L1/L2 Inter-Base Station Mobility for Lower Signaling Overhead
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems face challenges in managing high signaling overhead during layer 1/layer 2 (L1/L2) signaling-based inter-base station mobility, particularly in 5G and beyond systems, which affects the efficiency and performance of handover processes.
Innovation Solution
A method is introduced to support continuous inter-base station handover through L1/L2 signaling by transferring UE-related signals and configuring security for ciphering and integrity protection between base stations, reducing signaling overhead and ensuring seamless handover.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If L1/L2 signaling-based inter-base station mobility is implemented, then handover efficiency and mobility performance are improved, but signaling overhead between base stations increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the handover signaling process into distinct phases: configuration phase where mobility parameters are pre-configured, execution phase where actual handover occurs, and completion phase where resources are released. This segmentation allows L1/L2 signaling to handle time-critical handover execution while higher-layer signaling manages less time-sensitive configuration and release, thereby reducing overall signaling overhead while maintaining handover efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary configuration of mobility parameters through RRC signaling before handover execution. Base stations exchange and store handover-related configuration information in advance, including L1/L2 signaling parameters, resource allocations, and security parameters. This preliminary action reduces the signaling burden during actual handover execution, as the time-critical L1/L2 signaling only needs to trigger pre-configured handover procedures rather than negotiate all parameters in real-time.
2Adaptability or versatility
If continuous inter-base station handover is supported through L1/L2 signaling, then mobility performance is enhanced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal handover framework where L1/L2 signaling mechanisms can be applied across different handover scenarios (inter-base station, intra-base station, conditional handover) through a common set of configuration parameters and procedures. The RRC configuration messages and security parameter structures are designed to be multi-functional, supporting various handover types without requiring separate dedicated signaling paths for each scenario, thus managing system complexity while enhancing mobility adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces RRC signaling as an intermediary layer that manages the complexity of continuous handover procedures. The RRC layer handles configuration, security parameter management, and resource coordination between base stations, while L1/L2 signaling handles time-critical handover execution. This intermediary approach distributes system complexity across different protocol layers, with each layer handling specific functions, thereby enabling continuous handover support without overwhelming any single component.
3Reliability
If security configuration for ciphering and integrity protection is performed during handover, then communication security is maintained, but handover latency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary configuration of security parameters during the RRC configuration phase before handover execution. Base stations exchange and store security configuration information including ciphering algorithms, integrity protection parameters, and key management information in advance. This preliminary security configuration allows the actual handover execution via L1/L2 signaling to proceed rapidly without time-consuming security parameter negotiation, thus maintaining communication security while minimizing handover latency.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a 5G or 6G communication system for supporting a higher data transmission rate. A method for processing control signals in a wireless communication system according to the disclosure may include: receiving a first control signal transmitted from a base station; processing the received first control signal; and transmitting a second control signal generated based on the processing to the base station.