Handover Between Licensed And Unlicensed Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 5G communication systems lack a detailed process for handover from a licensed band network to an unlicensed band network, which affects data session continuity and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method for determining a target node in a second network based on data session information, enabling a seamless handover from a source node in a first network to a target node in a second network, including transmitting information for data session establishment and sequence number management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a terminal performs handover from a licensed band network to an unlicensed band network without detailed handover processes, then network flexibility and resource utilization are improved, but data session continuity and handover reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The source access node performs preliminary actions by determining handover target access nodes before the actual handover occurs. The source node receives handover indication information from the core network, identifies suitable target nodes in the unlicensed band network, and prepares handover configuration information including data session parameters. This preliminary preparation ensures that when handover is triggered, the terminal can quickly connect to a pre-identified target node with all necessary configuration already in place, maintaining data session continuity.
Solution Approach 2:
The core network acts as an intermediary between the licensed band network and unlicensed band network. It provides handover indication information to the source access node and receives handover confirmation from the target access node. The core network coordinates the handover process, ensuring that data sessions are properly transferred and maintained during the transition between different network bands, thus preserving reliability while enabling network flexibility.
2Reliability
If a detailed handover process is implemented between licensed and unlicensed band networks, then data session continuity is improved, but system complexity and processing overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The handover process is segmented into distinct functional stages: handover indication reception at the source access node, target node determination, handover configuration preparation, and execution. Each stage handles specific tasks independently. The source access node segments the complex handover process by focusing only on determining target nodes and preparing configuration information, while the core network handles coordination and confirmation. This segmentation reduces the complexity burden on individual components while maintaining overall reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The source access node performs multiple functions including receiving handover indications, determining target nodes, and preparing handover configurations. The core network provides universal coordination services for both licensed and unlicensed band networks. This multi-functionality approach consolidates complexity into centralized entities that can handle diverse handover scenarios through standardized procedures, reducing the need for separate specialized mechanisms for each handover case.
3Loss of time
If handover between different network bands is performed quickly, then handover delay is reduced, but data session establishment reliability may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The source access node performs preliminary target node determination and configuration preparation before the terminal actually executes handover. By pre-identifying suitable target nodes in the unlicensed band network and preparing all necessary data session configuration information in advance, the system enables the terminal to perform handover quickly without undergoing complex real-time negotiations, thus reducing handover delay while maintaining session establishment reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The core network provides feedback by sending handover indication information to the source access node and receiving handover confirmation from the target access node. This feedback mechanism ensures that quick handover execution does not compromise reliability, as the core network verifies each handover step and confirms data session establishment at the target node before considering the handover complete.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a pre-5th-Generation (5G) or 5G communication system to be provided for supporting higher data rates Beyond 4th-Generation (4G) communication system such as Long Term Evolution (LTE). a method for operating a terminal in a wireless communication system is provided. The method includes receiving information relating to a data session from a network node, determining a target node among nodes belonging to a second network based on the information relating to the data session, and performing a handover from a source node belonging to a first network to the target node.