Network-Slice-Aware UE Handover Criteria for Target RAN Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication networks face inefficiencies in the handover process of wireless user devices from a source Radio Access Network (RAN) to a target RAN, as the user devices do not effectively select target RANs for handover.
Innovation Solution
A network slice is selected for the wireless user equipment (UE) based on the UE's capabilities and a mobility profile is determined, which includes handover criteria such as thresholds and preferred radio access technologies, allowing the UE to efficiently hand over to a target RAN.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If the wireless user device autonomously selects target RANs for handover based on signal strength, then the handover process can proceed without network intervention, but the selection effectiveness and efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The network provides handover criteria (thresholds, preferred RATs, frequency priorities) as feedback to the UE, enabling the UE to make informed handover decisions based on network preferences and current signal conditions, thereby improving selection effectiveness while maintaining automation
Solution Approach 2:
The network dynamically adjusts handover parameters (thresholds, frequency priorities, RAT preferences) based on network load, slice type, and mobility requirements, allowing the UE to adapt its target RAN selection to current network conditions and improve handover effectiveness
2Reliability
If the network provides detailed handover criteria to the UE, then the UE can effectively select target RANs, but the signaling overhead and system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The handover control is segmented into network-provided criteria (thresholds, preferences) and UE-executed evaluation (signal strength measurement, criterion matching), distributing complexity appropriately between network and device
Solution Approach 2:
The handover criteria mechanism serves multiple functions: it guides UE target selection, encodes network preferences, and adapts to different network slices and mobility scenarios, reducing the need for separate control mechanisms
3Device complexity
If traditional handover methods are used without network slice awareness, then the handover process is simpler, but the efficiency and appropriateness for different network slices deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Different handover criteria are applied locally to different network slices based on their specific requirements (e.g., stricter thresholds for low-latency slices, different RAT preferences for high-throughput slices), optimizing handover efficiency for each slice type
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless communication network handsover a wireless User Equipment (UE). The wireless communication network selects a network slice for the wireless UE. The wireless communication network selects handover criteria for the wireless UE based on the selected network slice. The wireless communication network serves the wireless UE over a source Radio Access Network (RAN) and the selected network slice. The selected network slice detects a UE handover from the source RAN to a target RAN based on the handover criteria, and in response, the wireless communication network serves the wireless UE over the target RAN and the selected network slice.