Neighbor Cell List Segmentation for 4G-5G Reselection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing NB-IoT and eMTC base stations are limited to accessing 4G core networks and face inefficiencies when transitioning to 5G core networks, leading to inaccurate neighbor cell measurements and reselection failures.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for managing neighbor cell lists that differentiate between cells connected to 4G and 5G core networks, allowing communication nodes to process only compatible cells, thereby improving processing efficiency and reducing failures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single neighbor cell list is used for all cells, then the device complexity is reduced, but the cell processing efficiency deteriorates due to processing of incompatible cells
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the neighbor cell list into multiple separate lists based on core network compatibility (4G-EPC only, 5G-5GC only, and dual-core compatible cells). This segmentation allows communication nodes to process only the relevant neighbor cell lists according to their supported core networks, avoiding unnecessary processing of incompatible cells and improving cell processing efficiency while maintaining manageable device complexity through organized structure.
2Measurement precision
If all neighbor cell lists are processed, then the measurement precision is improved, but the loss of time increases due to processing of incompatible cells
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-categorizing neighbor cells into compatibility-based groups (4G-EPC only, 5G-5GC only, and dual-core) before the actual cell processing occurs. Communication nodes can then directly access and process only the pre-filtered relevant lists based on their core network support capabilities, eliminating the need to analyze and filter out incompatible cells during processing, thus reducing time loss while maintaining measurement precision for relevant cells.
3Adaptability or versatility
If neighbor cells connected to unsupported core networks are processed, then the adaptability is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to reselection failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing different neighbor cell list configurations tailored to specific communication node capabilities. Nodes supporting only 4G-EPC receive lists containing only 4G-EPC compatible cells, nodes supporting only 5G-5GC receive lists with only 5G-5GC compatible cells, and nodes supporting both receive comprehensive lists. This localized customization ensures each node processes only compatible cells, maintaining high adaptability across different node types while ensuring reliable cell reselection by avoiding incompatible cell attempts.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are a cell processing method, apparatus and system. The cell processing method includes: a first communication node sends multiple neighbor cell lists; where the neighbor cell lists includes: a neighbor cell list of neighbor cells connected to a first core network and at least one neighbor cell list of neighbor cells connected to only a second core network; or a neighbor cell list of neighbor cells connected to only the first core network, a neighbor cell list of neighbor cells connected to both the first core network and the second core network, and at least one neighbor cell list of neighbor cells connected to only the second core network.