Communication Connection Control in Non-Homogenous Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
In heterogeneous network environments, communication systems face challenges in maintaining seamless communication connections when a user equipment (UE) transitions from areas with specific communication capabilities to areas that do not support those capabilities, leading to service disruptions and inefficient handover processes.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a communication capability search mode mechanism, where a source network control element sends connection switching information to a target element, enabling the UE to maintain a connected mode and accelerate the switching process to another area with the required capabilities, using dual or multi-connectivity communication to ensure service continuity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a UE transitions from a network area with specific communication capabilities to an area without those capabilities, then the UE can maintain connection in the second network area, but service continuity is disrupted and handover efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The source network control element performs preliminary actions by determining capability compatibility before handover execution. It identifies whether the target network area lacks specific communication capabilities and prepares connection switching information in advance, including indications to set the UE in communication capability search mode. This preliminary assessment prevents service disruption by preparing the appropriate handover strategy before the actual transition occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism through the communication capability search mode. When the target network area lacks specific capabilities, the UE is set in search mode, which acts as an intermediary state between normal operation and service disruption. This mode enables the UE to maintain connected mode while accelerating the search for and switching to another network area that provides the required capabilities, thus bridging the gap caused by capability mismatch.
2Ease of operation
If the UE is switched to a network area without specific communication capabilities, then connection is maintained, but further switching to a capable area is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the UE's operational mode adaptive rather than static. The UE transitions between normal mode and communication capability search mode based on the target network area's capability compatibility. When entering an area without specific capabilities, the UE dynamically switches to search mode, which modifies its behavior to prioritize finding capable areas. This dynamic adjustment optimizes both connection maintenance and switching speed according to the current network environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication capability search mode implements a feedback mechanism where the UE continuously monitors network area capabilities while in connected mode. The system receives feedback about capability compatibility and adjusts the handover strategy accordingly. When the UE is in search mode, it actively seeks out network areas with required capabilities, using feedback from capability assessments to guide the switching process, thereby resolving the contradiction between maintaining connection and achieving fast switching.
3Reliability
If dual or multi-connectivity is used to maintain service continuity, then service disruption is minimized, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the handover process into distinct phases: capability assessment, mode determination, and execution. The communication capability search mode creates a segmented operational state that separates normal handover from capability-aware handover. This segmentation allows the system to manage dual or multi-connectivity scenarios in a structured manner, reducing the perceived complexity by breaking down the complex connection management into manageable, sequential steps with clear decision points.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for use by a first communication network control element configured to control a communication connection of at least one communication element in a first network area providing a specific communication capability, the apparatus including processing circuitry, and memory for storing instructions to be executed by the processing circuitry, wherein the memory and the instructions are configured to, with the processing circuitry, cause the apparatus at least: to determine that a communication element communicating in the first network area and using the specific communication capability enters a second network area which does not provide the specific communication capability and that there is a switching of the communication connection to the second network area, and to cause sending of connection switching information related to the switching of the communication connection of the communication element to a second communication network control element.