Base Station U2N Relay Handover via Sidelink
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 5G network technologies face limitations in performing U2N relay handover between different base stations, restricting direct network access switching for remote UEs when they move out of a gNB's coverage.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method where a first base station sends a handover request to a second base station based on an authorized PLMN list, allowing the first terminal to switch its network access mode to use a sidelink connection with the second terminal as a relay, thereby enabling U2N relay handover across different base stations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a terminal uses traditional direct connection mode to access the network, then the network access is straightforward and reliable, but the terminal cannot switch to relay mode when moving out of base station coverage, limiting mobility and connectivity flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic network access mode switching between direct connection mode and relay mode based on terminal mobility and coverage conditions. The system transitions from a static connection model to a dynamic one where the access mode can change in real-time, allowing terminals to adapt their connectivity strategy according to their location and network conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a relay terminal as an intermediary node that enables indirect network access for remote terminals. When a terminal moves out of direct base station coverage, the relay terminal acts as a mediator to establish a sidelink connection, allowing the remote terminal to access the network through the relay rather than requiring direct Uu interface connection.
2Reliability
If the network supports relay sidelink handover between different base stations, then terminal connectivity is maintained during mobility, but the current 5G network technology lacks support for this functionality, creating a capability gap
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the handover process into distinct phases: preparation phase where the target base station is selected and resources are allocated, and execution phase where the actual mode switching occurs. This segmentation allows the complex handover operation to be managed in manageable steps, ensuring reliability during terminal mobility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary actions before executing the handover by first selecting a suitable target base station and preparing necessary resources. The network evaluates available base stations and pre-configures the handover parameters before the actual mode switching, ensuring that the terminal can seamlessly transition to relay mode without connection interruption.
3Reliability
If the network uses authorized PLMN list for handover decision, then network security and authorization are maintained, but the handover process becomes more complex due to PLMN verification requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by using the authorized PLMN list as a filtering mechanism rather than requiring exhaustive verification of all possible PLMNs. The network only needs to verify that the target base station's PLMN is in the authorized list, which is a partial check that provides sufficient security assurance without requiring complete PLMN validation.
Data Source
AI summary
A first base station includes a transceiver, a memory configured to store a computer program, and a processor coupled to the transceiver and the memory. When executed by the processor, the computer program causes the first base station to send a handover request to a second base station according to an authorized public land mobile network (PLMN) list for the first terminal, where the second base station is a base station accessed by a second terminal, a PLMN identifier of a cell accessed by the second terminal is in the authorized PLMN list, and the handover request is used for requesting to switch a network access mode of the first terminal to accessing a network via a sidelink between the first terminal and the second terminal.