Dual Protocol Stack Handover Using Conditional Stack Deactivation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless communication systems face challenges in efficiently managing multiple active protocol stacks, leading to increased latency and reduced success probability in handover processes, particularly in 4G and 5G networks.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a method and apparatus that allows for the simultaneous activation of multiple protocol stacks, including a first and second protocol stack, with the deactivation of the first stack upon receiving a response from the second, to establish connections with multiple cells, thereby reducing latency and enhancing handover success.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple protocol stacks are activated simultaneously, then handover success probability is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehandover success probabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by activating the second protocol stack before the first protocol stack is fully established. The wireless device transmits a second signal based on the second protocol stack to establish a second connection with a second cell before the first connection is fully confirmed. This advance preparation ensures that a backup connection is already in place, improving handover success probability while managing complexity through controlled sequencing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamics by making the protocol stack activation process adaptive and conditional. The system dynamically adjusts the activation sequence based on received response messages - when a second response message is received before the first response message, the first protocol stack is deactivated. This dynamic behavior allows the system to respond to changing network conditions, improving reliability without requiring permanent complex structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Device complexity

If sequential protocol stack activation is used, then system complexity is reduced, but latency increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem complexityVSAvoidhandover latency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent reduces latency by performing preliminary action - activating the second protocol stack before the first one is fully established. This allows the second connection to be prepared in advance, so that if handover is needed, the transition can occur more quickly. The wireless device sends the second signal early in the process, overlapping with the first connection establishment, thereby reducing overall handover time without requiring full parallel processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If simultaneous protocol stack activation is implemented, then handover success probability is improved, but resource consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehandover success probabilityVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes energy consumption by making protocol stack activation dynamic and conditional rather than permanently simultaneous. The system activates the second protocol stack temporarily and deactivates the first stack when the second response is received before the first response. This dynamic approach ensures that multiple stacks are not maintained concurrently for extended periods, reducing energy consumption while still providing the reliability benefits of having multiple active stacks during the critical handover window.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4462881B1Random access on multiple active protocol stacks
Publication Date: 2026.03.18 OFINNO LLC
  • EP4462881B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP4462881B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP4462881B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method for a wireless device of a wireless communication system is described herein. In one embodiment, the method comprises: transmitting, by a wireless device and based on a first protocol stack, a first signal to establish a first connection with a first cell; transmitting a second signal, based on a second protocol stack, to establish a second connection with a second cell; and deactivating the first protocol stack based on receiving a second response message for the second signal and before receiving a first response message for the first signal.