5G Base Station Latency-Aware Mobility for Neighboring Cell Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
In 5G mobile networks, mobility events based on RF signal quality thresholds fail to account for latency requirements of network slices, leading to 'lag' delays during hand-offs, which disrupt low-latency services.
Innovation Solution
Base stations monitor RAN latency of serving and neighboring cells, comparing it with subscriber or network slice requirements to trigger mobility events and re-route sessions to maintain end-to-end latency performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mobility events are triggered based on RF signal quality thresholds, then network coverage and connection stability are improved, but latency performance deteriorates due to lag delays during hand-offs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the trigger parameter from RF signal quality to RAN latency measurements. Base stations now monitor actual latency values and compare them against latency thresholds to determine when mobility events should occur, thereby reducing latency-induced lag delays while maintaining connection stability through latency-aware hand-off decisions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where base stations continuously measure RAN latency for serving and neighboring cells, compare these measurements against defined thresholds, and use this feedback information to trigger mobility events only when necessary. This closed-loop approach ensures latency-sensitive services maintain performance while avoiding unnecessary hand-offs
2Device complexity
If traditional RF-based mobility triggers are used, then network simplicity is maintained, but service quality for low-latency applications deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the mobility management function by introducing separate latency measurement and evaluation mechanisms alongside traditional RF-based triggers. Base stations perform independent latency measurements for serving and neighboring cells, evaluate them against latency thresholds, and make informed decisions about triggering mobility events, thereby maintaining service quality without completely redesigning the mobility management framework
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by having base stations continuously monitor and measure RAN latency values in advance before actual mobility events occur. Latency measurements are performed proactively for both serving and neighboring cells, allowing the system to prepare and respond appropriately when latency thresholds are approached, thereby improving service quality without adding significant complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A base station determines a latency requirement of a user equipment device (UE), and receives latency measurements associated with multiple neighboring cells or cell sectors having coverage areas within a certain proximity to the base station. The base station measures a latency associated with a first cell or cell sector, having a coverage area generated by the base station, that is currently serving the UE. The base station triggers a mobility event for the UE, based on the UE's latency requirement, the measured latency of the first cell or cell sector, and the latency measurements associated with the multiple neighboring cells or cell sectors, to a selected one of the multiple neighboring cells or cell sectors.