Inter-Frequency Measurement Configuration for Low-Latency gNB DU Mobility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for inter-frequency and intra-frequency mobility events in 5G networks, particularly those involving lower layer mobility (L1/L2), are inefficient and inaccurate due to the gNodeB centralized unit control plane (gNB CU CP) handling all mobility events, leading to increased latency and suboptimal resource usage.
Innovation Solution
Shift the processing of lower layer mobility events from the gNB CU CP to the gNodeB distributed unit (gNB DU) by optimizing the configuration of inter-frequency measurements, allowing the gNB DU to determine the optimal time for L1/L2 centric mobility management, using intra-frequency and inter-frequency information to dynamically adjust mobility decisions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the gNB CU CP handles all mobility events including lower layer mobility, then centralized control is maintained, but latency increases and processing efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments mobility event handling by function and layer: L3 mobility events remain with gNB CU CP while L1/L2 mobility events are handled by gNB DU. This segmentation allows each unit to process appropriate events independently, reducing latency for lower layer events while maintaining centralized control for higher layer events.
Solution Approach 2:
The F1 interface acts as an intermediary between gNB DU and gNB CU CP, enabling the distributed unit to autonomously handle L1/L2 mobility events while maintaining connection to the centralized unit. This intermediary mechanism allows efficient local processing without requiring all decisions to travel to the central controller.
2Productivity
If the gNB CU CP processes all mobility events, then centralized decision-making is maintained, but resource utilization becomes suboptimal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides processing responsibilities between gNB CU CP and gNB DU based on mobility event type and protocol layer. This segmentation optimizes resource utilization by assigning computationally intensive L1/L2 events to edge units (gNB DU) while reserving L3 events for centralized control, balancing the processing burden across the network.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a spatial dimension to mobility event processing by distributing functions across geographically separated units (centralized CU CP and distributed gNB DU). This dimensional change allows parallel processing of different mobility event types, improving overall network resource utilization and reducing centralized processing bottlenecks.
3Measurement precision
If inter-frequency measurements are configured for L1/L2 mobility, then mobility accuracy is improved, but measurement configuration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gNB DU autonomously determines when L1/L2 mobility events should trigger inter-frequency measurements and independently configures these measurements without requiring gNB CU CP involvement. This self-service approach improves measurement accuracy for lower layer mobility while reducing configuration complexity by eliminating centralized approval steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-configures inter-frequency measurement capabilities at the gNB DU, allowing immediate execution when L1/L2 mobility events occur. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for real-time configuration requests to the centralized unit, reducing latency and simplifying the measurement configuration process while maintaining high accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for optimizing configuration of inter-frequency measurements for LTM of UE may be performed, at least in part by a serving gNB DU, and may include receiving intra-frequency information and inter-frequency information for one or more cells associated with one or more neighboring gNB DUs; determining whether at least one intra-frequency target cell, above a pre-defined threshold is available for LTM; based on determining that the at least intra-frequency target cell for LTM is unavailable, transmitting a first signal to a gNB centralized unit control plane (CU CP), wherein the first signal indicates to the gNB CU CP to configure a user equipment (UE) with inter-frequency L3 measurements associated with one or more inter-frequency target cells; and receiving, by the serving gNB DU, an inter-frequency L1 measurement report from the UE based on an inter-frequency cell belonging to a second gNB DU being prepared as a target cell among the one or more inter-frequency target cells for LTM.