Standalone Non-standalone Handover Protocol Stack Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless communication systems face challenges in efficiently handing over user equipment (UE) between standalone and non-standalone modes of operation, particularly across different radio access technologies and core networks.

Innovation Solution

The system includes a processing circuit configured to operate in standalone and non-standalone modes, determining when to hand over the UE between these modes, and managing the transition by switching between different core networks and protocol stacks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the UE operates in standalone mode with a first type of core network, then the system can maintain simplicity and compatibility with existing networks, but the system lacks the ability to leverage advanced features and improved performance of non-standalone mode

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemode operation adaptabilityVSAvoidprotocol stack complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically switches between standalone and non-standalone modes based on network conditions and service requirements. The processing circuit determines when to handover between modes, enabling the apparatus to adapt its operational state rather than being fixed in one mode, thus resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The apparatus is designed to support both standalone and non-standalone modes of operation, making it multi-functional. By incorporating capability to operate with different core network types (first type and second type) and switch between them, the system achieves universality without being permanently complex, as it only activates the necessary protocol stack for the current operational mode.

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

2Reliability

If the system implements handover between standalone and non-standalone modes, then mobility and service continuity are improved, but the complexity of managing multiple protocol stacks and core networks increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice continuityVSAvoidhandover management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The processing circuit acts as an intermediary that manages the handover process between standalone and non-standalone modes. It determines when handover is necessary and coordinates the transition, abstracting the complexity of managing multiple protocol stacks away from the rest of the system while ensuring service continuity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary assessments to determine when handover between modes is necessary before executing the transition. The processing circuit evaluates network conditions and service requirements in advance, preparing for the mode switch proactively to maintain service continuity while managing complexity through planned transitions rather than reactive changes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If the apparatus switches between different core networks and protocol stacks, then service quality and network optimization are improved, but the time and resources required for mode switching increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork service efficiencyVSAvoidhandover execution time
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The processing circuit performs preliminary determination of when handover is needed before executing the mode switch. By assessing network conditions and service requirements in advance, the system prepares for transitions proactively, reducing the actual execution time and resource consumption during the switching process while maintaining network service efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3834480B1Inter-system handover between standalone mode and non-standalone mode
Publication Date: 2025.06.18 QUALCOMM INC
  • EP3834480B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3834480B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3834480B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Various aspects of the disclosure relate to handover of a user equipment (UE) between a standalone mode of operation and a non-standalone mode of operation. For example, a UE may be handed-over from standalone to non-standalone, or vice versa. Moreover, this handover may be an inter-system handover (e.g., between an LTE core network and an NR core network).