IAB Relay Node Handover Using Fronthaul Context Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cellular communication systems face challenges in smoothly handing over or reestablishing connections of relay nodes from a source base station to a target base station, particularly in 5G networks with Integrated Access and Backhaul (IAB) nodes, leading to service disruptions and increased signaling overhead.
Innovation Solution
A communication control method involving the transfer of fronthaul configuration information and context information between base stations to facilitate seamless handover or reestablishment of relay nodes, including the transmission of F1 context information and RRC reconfiguration messages to ensure efficient relocation of IAB nodes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If relay node handover procedures are implemented in existing cellular communication systems, then relay node mobility is enabled, but service disruption occurs during handover
Solution Approach 1:
The source base station performs preliminary actions by determining handover parameters and generating handover command messages before the actual handover execution. This includes pre-calculating configuration information for the relay node and preparing the handover command with target base station details, enabling the relay node to switch connections without service interruption.
Solution Approach 2:
The source base station acts as an intermediary by generating and transmitting the handover command message that coordinates the transition between source and target base stations. This intermediary mechanism ensures that the relay node receives proper instructions for seamless connection transfer, maintaining service continuity during mobility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If relay node handover procedures are implemented in existing cellular communication systems, then relay node mobility is enabled, but signaling overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and isolates the essential handover parameters and configuration information into a dedicated handover command message. By taking out only the necessary information elements required for handover execution, the signaling overhead is minimized while still enabling complete relay node mobility functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The source base station determines optimal handover parameters including configuration information for the relay node based on current system state and mobility requirements. By dynamically adjusting these parameters, the system achieves efficient handover with reduced signaling overhead, transmitting only the essential configuration changes needed rather than complete parameter sets.
3Speed
If connection reestablishment of relay nodes is performed without proper configuration transfer, then handover speed increases, but connection reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The source base station performs preliminary determination of handover parameters and generates the handover command message containing all necessary configuration information before the relay node executes the handover. This preliminary preparation ensures that the relay node receives complete configuration data in advance, enabling fast connection reestablishment with guaranteed reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The handover command message is designed to contain self-sufficient configuration information that enables the relay node to autonomously reestablish its connection with the target base station. The relay node uses the included configuration parameters to independently complete the connection setup without requiring additional signaling exchanges, achieving both speed and reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A communication control method for handing over a relay node from a source base station to a target base station or reestablishing connection of the relay node with the target base station instead of the source base station, the communication control method including transmitting, by a source base station, to a target base station, fronthaul configuration information related to a fronthaul connection established between a distribution unit of a relay node and the source base station.