Group SN Change Signaling for Wireless Network Migration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current 5G wireless communication networks face challenges in efficiently managing multi-connectivity configurations and node migrations, leading to service interruptions and increased signaling load during inter-CU IAB node migrations, particularly in scenarios involving multiple secondary nodes and UEs.

Innovation Solution

Proposed enhancements to X2/Xn signaling for group Secondary Node (SN) changes and additions, allowing for simultaneous alteration of multi-connectivity configurations for multiple UEs and IAB nodes, reducing the need for individual signaling and minimizing service disruptions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If individual signaling procedures are used for each Secondary Node change, then configuration accuracy is maintained, but signaling load increases and service interruptions occur

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveSN change success rateVSAvoidmigration delay
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple individual Secondary Node change procedures into a single group-based procedure. The source CU initiates one signaling message that triggers simultaneous SN changes for multiple UEs and IAB nodes, rather than processing each individually. This merging approach reduces the number of signaling exchanges and minimizes service interruption time while maintaining configuration accuracy through coordinated execution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention creates a universal signaling mechanism that handles both UEs and IAB nodes in a single procedure. The group-based SN change procedure is designed to work for multiple types of devices simultaneously, making the system more versatile and efficient. This multi-functional approach allows the network to manage diverse devices with a unified procedure, reducing overall signaling load.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If individual signaling procedures are used for each Secondary Node change, then configuration precision is maintained, but device complexity increases due to multiple signaling interactions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfiguration accuracyVSAvoidsignaling interaction complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple signaling interactions into a single coordinated procedure. Instead of having separate signaling chains for each UE and IAB node, the system uses one group-based signaling message that encompasses all changes. This reduces the complexity of signaling interactions while maintaining configuration accuracy through the coordinated nature of the group procedure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention segments the network devices into groups based on their SN change requirements. By organizing UEs and IAB nodes into manageable groups, the system simplifies the signaling process. Each group is handled as a single unit, reducing the overall complexity of signaling interactions compared to individual device handling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Productivity

If simultaneous group SN changes are implemented, then productivity improves by reducing signaling load, but risk of failure increases due to coordination complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork efficiencyVSAvoidSN change failure risk
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary actions by having the source CU prepare and send a group-based SN change request message before actual changes occur. The target CU receives and processes the request in advance, coordinating the changes for multiple devices. This preliminary coordination reduces the risk of failure by establishing the change plan before execution, while still achieving simultaneous changes for improved productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The invention incorporates feedback mechanisms where the target CU acknowledges receipt of the group SN change request and provides status information. This feedback loop allows the source CU to monitor the coordination process and ensure all devices are properly configured before completing the migration, thereby reducing failure risk while maintaining high productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS20230284106A1Methods, Apparatus and Machine-Readable Media Relating to Migration in a Wireless Communication Network
Publication Date: 2023.09.07 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)
  • US20230284106A1 patent drawing
  • US20230284106A1 patent drawing
  • US20230284106A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A method is performed by a first base station, the first base station being configured as one of a plurality of base stations providing services to a plurality of devices in a wireless communication network according to a multi-connectivity configuration for the plurality of devices. The method comprises: transmitting a request message to a second base station of the plurality of base stations, the request message requesting an alteration to the multi-connectivity configuration for the plurality of devices.