L1/L2-Centric Inter-Cell Mobility Signaling for 5G Handover
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 5G NR systems face challenges in efficiently managing inter-cell mobility, particularly in high-frequency bands, as existing methods rely on higher layer signaling which can lead to increased latency and resource inefficiencies during handover processes.
Innovation Solution
Implementing Layer 1 (L1) and Layer 2 (L2) centric inter-cell mobility by receiving measurement reports from user equipment, selecting serving cells based on reference information, and transmitting L1 or L2 signaling to identify the selected cells, thereby optimizing handover processes and reducing latency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If higher layer signaling is used for inter-cell mobility management, then the system maintains compatibility with existing protocols, but latency increases and resource allocation efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the mobility management process into two distinct phases: L1/L2-centric operations for rapid cell selection and switching decisions, and higher layer (RRC) signaling for configuration and confirmation. This segmentation allows time-critical functions to operate at lower layers with reduced latency, while maintaining protocol compatibility through higher layer involvement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces L1/L2 signaling as an intermediary mechanism between the UE and network for mobility management. This intermediary layer enables fast cell selection and switching decisions without requiring direct higher layer signaling for every mobility event, thus reducing latency while maintaining protocol compatibility.
2Ease of operation
If higher layer signaling is used for cell selection and handover, then comprehensive control is maintained, but resource allocation efficiency and handover speed deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic mobility management where the UE autonomously performs cell selection and switching based on L1/L2 measurements and signaling. This dynamic approach at L1/L2 layers enables faster handover execution, while higher layer signaling provides comprehensive control for configuration and exceptional cases, optimizing both speed and control.
3Reliability
If traditional handover procedures are used, then network control is maintained, but latency and resource inefficiencies increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary measurements and evaluations at L1/L2 layers before actual handover execution. The UE performs measurements, evaluates candidate cells, and prepares handover decisions in advance using L1/L2 signaling, reducing the critical path latency while maintaining network control through higher layer confirmation and configuration.
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects relate to Layer 1/Layer 2-centric inter-cell mobility communication systems where measurement information from at least one user equipment (UE) is sent to a base station. Based on this information, the base station may select at least one of a remote radio head (RRH), a serving cell, or a cell assigned with a physical cell ID that serves a particular UE using one of Layer 1 or Layer 2 control signaling based on the received measurement information and a system serving cell configuration or mode of operation. Additionally, an indication may be provided of whether cell configurations are the same for target and source cells in an inter-cell handover and a UE may utilize the same source cell configuration during a handover when connecting with the target cell when the configurations match or at least partially match.