Dual-Connectivity Handover Security Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional LTE handover procedures are prone to failures and introduce significant latency due to RF retuning, downlink and uplink synchronization, and L2 reset issues, especially when transitioning between different radio access networks or base stations.
Innovation Solution
Implementing dual-connectivity and make-before-break techniques, along with activation-time-based synchronization of security configurations, to reduce handover latency and failures by establishing simultaneous connections with both source and target cells and seamlessly switching security settings during handovers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional LTE handover procedures are used, then the handover process is simple, but handover latency is high and handover failures occur frequently
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by establishing dual-connectivity between the mobile device and both source and target base stations before the handover is triggered. The target base station is pre-synchronized and security configurations are pre-configured, so when handover occurs, the mobile device can seamlessly switch without RF retuning or L2 reset, eliminating handover latency and failures.
2Loss of time
If dual-connectivity and make-before-break techniques are implemented, then handover latency is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by implementing automatic detection mechanisms where the mobile device autonomously monitors for security configuration switches during handover. The device automatically detects when the target base station's security configuration differs from the source and seamlessly switches configurations without user intervention or complex manual management, reducing the perceived complexity despite the advanced handover technique.
3Reliability
If security configuration switching is performed during handover, then continuous secure communication is maintained, but detection and synchronization of security switches is complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by implementing a detection mechanism where the mobile device monitors for security configuration switches during handover. When a switch is detected, the device provides feedback to synchronize its security configuration with the target base station, ensuring continuous secure communication while automatically managing the complexity of security switch detection.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques are disclosed relating to handover between cellular base stations. In some embodiments that use dual-connectivity handover, disclosed techniques may facilitate synchronization of a security configuration switch. In some embodiments, the base station and/or mobile device determine activation sequence numbers for the security configuration switch (e.g., by estimating when a path switch will occur). In some embodiments, the security configuration switch is implicitly detected based in deciphering failure. In some embodiments, the security configuration switch is explicitly signaled and is checked based on deciphering failure. In some embodiments that use make before break handover techniques, a source base station may be retained after the path switch.