.

Figure 17-1 Common DRX configuration

When CA is enabled, DRX control works as follows:

● If DRX is enabled in the PCell and all of the SCells for a CA UE, the UE states
in the cells are handled as follows when the serving eNodeB of the PCell
sends a MAC CE to activate the SCells:
– If the UE has entered the DRX state in the PCell, the UE now also enters
the DRX state in SCells, with the DRX parameters for the PCell applied to
the SCells.
– If the UE has not entered the DRX state in the PCell, the eNodeB
determines whether the UE should enter the DRX state in all the PCell
and SCells based on the traffic volume of the UE.
● If DRX is enabled in the PCell but disabled in an SCell, the UE exits and does
not return to the DRX state after the SCell is configured for the UE.
● If DRX is disabled in the PCell, the UE will not enter the DRX state in either
the PCell or SCells, regardless of whether DRX is enabled in the SCells.
● If DRX and uplink FDD+TDD CA are both enabled, the
DrxParaGroup.OnDurationTimer parameter must be set to a value greater
than four subframes for the FDD cell.
● QCI-specific DRX for the UE is controlled only by the PCell.

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For more details about DRX control, see DRX and Signaling Control.

17.6.2 SPID- and IP-based SCell Management

Different CA policies can be used for specific subscriber profile IDs (SPIDs) and
specific IP addresses.

Operators can set the SpidCfg.MaximumNumberOfCarriers parameter for an

SPID to control whether to allow UEs with this SPID to use CA and also control the
maximum number of CCs that can be aggregated for each of these UEs. When
this parameter is set to a non-zero value, the number of CCs for a UE with that
SPID may or may not exceed this limit, depending on whether the UE is accessing
a specific IP address:

● When the eNodeB detects that the UE has started to access the specific IP
address, the eNodeB removes the limitation on the maximum number of CCs
and immediately initiates an SCell reconfiguration. For example, when the UE
is accessing the specific IP address, CA is allowed for the UE even if this
parameter is set to 1.
● When the eNodeB detects that the UE has stopped accessing the specific IP
address, the eNodeB removes all SCells and then configures SCells for the UE
under the limitation imposed by SpidCfg.MaximumNumberOfCarriers.

The following explains how the eNodeB evaluates access to specific IP addresses.
● The parameters in the ServerConfig MO specify an IP address.
● The MAX_CARRIER_NUM_CONTROL_SW option of the
ServerConfig.IpAdDetectPurposeControlSw parameter specifies whether to
detect the start and stop of access to the IP address.
– If this option is selected, the eNodeB detects the start and stop of access
to the IP address.

▪ Detection of the start of access to the IP address

The eNodeB detects at an interval of n packets, where n is specified
by the EnodebAlgoExtSwitch.IpEntryDetectionInterval parameter.
If the eNodeB detects the IP address, it considers that the UE has
started to access the IP address. If the eNodeB does not detect the IP
address, it continues with the detection at the specified interval.

▪ Detection of the stop of access to the IP address

The eNodeB detects every 0.5s. If the eNodeB does not detect the IP
address for m consecutive times, the eNodeB considers that the UE
has stopped accessing the IP address. The variable m is specified by
the EnodebAlgoExtSwitch.IpExitDetectionTimes parameter.
– If this option is deselected, the eNodeB does not detect the start or stop
of access to the IP address.

On an NSA network in the Option 3x architecture, if CA is enabled on the LTE side,

the maximum number of CCs that can be aggregated can be set for UEs with
specific SPIDs, but detection of the start and stop of access to specific IP addresses
does not work.

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NOTE

This function does not work with QCI-based SCell management. Before enabling this
function, ensure that the QciBasedCarrierNumCtrlSw option of the
ENodeBAlgoSwitch.CaAlgoExtSwitch parameter is deselected. For details about QCI-based
SCell management, see HVC Experience Guarantee.

17.6.3 Blind SCell Configuration for Fast-Moving UEs

Experience of fast-moving UEs can now be improved at the cost of the experience
of non-fast-moving UEs by prohibiting blind SCell configuration for non-fast-
moving UEs. This function is controlled by the
FAST_MOVING_SCELL_BLIND_CFG_SW option of the
CaMgtCfg.CellCaAlgoExtSwitch parameter and the SCC_BLIND_CONFIG_SW
option of the CellQciPara.QciAlgoSwitch parameter.

● If the FAST_MOVING_SCELL_BLIND_CFG_SW option of the

CaMgtCfg.CellCaAlgoExtSwitch parameter is deselected and the
SCC_BLIND_CONFIG_SW option of the CellQciPara.QciAlgoSwitch
parameter is deselected for at least one QCI in a cell, the eNodeB identifies a
UE with any bearer of a QCI with SCC_BLIND_CONFIG_SW selected as a fast-
moving UE. SCells can be configured in a blind manner only for fast-moving
UEs. For other UEs, SCells can be configured only based on measurements. If
the SCC_BLIND_CONFIG_SW option of the CellQciPara.QciAlgoSwitch
parameter is selected for all QCIs in a cell, this function does not take effect,
as blind SCell configuration is allowed for all UEs.
NOTE

