Network Slice Handover via Intermediary UE Relocation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless networks, particularly 5G, user equipment (UE) associated with a network slice may experience handover issues when near the edge of a serving cell due to high interference, as neighboring cells may not provide coverage for the network slice, leading to potential loss of connectivity and service discontinuity.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that determine a first handover candidate list for a UE associated with a network slice, and if no valid target cells are found, determine a second handover candidate list for another UE connected to the same cell, causing the second UE to handover to a cell that provides coverage for the network slice, thereby reducing load on the initial cell and improving radio conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a UE associated with a network slice is handed over to a neighboring cell at the coverage boundary, then the UE may experience higher SINR, but the target cell may not provide coverage for the network slice, leading to loss of connectivity
Solution Approach 1:
The network performs preliminary checks on the handover candidate list to determine whether valid target cells providing network slice coverage exist before executing handover. This prevents UEs from being handed over to cells that cannot support their network slice, thereby maintaining service continuity and avoiding connectivity loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediate mechanism where the network evaluates multiple UEs' handover candidates and selectively hands over other UEs (not the network slice-associated UE) to reduce load on the serving cell. This indirect load reduction improves radio conditions for the network slice-associated UE without requiring handover to incompatible target cells.
2Productivity
If the serving cell maintains its current load, then existing UEs can be served, but the cell coverage area is reduced and interference increases for UEs at the edge
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of handing over the network slice-associated UE (which would be excessive and harmful), the network performs partial handover of other UEs to the target cell. This selective load reduction partially relieves the serving cell's burden, improving radio conditions and coverage area for the network slice-associated UE while maintaining service for most existing UEs.
3Reliability
If handover is restricted to cells providing network slice coverage, then connectivity is maintained, but no valid handover candidates are available for UEs at the coverage boundary
Solution Approach 1:
The network performs preliminary evaluation of handover candidates filtered by network slice coverage requirements. This ensures that only cells capable of supporting the UE's network slice are considered, maintaining connectivity while systematically identifying valid handover options before the handover decision is made.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary load reduction mechanism that indirectly improves handover candidate availability. By handing over other UEs (not the network slice-associated UE) to reduce serving cell load, the effective coverage area expands, creating better radio conditions that may enable future handover opportunities for the network slice-associated UE to cells that provide slice coverage.
Data Source
AI summary
In one example aspect, a method of handover is provided. The method comprises determining a first handover candidate list for a first user equipment (UE). The first UE is connected to a first cell and is associated with a first network slice. In response to a determination that the first handover candidate list indicates no valid candidate target cells for handover of the first UE, the method comprises determining a second handover candidate list for a second UE, wherein the second UE is connected to the first cell, and causing the second UE to handover to a second cell indicated in the second handover candidate list.