Enhanced Handover Procedures for Wireless Communication Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems face challenges in optimizing handover procedures, particularly in supporting make-before-break (MBB) and conditional handover (CHO) processes, due to limitations in existing N2 signaling capabilities and the lack of efficient prioritization of target base stations with Xn connections.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves enhancing handover procedures by prioritizing target base stations connected via Xn interfaces and utilizing N2 signaling to support MBB and CHO, including indications in handover messages to facilitate seamless data forwarding and reduce latency, while also configuring UE conditions to favor cells within the same AMF or with X2 connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional handover procedures are used, then the handover process is simpler, but the handover delay increases and success rate decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by establishing Xn interface connections between base stations in advance before handover is needed. The source base station proactively sets up connection paths to potential target base stations, so that when handover is required, the connection is already prepared and can be activated immediately, reducing handover delay and improving success rate
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces the Xn interface as an intermediary communication path between base stations. This dedicated interface serves as a mediator that enables direct data forwarding and control signaling between source and target base stations, bypassing longer routing paths and reducing handover delay
2Reliability
If N2 signaling is used for handover, then core network control is improved, but the signaling complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the handover signaling into two parts: control plane signaling through N2 interface for authentication and authorization, and user plane data forwarding through Xn interface. This segmentation allows core network control functions to be maintained while reducing the burden on individual signaling messages and simplifying the overall process
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the Xn interface multi-functional by using it for both control signaling (handover coordination) and user plane data forwarding simultaneously. This eliminates the need for separate dedicated signaling paths and data paths, reducing overall signaling complexity while maintaining reliable core network control through N2
3Productivity
If target base stations are selected without prioritization, then the selection process is simpler, but the handover performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different priority levels to different base stations based on their Xn interface connection status. Base stations with established Xn connections are given higher priority locally in the selection process, while those without such connections receive lower priority, creating a differentiated selection strategy that improves handover efficiency
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the present disclosure relate to wireless communications, and more particularly, techniques that may help optimize enhanced handover procedures, such as MBB and CHO handover procedures.