LTE-Triggered NR Handover in NSA Dual Connectivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current communication devices using Non-Standalone Architecture (NSA) dual connectivity do not support NR inter-frequency signal strength measurements, preventing automatic handovers to higher-bandwidth NR frequency bands, resulting in suboptimal data throughput as devices move into coverage areas with better bandwidths.
Innovation Solution
Utilizing existing LTE inter-frequency measurement features to trigger reestablishment of the NR leg of an NSA connection, allowing selection of higher-bandwidth NR frequency bands based on LTE signal strength measurements, such as A1 and A5 events, without relying on NR inter-frequency measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If NR inter-frequency signal strength measurements are not supported, then device complexity is reduced, but automatic handover to higher-bandwidth NR frequency bands cannot be achieved, resulting in suboptimal data throughput
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses LTE inter-frequency measurement features as an intermediary mechanism to indirectly trigger NR frequency band handovers. Instead of implementing complex NR inter-frequency measurements, the system leverages existing LTE measurement capabilities (A1 and A5 events) to detect when a device enters a coverage area with higher-bandwidth NR bands, then triggers reestablishment of the NR connection to switch bands. This mediator approach resolves the contradiction by achieving handover functionality without adding complex NR measurement capabilities.
2Productivity
If LTE inter-frequency measurement features are used to trigger NR handover, then automatic switching to higher-bandwidth bands is enabled, but system complexity increases due to cross-technology coordination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent configures LTE measurement parameters (A1 and A5 events) in advance with specific thresholds and frequency band associations. When a device enters a coverage area with higher-bandwidth NR bands, the pre-configured LTE measurements automatically detect the condition and trigger handover without requiring complex real-time decision logic. This preliminary configuration approach simplifies the overall system complexity while enabling automatic handover functionality.
3Productivity
If manual frequency band selection is used instead of automatic handover, then device complexity is minimized, but user experience deteriorates due to suboptimal data transfer speeds
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automatic frequency band handover by leveraging existing LTE measurement and reporting mechanisms that self-configure and self-trigger based on signal conditions. The system automatically detects when a device enters a higher-bandwidth NR coverage area through LTE measurements and autonomously initiates handover procedures without requiring user intervention or complex control interfaces. This self-service approach provides optimal data transfer speeds while maintaining ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A cellular communication network may be configured to use a Long-Term Evolution (LTE) base station and a New Radio (NR) base station to implement a Non-Standalone Architecture (NSA) configuration, in an environment in which the NR base station uses multiple frequency bands that provide respective bandwidths. During an NSA connection with a mobile device, LTE signal strength is used as an indicator of whether the device is within the coverage area of a given NR frequency band. When the LTE signal strength indicates that the device has moved into the coverage area of a frequency band having a higher bandwidth than the currently active NR connection, the device is instructed to release and reestablish its NR connection in order to reconnect using the best available NR frequency band. LTE A1 and/or A5 event measurements may be used to evaluate signal strengths and as triggers for NR release/reestablish operations.