Conditional Cell Switch Handling for Low-Latency UE Mobility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mobility management in wireless communication systems, particularly in 5G NR networks, faces challenges in handling concurrent mobility events during ongoing cell switch execution, leading to mobility latency and loss of optimal connection opportunities due to inadequate management of conditional cell switch configurations.
Innovation Solution
Implementing methods and apparatus for managing conditional cell switch operations by suspending and resuming cell switch conditions evaluation based on CU-level configuration analysis, ensuring seamless continuation of conditional evaluations post-cell switch completion, and supporting subsequent mobility operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the UE continues to evaluate cell switch conditions during ongoing cell switch execution, then subsequent mobility opportunities can be captured, but mobility latency increases due to concurrent evaluation interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the cell switch condition evaluation state changeable. The UE transitions between evaluation states (active, suspended, resumed) based on the cell switch execution phase. During ongoing cell switch execution, evaluation is suspended to avoid latency, then resumed after completion to capture subsequent mobility opportunities. This dynamic state management resolves the contradiction by adapting evaluation behavior to operational context.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring the UE with conditional cell switch parameters and execution conditions before actual cell switch execution. The UE prepares evaluation capabilities in advance but executes them selectively. When cell switch execution completes, the UE is already configured to resume evaluation immediately, capturing mobility opportunities without delay. This preliminary preparation resolves the latency issue while maintaining opportunity capture capability.
2Loss of time
If the UE suspends cell switch condition evaluation during ongoing cell switch execution, then mobility latency is reduced, but subsequent mobility operations lose capability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring the UE with conditional cell switch parameters, candidate cells, and execution conditions before cell switch execution. This preliminary configuration ensures that when evaluation is suspended during execution, the UE retains all necessary mobility capabilities in memory. After execution completes, the UE can immediately resume evaluation using the pre-configured parameters, thus maintaining subsequent mobility capability while avoiding latency during execution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by implementing a flexible evaluation management mechanism that adapts its behavior based on execution phase. The UE dynamically transitions between suspended and resumed states. The network device also dynamically controls resumption based on configuration parameters, ensuring mobility capability is restored when needed. This dynamic approach resolves the contradiction by making capability availability flexible rather than static.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the network device configures conditional cell switch parameters for intra-CU scenarios, then subsequent conditional LTM can be supported, but inter-CU scenarios require configuration release
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating configuration management based on CU-level boundaries. The network device analyzes the specific scenario (intra-CU vs. inter-CU) and applies appropriate configuration handling locally to each case. For intra-CU scenarios, conditional parameters are preserved and resumption is enabled. For inter-CU scenarios, configuration is released. This localized differentiation resolves the complexity by handling each scenario type with its optimal approach rather than applying a uniform complex management system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the configuration management behavior based on scenario type. The network device changes the state of conditional evaluation parameters (active, suspended, released) depending on whether the cell switch is intra-CU or inter-CU. This parameter-based differentiation simplifies management by using clear state transitions rather than complex conditional logic, resolving the contradiction between supporting subsequent LTM and managing inter-CU scenarios.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure discloses a method of conditional cell switch applied to a User Equipment (UE). The method includes: upon a cell switch being triggered, stopping a cell switch conditions evaluation if the UE is performing the cell switch conditions evaluation; and determining whether to perform the cell switch conditions evaluation once the cell switch is completed. The determination process includes determining whether at least one execution condition is configured within a selected candidate target configuration, and when determining that the at least one execution condition is configured, performing the cell switch conditions evaluation according to the execution condition once the cell switch is completed. The present disclosure can avoid unnecessary interruption of ongoing cell switch operations while supporting subsequent mobility operations, effectively reducing mobility latency and enhancing mobility management efficiency of wireless communication systems.