5G Fast Handover Using Radio Bearer and Security Key Reuse
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing handover procedures in wireless communication systems, particularly in 5G networks, suffer from inefficiencies such as user plane reset and security key updates, leading to increased latency and hinder fast handovers due to frequent cell changes in high-frequency bands.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method for terminals and base stations to perform fast handovers by reusing user plane protocols and security keys during inter-cell handovers, minimizing protocol resets and key updates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional handover procedures are used in 5G networks, then security is maintained through key updates, but handover latency increases and handover speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring security keys and user plane protocol parameters in the target base station before handover occurs. The source base station transfers necessary security context and protocol configuration information to the target base station in advance, allowing the target to be ready for immediate service continuity without waiting for post-handover key derivation and protocol setup.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter state of security keys and protocol configurations by maintaining their validity across handovers rather than resetting them. Specifically, the patent preserves PDCP sequence numbers and reuses security keys when conditions allow, transforming the traditional approach of parameter reset into parameter preservation to reduce handover latency.
2Reliability
If security keys are updated during every handover, then security is strengthened, but handover performance deteriorates due to increased processing time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by selectively updating security keys only when necessary rather than performing full key updates in every handover scenario. The patent determines whether key update is needed based on specific conditions such as handover distance, security policies, and network configuration, allowing partial reuse of existing keys to improve handover speed while maintaining adequate security.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the state of security key parameters from mandatory update to conditional update. By modifying the key management policy from always-update to selective-update based on handover characteristics, the patent improves handover performance while maintaining security through context-aware key management decisions.
3Stability of the object's composition
If user plane protocols are reset during handover, then protocol consistency is ensured, but handover latency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-synchronizing PDCP sequence numbers and configuring user plane protocol parameters in the target base station before handover. The source base station transfers the current PDCP sequence number state to the target, allowing the protocol to continue seamlessly without reset, thus reducing handover latency while maintaining consistency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies continuity of useful action by maintaining the user plane protocol state across handovers rather than resetting it. By preserving PDCP sequence numbers and protocol configurations, the patent ensures continuous data flow and protocol operation throughout the handover process, eliminating interruptions and reducing latency.
4Adaptability or versatility
If frequent cell changes are supported in high-frequency bands, then network flexibility improves, but handover efficiency decreases due to repeated protocol resets
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by creating a handover mechanism that works across multiple scenarios and frequency bands with a unified approach. The patent establishes universal security key management and user plane protocol configuration that can be applied consistently whether the terminal moves between cells in high-frequency 5G bands or lower-frequency bands, enabling flexible network adaptation without scenario-specific complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the state of handover parameters from reset-based to preservation-based, allowing frequent cell changes to occur without repeated protocol resets. By maintaining protocol state and security parameters across handovers, the patent enables high network flexibility for frequent cell changes in high-frequency bands while avoiding the efficiency penalty of repeated resets.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a pre-5th-Generation (5G) or 5G communication system to be provided for supporting higher data rates Beyond 4th-Generation (4G) communication system such as Long Term Evolution (LTE). A handover method for a terminal according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include: receiving, from a source cell, a message including information on one or more target cells for performing a fast handover; and performing a fast handover by reusing a radio bearer based on the received information.