IAB Node Handover Preparation for Service Continuity
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Solution Overview
Problem
The mobility of Integrated Access and Backhaul (IAB) nodes, particularly nomadic IAB nodes integrated into moving vehicles, leads to dynamic changes in service availability, causing sudden radio link failures and service discontinuity for terminal devices due to the inability to anticipate signal strength decreases, resulting in inefficient handover management.
Innovation Solution
A network-side handover preparation mechanism that triggers handovers based on indication information about the changing service availability of IAB nodes, independent of measurement reports from terminal devices, ensuring smooth transitions to new nodes before service unavailability occurs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If handover is triggered based on measurement reports from terminal devices, then handover decisions are made reactively, but service continuity is compromised due to sudden radio link failures when IAB nodes become mobile
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by triggering handover preparation based on indication information about IAB node mobility before the actual service unavailability occurs. The network device receives indication information indicating that the service availability of the second device (IAB node) will change, and proactively initiates handover procedures for the third device (terminal device) to the fourth device (target IAB node), avoiding reactive handover delays and service interruptions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If IAB nodes are made mobile to enhance network flexibility and coverage, then adaptability improves, but service stability deteriorates due to unpredictable signal strength changes and radio link failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by introducing indication information that provides advance notification to the network device about changes in IAB node service availability. This feedback mechanism allows the network to anticipate mobility events and adjust handover timing accordingly, maintaining service stability while preserving the adaptability benefits of mobile IAB nodes.
3Device complexity
If traditional handover procedures are used without indication information, then device complexity remains low, but handover management efficiency deteriorates due to inability to anticipate service unavailability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by using indication information to trigger handover preparation in advance of service unavailability. This allows the network device to select the target fourth device and execute handover procedures proactively, significantly improving handover management efficiency without requiring complex changes to the overall system architecture.
Data Source
AI summary
Example embodiments of the present disclosure relate to handover for a device(s) served by an Integrated Access and Backhaul (IAB) node. A first device receives indication information indicating a change of service availability of a second device that serves at least one third device. The first device determines, based on the indication information, whether a handover of the at least one third device from the second device is to be triggered. In accordance with a determination that the handover of the at least one third device is to be triggered, the first device transmits, to the second device, handover information indicating at least one fourth device selected for the handover of the at least one third device from the second device.