Conditional Cell Configuration for CU-DU Handover Procedures
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Scenarios involving a disaggregated base station architecture introduce challenges to conditional procedure schemes, as the central unit (CU) cannot determine which configuration parameters to use when a user equipment (UE) connects to one of multiple candidate cells operated by a distributed unit (DU).
Innovation Solution
The CU provides a conditional configuration for a cell of the DU and receives an identifier of the connected cell, determining the appropriate configuration based on this identifier to communicate effectively with the UE.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the CU provides conditional configurations for multiple candidate cells operated by the DU, then the UE has more options for connection and reliability is improved, but the CU cannot determine which configuration to use when the UE connects, increasing system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the DU sends an identifier of the connected cell back to the CU after the UE establishes a connection. This feedback allows the CU to determine which conditional configuration was applied and select the appropriate configuration parameters for subsequent communication, thereby resolving the complexity of managing multiple conditional configurations without compromising connection reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces the cell identifier as an intermediary element that bridges the gap between the DU and CU. The identifier serves as a key that allows the CU to map the connected cell to the corresponding conditional configuration, enabling the CU to manage multiple configurations efficiently without directly monitoring the connection establishment process at the DU
2Measurement precision
If the CU waits for the UE to connect before determining configuration parameters, then configuration accuracy is improved, but handover latency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the CU provide all necessary conditional configurations to the DU in advance, before the UE actually connects. The configurations are prepared and stored with associated identifiers, so that when the UE connects and the DU sends the identifier, the CU can immediately retrieve and apply the correct configuration without delay, thus reducing handover latency while maintaining configuration accuracy
Data Source
AI summary
To configure a connection with a UE, a central unit (CU) of a distributed base station provides, by processing hardware to the UE, a conditional configuration for a cell of a distributed unit (DU) of the base station (1002). The CU receiving, by the processing hardware, an identifier of the cell of the DU (1004). Additionally, the CU determines, by the processing hardware, that the UE connects to the cell based on the identifier of the cell (1006), and communicates with the UE in accordance with the conditional configuration for the cell (1008).