Mobile Device-Assisted Beam Switching for 5G Interruption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 5G wireless communication systems face challenges in reducing user plane interruption time, especially in millimeter Wave-based networks with frequent signal blockages, where traditional handover procedures are slow and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A mobile device-assisted method is introduced that allows the device to detect beam pair link blockages and send a radio link interruption message to the network, enabling the addition of a secondary connectivity node to minimize user plane interruption time by switching to a new beam with better signal quality, even if it belongs to a different distributed unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If traditional handover procedures are used in 5G millimeter Wave networks, then network coverage is maintained, but user plane interruption time is long
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile device performs preliminary actions by measuring reference signals from multiple beams and identifying candidate beams before actual handover is needed. The device prepares measurement reports and connectivity information in advance, enabling faster handover execution when signal blockage occurs, thereby reducing user plane interruption time while maintaining connectivity reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile device sends feedback messages to the network including measurement reports about beam quality and connectivity status. This feedback mechanism enables the network to make informed handover decisions and switch to alternative beams quickly when the current beam is blocked, reducing interruption time while ensuring reliable signal connectivity through continuous monitoring and adaptive response.
2Productivity
If beam switching to different distributed units is enabled, then user plane interruption time is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile device performs self-service by autonomously measuring reference signals, identifying suitable candidate beams, and initiating handover procedures without requiring complex network coordination. The device independently manages connectivity by selecting alternative beams based on local measurements, enabling fast data recovery while minimizing the complexity burden on the network side.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobility management function is segmented between the mobile device and the network. The device handles local beam measurement and candidate selection, while the network manages the actual handover execution and resource allocation. This segmentation reduces overall system complexity by distributing responsibilities and enabling parallel processing of mobility operations.
Data Source
AI summary
Mobile device-assisted mobility enhancement is provided. In one example, a method comprises: determining, by a mobile device that was communicatively coupled to a defined network via a first distribution unit (DU) of DUs, that a connection between the mobile device and a base station device, via a first beam, in a network fails to satisfy a defined condition; selecting a second beam associated with a second DU and to which to connect; and transmitting, via the second beam, to the defined network, a radio link interruption message comprising re-assignment information to facilitate re-assignment of the mobile device to the second beam from the first beam, wherein the transmitting is performed via a mobile device identification message of a random access procedure and wherein the transmitting is performed based on the first DU being determined to be different from the second DU.