Conditional Handover for Aerial UE Flying-Mode Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless communications networks, especially for aerial UEs, handover processes are prone to failures due to degraded uplink and downlink conditions, leading to failed handovers and increased signaling complexity, particularly in Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) where satellite coverage can be obstructed by terrain features.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a conditional handover (CHO) mechanism that prepares multiple candidate target cells in advance, allowing the UE to execute handovers based on pre-configured conditions, including flying mode detection, to enhance reliability and reduce handover failures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional handover procedures are used for aerial UEs, then the handover process follows standard protocols, but handover failures increase due to degraded uplink and downlink conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements conditional handover by preparing multiple candidate target cells in advance before the actual handover is needed. The network node configures the UE with measurement configurations and identifies potential target cells ahead of time, so when handover becomes necessary, the UE can quickly execute the transition without real-time negotiation delays. This preliminary preparation significantly improves handover reliability for aerial UEs experiencing degraded link conditions.
2Speed
If multiple candidate target cells are prepared in advance for conditional handover, then handover execution speed improves, but signaling complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The network node performs preliminary identification and configuration of multiple candidate target cells before handover execution. Measurement configurations, cell selection criteria, and handover parameters are pre-established, enabling the UE to rapidly evaluate and execute handover to the most suitable candidate when conditions warrant, thus accelerating handover execution speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The handover process is segmented into distinct phases: candidate cell identification, measurement configuration, condition evaluation, and execution. By dividing the complex handover procedure into manageable segments with clear decision points, the patent reduces overall signaling complexity while maintaining the ability to evaluate multiple candidates efficiently.
3Adaptability or versatility
If flying mode detection is implemented, then handover procedures can be adapted to aerial UE conditions, but measurement and detection complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements flying mode detection by monitoring feedback from UE measurements of signal strength, signal quality, and cell identification data. The network node analyzes these measurement reports to determine whether the UE is in aerial mode, then adapts handover parameters and candidate cell selection accordingly. This feedback-driven approach enables adaptability to flying conditions without requiring complex direct detection mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments herein relate to, for example, a method performed by a UE (10) for handling communication in a wireless communication network. The UE (10) determines whether the UE (10) is flying or not; and checks one or more conditions related to a handover of the UE (10), wherein the one or more conditions are based on whether the UE (10) is determined to fly or not.