The function controlled by the SCC_BLIND_CONFIG_SW option of the

CellQciPara.QciAlgoSwitch parameter does not take effect when intelligent selection
of serving cell combinations is enabled (by setting the CaSmartSelectionSwitch
option of the ENodeBAlgoSwitch.CaAlgoSwitch parameter) in CA-group-based or
adaptive configuration mode.
● If the FAST_MOVING_SCELL_BLIND_CFG_SW option of the
CaMgtCfg.CellCaAlgoExtSwitch parameter is selected, the eNodeB identifies
a UE as a fast-moving UE when either of the following conditions is met: (1)
The FAST_MOVING_UE_FLAG option of the SpidCfg.AggregationAttribute
parameter is selected for the SPID of the UE; (2) The
FAST_MOVING_UE_FLAG option of the QciPara.AggregationAttribute
parameter is selected for at least one QCI of the bearers for the UE. SCells can
be configured in a blind manner only for fast-moving UEs. For other UEs,
SCells can be configured only based on measurements.

17.7 VoLTE
Collaboration between CA and voice over LTE (VoLTE) is controlled by the
CaMgtCfg.VolteCaA2RsrpThld parameter and the
VolteSupportCaInterFreqMeasSw option of the CaMgtCfg.CellCaAlgoSwitch
parameter. The LMPT is incompatible with the CaMgtCfg.VolteCaA2RsrpThld
parameter.

There are two scenarios:

● CA for UEs with VoLTE services ongoing

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Carrier Aggregation Feature Parameter Description Technologies

● Initiation of VoLTE services after CA UEs enter the CA state

CA for UEs with VoLTE Services Ongoing

CA for UEs with VoLTE services ongoing is controlled by the
CaMgtCfg.VolteCaA2RsrpThld parameter and the
VolteSupportCaInterFreqMeasSw option of the CaMgtCfg.CellCaAlgoSwitch
parameter.

● With the CaMgtCfg.VolteCaA2RsrpThld parameter set to a value within the

range of -140 to -43
– If the PCell RSRP of a VoLTE UE is less than or equal to this threshold,
then:
The VoLTE UE reports CA event A2. PCC anchoring and SCell
configuration do not take effect for the VoLTE UE.
If the VoLTE UE is located at the cell edge, the concurrent data services
on the UE cannot obtain CA gains, and therefore the user-perceived data
rates of these data services may decrease. However, KPIs such as the
VoLTE call drop rate may improve.
– If the PCell RSRP of a VoLTE UE is greater than this threshold, then:
Whether PCC anchoring and SCell configuration take effect for the VoLTE
UE depends on the following factors:
i. Whether the VolteSupportCaInterFreqMeasSw option of the
CaMgtCfg.CellCaAlgoSwitch parameter is selected
ii. Whether the VoLTE UE has ever reported CA event A2 because the
PCell RSRP is less than or equal to the preceding threshold

▪ Option selected
If the VoLTE UE has never reported CA event A2 because the PCell
RSRP is less than or equal to the threshold when it is in the
RRC_CONNECTED state, PCC anchoring and SCell configuration
based on inter-frequency measurements, as well as PCC anchoring
and SCell configuration based on virtual grids, take effect for the UE
while the VoLTE service is ongoing.
If the VoLTE UE has ever reported CA event A2 because the PCell
RSRP is less than or equal to the threshold when it is in the
RRC_CONNECTED state, PCC anchoring and SCell configuration
based on inter-frequency measurements, as well as PCC anchoring
and SCell configuration based on virtual grids, take effect for the UE
only after the QCI-1 bearer of the UE is released.

▪ Option deselected
PCC anchoring and SCell configuration based on inter-frequency
measurements, as well as PCC anchoring based on virtual grids, do
not take effect for the VoLTE UE.
If the CaMgtCfg.VolteCaA2RsrpThld parameter is set to a value in the range
of -140 to -43, the eNodeB initiates an SCell configuration procedure for the
UE with the current serving cell as its PCell upon release of the bearer with a
QCI of 1.

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● With the CaMgtCfg.VolteCaA2RsrpThld parameter set to 0

PCC anchoring and SCell configuration do not take effect for the VoLTE UE.
The concurrent data services on the UE cannot obtain CA gains, and therefore
the user-perceived data rates of these data services may decrease. However,
KPIs such as the VoLTE call drop rate may improve.
Upon release of the bearer with a QCI of 1, the eNodeB initiates an SCell
configuration procedure for the UE with the current serving cell as its PCell.
● With the CaMgtCfg.VolteCaA2RsrpThld parameter set to 255
Whether PCC anchoring and SCell configuration take effect for the VoLTE UE
depends on the setting of the VolteSupportCaInterFreqMeasSw option of
the CaMgtCfg.CellCaAlgoSwitch parameter.
– Option selected
PCC anchoring and SCell configuration based on inter-frequency
measurements, as well as PCC anchoring based on virtual grids, take
effect for the VoLTE UE.
– Option deselected
PCC anchoring and SCell configuration based on inter-frequency
measurements, as well as PCC anchoring based on virtual grids, do not
take effect for the VoLTE UE.

