Enhanced Full Configuration Flag for Handover Reliability
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Low complexity category user equipment in cellular communication networks experiences radio link failures during handover due to incomplete RRC configuration, leading to unnecessary signaling and inefficient bandwidth use.
Innovation Solution
Introduction of an enhanced full configuration flag with additional settings to distinguish low complexity category UEs from other categories, allowing base stations to determine if a full configuration is needed and setting specific flags based on RRC protocol releases (Rel 12 and Rel 9 to Rel 11) to facilitate successful handovers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If full configuration is performed for low complexity category UEs during handover, then handover reliability is improved, but signaling overhead increases and bandwidth efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an enhanced full configuration flag with multiple parameter settings (first configuration flag for Release 12+, second configuration flag for Release 9-11) that allow dynamic adjustment of configuration behavior based on UE category and RRC protocol version, enabling full configuration only when necessary rather than universally
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different configuration strategies to different UE categories locally - low complexity category UEs receive enhanced full configuration with specific flag settings, while other UEs follow standard procedures, allowing optimized handling for each category's specific needs
2Adaptability or versatility
If enhanced full configuration flag with multiple settings is implemented, then handover capability distinction is improved, but base station complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the full configuration flag into multiple distinct settings (first configuration flag setting for Release 12 and above, second configuration flag setting for Release 9 to 11), allowing independent control and evaluation of different RRC protocol version requirements without requiring complete system redesign
3Loss of energy
If RRC configuration is incomplete for low complexity category UEs, then signaling overhead is reduced, but radio link failure rate increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary evaluation at the base station before handover execution by determining UE category and checking RRC protocol version compatibility, then pre-sets the appropriate full configuration flag settings to prevent radio link failures before they occur
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the base station evaluates UE capabilities and RRC version compatibility, then adjusts configuration settings accordingly, creating a closed-loop system that learns from handover outcomes to optimize future configurations
Data Source
AI summary
The embodiments of the invention, as described below, introduce a new full configuration flag to distinguish full configurations of low complexity category UEs from other categories. The new full configuration flag will also be referred to herein as an “enhanced” full configuration flag. A network node, such as a source eNB, can see the enhanced full configuration flag from the RRC configuration message that is prepared by another network node, for example a target eNB. If the target eNB sends a RRC configuration that contains a legacy version of the full configuration flag for a low complexity category UE, the source eNB knows that the target eNB does not comprehend Rel-12 and the low complexity category. Accordingly the source eNB can refrain from performing the handover. In addition, the UE can infer from the flag version if the target eNB has comprehended the UE category and accordingly it knows whether the configuration is valid or not. The embodiments of the invention described herein have the advantage that un-necessary signaling caused by failed handovers and unsuccessful RRC connection re-establishments are avoided. Consequently, network resources are used in a more efficient manner and UE battery lifetime is prolonged.