Centralized Unit Switch Signaling Minimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
In communication systems, particularly in non-terrestrial networks and Integrated Access and Backhaul systems, the existing CU switch mechanisms face challenges such as triggering handovers, ensuring safe transmission interruptions, and optimizing signaling efficiency during CU switching, especially due to issues like terminal device measurement reports, DU identity changes, and unnecessary F1AP context setups.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves the DU transmitting identity information and F1AP UE context information to the source CU for CU switching, allowing the target CU to initiate a minimized signaling process without unnecessary F1AP context setups, enabling faster and more efficient CU switching by determining the need for switching based on criteria like distance, trajectory, or radio link quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the existing CU switch mechanism is used, then the DU can switch between CUs, but unnecessary F1AP context setups occur increasing signaling overhead
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the DU send CU switch indication information to the source CU before the actual switching occurs. This allows the source CU to proactively notify the target CU and prepare necessary context information in advance, avoiding the need for F1AP context setup procedures during the actual switch, thereby reducing signaling overhead and improving switching efficiency.
2Reliability
If traditional handover procedures are followed, then connection reliability is maintained, but switching latency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the unnecessary F1AP context setup procedures from the CU switching process. By using a simplified indication-based mechanism instead of full handover procedures, the patent maintains connection reliability through proper context transfer while significantly reducing switching latency by eliminating redundant signaling steps.
3Loss of information
If F1AP context setup is performed during CU switching, then context information is transferred, but signaling interruptions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses copying by having the source CU transfer F1AP context information to the target CU through direct indication messages rather than through full F1AP setup procedures. This copying mechanism ensures context information is accurately transferred while minimizing signaling interruptions, as the context is replicated rather than re-established through lengthy setup sequences.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the disclosure provide a method, device and computer readable medium for centralized unit switch. According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the DU transmits identity information of a target CU/DU to the source CU for the CU switch. The target CU does not need to initiate context setup procedure to set up context for the terminal device. Thus, the switch is implemented with minimized signaling and interruption in the data connection and the switched is completed faster by avoiding the unnecessary F1 AP context setup.