Conditional Handover Probability Signaling for Resource Allocation

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Solution Overview

Problem

In wireless network communications, especially in 3GPP networks, conditional handovers are challenging due to uncertainty about the final target cell and timing, which affects the accuracy of probability assessments for resource allocation during handovers.

Innovation Solution

The solution involves the source node indicating the probability of a conditional mobility procedure being executed and resulting in a connection to a potential target cell, allowing the potential target node to improve its probability assessments and statistical multiplexing, thereby optimizing resource allocation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the source node sends a handover request to the potential target node without probability information, then the handover request can be processed, but the potential target node cannot accurately assess the probability of handover execution, leading to conservative resource allocation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprobability assessment accuracyVSAvoidresource allocation
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The source node performs preliminary calculation of the handover execution probability and includes this information in the handover request message sent to the potential target node. This preliminary provision of probability information enables the potential target node to make more accurate admission control decisions and resource allocation without waiting for actual handover execution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If the potential target node applies large safety margins in admission control due to uncertainty, then resource allocation reliability is maintained, but resource utilization efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadmission control reliabilityVSAvoidresource utilization efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The potential target node changes its admission control parameters based on the received handover execution probability information. When the probability is high, the node relaxes admission control criteria and reduces safety margins, thereby improving resource utilization efficiency while maintaining reliability. This dynamic parameter adjustment allows the system to adapt to the actual handover likelihood.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If the source node calculates and transmits handover execution probability to the potential target node, then the potential target node can optimize resource allocation, but the signaling overhead and processing complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource allocation efficiencyVSAvoidhandover processing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The source node, which already possesses the necessary information about UE measurements and handover conditions, performs the probability calculation itself rather than requiring the potential target node to gather and analyze multiple data sources. This self-service approach minimizes additional processing complexity at the potential target node while still providing accurate probability information for optimized resource allocation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3949516B1Conditional handover execution probability information to potential target node
Publication Date: 2025.04.30 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)
  • EP3949516B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3949516B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3949516B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

According to an aspect, a source node determines (1002) that a UE served by the source node is a candidate for conditional handover configuration. The source node sends (1004), to a target node for conditional handover of the UE, a conditional handover request that includes one or more parameters indicative of a likelihood that handover of the UE to the target node will be executed. The target node receives (1102) the request and parameters and allocates (1104) resources for the UE, taking into account the likelihood that handover of the first UE to the target node will be executed. The target node sends (1106) handover configuration information for the first UE to the source node, in response to the conditional handover request.