CU-DU Pcell PScell Handover Management via Segmented Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing CU-DU architecture in 5G networks lacks a mature solution for effectively managing Pcell or PScell handover, leading to inefficiencies in communication system resource utilization.

Innovation Solution

A method and device where the CU determines the Pcell or PScell for UE, sends a PCell/PScell change message to the DU, and jointly performs handover operations, including generating RRC messages and layer 2 configuration information to facilitate seamless cell switching, ensuring efficient resource management and user experience.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a CU-DU architecture is introduced to improve network capacity and throughput, then system resource utilization is improved, but Pcell or PScell handover management becomes complex and immature

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork capacity and throughputVSAvoidPcell or PScell handover management
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the handover management process into distinct phases: CU determines the target Pcell/PScell and initiates the change, DU prepares layer 2 configuration information, and both entities exchange structured messages. This segmentation of responsibilities resolves the complexity by clearly defining what each entity (CU and DU) does during handover, eliminating the management uncertainty that arises from the distributed architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements preliminary actions by having the CU determine the target Pcell or PScell before the actual handover execution, and having the DU prepare layer 2 configuration information in advance. The CU sends a PCell/PScell change message to the DU beforehand, allowing the DU to prepare necessary configuration information. This preliminary preparation resolves the complexity by ensuring all necessary decisions and configurations are made before the handover actually occurs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If CU and DU jointly perform handover operations to improve resource utilization efficiency, then resource management is improved, but coordination complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource utilization efficiencyVSAvoidcoordination between CU and DU
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses standardized message exchanges as intermediaries between the CU and DU. The CU sends a PCell/PScell change message to the DU, and the DU responds with layer 2 configuration information. These structured messages act as intermediaries that carry necessary information between the two entities, resolving the coordination complexity by providing a clear, standardized communication protocol rather than ad-hoc coordination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the DU provides layer 2 configuration information back to the CU after receiving the PCell/PScell change message. This feedback loop ensures that the CU has all necessary information to complete the handover process and allows the DU to confirm its readiness. The feedback mechanism resolves coordination complexity by ensuring both entities are synchronized and have the necessary information.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3713296B1Method and device for managing pcell or pscell
Publication Date: 2022.11.30 DATANG MOBILE COMM EQUIP CO LTD
  • EP3713296B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3713296B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3713296B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The present application discloses a method and a device for managing a Pcell or a PScell, used to resolve the technical issue in the prior art of a lack of effective management in switching of a Pcell or a PScell in CU-DU architecture, and provides a timely and efficient strategy for switching a PScell, so as to improve communication system resource utilization efficiency. The method comprises: a CU determining a Pcell or a PScell of a UE; and the CU transmitting a Pcell/PScell change message to a DU, wherein the Pcell/PScell change message comprises a cell identifier of the cell required to be switched to the Pcell or the PScell, and the CU and the DU jointly serving the UE.