Early Data Forwarding in Conditional Handover Multi-Connectivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing conditional handover techniques in multi-connectivity scenarios, particularly in Multi-Radio Dual Connectivity (MR-DC), face challenges in reliably managing data forwarding across multiple radio network nodes, leading to potential data interruptions during handover due to the complexity of simultaneous connections and varying radio conditions.
Innovation Solution
Implementing early data forwarding mechanisms between network nodes, where a Source Master Node initiates data forwarding to a target node before the conditional handover is executed, ensuring seamless data transfer and reducing interruptions by proactively managing data between multiple network nodes involved in multi-connectivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conditional reconfiguration is used to improve handover robustness, then reliability of handover is improved, but data forwarding complexity increases in multi-connectivity scenarios
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by initiating data forwarding from secondary nodes to the target master node before the conditional handover is executed. The source master node sends a handover request acknowledgment that includes an indication to initiate early data forwarding, allowing data to be pre-positioned at the target node to avoid interruptions when handover occurs
Solution Approach 2:
The source master node acts as an intermediary by coordinating between secondary nodes and the target master node. It receives handover requests, determines early data forwarding configuration, and communicates forwarding indications to secondary nodes, simplifying their role while maintaining reliable data transfer across multiple network nodes
2Loss of time
If early data forwarding is initiated before handover execution, then data interruption time is reduced, but network signaling overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
Early data forwarding is initiated in advance of handover execution through streamlined signaling. The source master node includes an early data forwarding indication in the handover request acknowledgment message, triggering pre-forwarding of data without requiring separate extensive signaling sequences, thus reducing both time loss and signaling overhead
Solution Approach 2:
The patent maintains continuity of useful action by ensuring data forwarding operates continuously from the decision point through handover execution. Data is forwarded early and continues to be managed seamlessly, eliminating gaps in data transfer and maintaining uninterrupted service flow across the handover transition
3Productivity
If multiple secondary nodes are involved in multi-connectivity, then data transfer capacity is increased, but coordination complexity during handover increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the coordination function for multiple secondary nodes into a single point of control - the source master node. All secondary nodes receive forwarding indications from and report to the source master node, consolidating coordination complexity while maintaining the data transfer capacity benefits of multiple active secondary nodes during handover preparation
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed methods and apparatuses advantageously provide for early data forwarding in conditional handover of a User Equipment (UE) (14) in multi-connectivity scenarios. Early data forwarding includes data from secondary nodes (12) of the multi-connectivity.