Conditional Handover Measurement Configuration for Robust UE Cell Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing conditional handover techniques in wireless communication networks face robustness issues due to the use of delta signaling, particularly when handover commands are sent under poor radio conditions, leading to potential failure of the handover process.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method for conditional handover that includes receiving a first measurement configuration, storing it, and performing measurements based on this configuration, followed by a conditional handover command with triggering conditions and subsequent application of a third measurement configuration upon fulfillment, allowing for improved robustness and efficient handover execution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If measurement configuration is not released upon conditional handover execution, then measurement resources are wasted and power consumption increases, but if measurement configuration is released, then measurement continuity is broken and handover execution may be delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by configuring the UE to release the first measurement configuration (associated with the triggering condition) immediately upon detecting fulfillment of the triggering condition, before actually executing the handover. This proactive release prevents wasted measurement resources and reduces power consumption while ensuring measurement continuity is maintained through the second measurement configuration that is already prepared for the candidate cell.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple measurement configurations are maintained simultaneously, then measurement coverage is comprehensive, but device complexity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by preparing the second measurement configuration (for the candidate cell) in advance alongside the first measurement configuration (for the triggering condition). This allows the UE to have comprehensive measurement coverage ready before handover execution, while the configured release mechanism ensures that the first configuration is automatically discarded when its condition is met, simplifying subsequent management.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments measurement configurations into distinct types: the first measurement configuration associated with the triggering condition, and the second measurement configuration associated with the candidate cell. This segmentation allows independent management and release of each configuration type, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining comprehensive measurement capabilities through the coordinated use of both configurations.
3Loss of energy
If measurement configuration is released immediately upon triggering condition fulfillment, then power consumption is reduced, but measurement data for optimization may be lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by ensuring that the second measurement configuration is prepared and configured in advance before the triggering condition is fulfilled. This allows measurement data to continue being collected through the second configuration even after the first configuration is released, preventing information loss while achieving power savings through the selective release of the first configuration.
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments include methods for conditional handover in a radio access network (RAN), performed by a user equipment (UE). Such methods include receiving, from a source RAN node, a conditional handover command that include: a first indication of a conditional handover; a second indication of a triggering condition for the conditional handover; a second measurement configuration related to the triggering condition; and a third measurement configuration related to a candidate cell. Such methods also include detecting fulfillment of the triggering condition with respect to the candidate cell and executing the conditional handover towards the candidate cell, and subsequently performing third measurements in the candidate cell based on the third measurement configuration and reporting the performed third measurements. Embodiments also include complementary methods performed by source RAN nodes and target RAN nodes.