Initiation of VoLTE Services After UEs Enter the CA State

When VoLTE services are initiated for UEs with carriers aggregated, the UEs may
or may not stay in the CA state, depending on the setting of the
CaMgtCfg.VolteCaA2RsrpThld parameter.
● Set to a value within the range of -140 to -43
– If the PCell RSRP of a CA UE is less than or equal to the value of the
CaMgtCfg.VolteCaA2RsrpThld parameter, then:
The CA UE exits the CA state.
– If the PCell RSRP of the CA UE is greater than the value of the
CaMgtCfg.VolteCaA2RsrpThld parameter, then:
The CA UE can stay in the CA state, and its VoLTE service is scheduled
only on the PCC.
● Set to 0
The CA UE exits the CA state.
● Set to 255
The CA UE can stay in the CA state, and its VoLTE service is scheduled only on
the PCC.

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Carrier Aggregation Feature Parameter Description 18 Parameters

18 Parameters

The following hyperlinked EXCEL files of parameter documents match the

software version with which this document is released.

● Node Parameter Reference: contains device and transport parameters.

● eNodeBFunction Parameter Reference: contains all parameters related to
radio access functions, including air interface management, access control,
mobility control, and radio resource management.
● eNodeBFunction Used Reserved Parameter List: contains the reserved
parameters that are in use and those that have been disused.
NOTE

You can find the EXCEL files of parameter reference and used reserved parameter list for
the software version used on the live network from the product documentation delivered
with that version.

FAQ 1: How do I find the parameters related to a certain feature from

parameter reference?

Step 1 Open the EXCEL file of parameter reference.

Step 2 On the Parameter List sheet, filter the Feature ID column. Click Text Filters and
choose Contains. Enter the feature ID, for example, LOFD-001016 or
TDLOFD-001016.

Step 3 Click OK. All parameters related to the feature are displayed.

----End

FAQ 2: How do I find the information about a certain reserved parameter

from the used reserved parameter list?

Step 1 Open the EXCEL file of the used reserved parameter list.

Step 2 On the Used Reserved Parameter List sheet, use the MO, Parameter ID, and BIT
columns to locate the reserved parameter, which may be only a bit of a parameter.
View its information, including the meaning, values, impacts, and product version
in which it is activated for use.

----End

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Carrier Aggregation Feature Parameter Description 19 Counters

19 Counters

The following hyperlinked EXCEL files of performance counter reference match the
software version with which this document is released.
● Node Performance Counter Summary: contains device and transport counters.
● eNodeBFunction Performance Counter Summary: contains all counters related
to radio access functions, including air interface management, access control,
mobility control, and radio resource management.
NOTE

You can find the EXCEL files of performance counter reference for the software version used
on the live network from the product documentation delivered with that version.

FAQ: How do I find the counters related to a certain feature from

performance counter reference?

Step 1 Open the EXCEL file of performance counter reference.

Step 2 On the Counter Summary(En) sheet, filter the Feature ID column. Click Text
Filters and choose Contains. Enter the feature ID, for example, LOFD-001016 or
TDLOFD-001016.
Step 3 Click OK. All counters related to the feature are displayed.

----End

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Carrier Aggregation Feature Parameter Description 20 Glossary

20 Glossary

For the acronyms, abbreviations, terms, and definitions, see Glossary.

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Carrier Aggregation Feature Parameter Description 21 Reference Documents

21 Reference Documents

1. Mobility Management in Connected Mode

2. Intra-RAT Mobility Load Balancing
3. Idle Mode Management
4. Emergency Call
5. CS Fallback
6. Multi-Band Compatibility Enhancement
7. VoLTE
8. ANR Management
9. SFN
10. CSPC
11. eMBMS
12. LCS
13. Network Assisted Interference Cancellation
14. Terminal Awareness Differentiation
15. DL CoMP (FDD)
16. TDM eICIC (FDD)
17. GSM and LTE Spectrum Concurrency
18. Relay
19. Extended Cell Range
20. Super Combined Cell (FDD)
21. Energy Conservation and Emission Reduction
22. Auto Neighbor Group Configuration
23. UMTS and LTE Spectrum Sharing
24. UMTS and LTE Zero Bufferzone
25. MIMO
26. UL CoMP
27. Uplink Interference Cancellation (FDD)
28. Uplink Coordinated Scheduling

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29. LTE FDD and NR Spectrum Sharing

30. LTE FDD and NR Uplink Spectrum Sharing
31. Massive MIMO (FDD)
32. Scheduling
33. Dedicated Carrier for TM9
34. USU3900-based Multi-BBU Interconnection
35. USU3910-based Multi-BBU Interconnection
36. eMIMO (FDD)
37. eX2 Self-Management
38. S1 and X2 Self-Management
39. High Speed Mobility
40. IP Performance Monitor
41. Connection Management
42. Admission and Congestion Control
43. DRX and Signaling Control
44. RAN Sharing
45. Short TTI (FDD)
46. WBB
47. Flexible Bandwidth based on Overlap Carriers (FDD)
48. Compact Bandwidth (FDD)
49. Multi-carrier Unified Scheduling

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