5G NR Cell Type Reporting for Handover Interface Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The coexistence of different 5G network deployment options, such as Non-Stand-Alone (NSA) and Stand-Alone (SA) NR, in the same network leads to challenges in handover management and interface setup due to the inability to determine whether a target NR cell supports NSA, SA, or both.
Innovation Solution
A method where a UE reports network node type information to a serving node, indicating whether a neighbor network node is a Stand-Alone (SA) or Non-Stand-Alone (NSA) node, allowing the serving node to determine the appropriate interface to establish and avoid handover failures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple 5G deployment options (NSA and SA) are supported in parallel, then network flexibility and adaptability are improved, but network complexity and difficulty of managing coexistence increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network deployment into distinct NSA and SA modes, with clear separation of control plane and user plane functionalities. Each mode operates with dedicated protocols and interfaces, allowing independent management and reducing overall system complexity despite supporting multiple deployment options simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a universal framework that can accommodate both NSA and SA deployment options through a common architecture. The system uses unified interface definitions and standardized procedures that work across different deployment modes, enabling multi-functionality without proportionally increasing complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the network supports both NSA and SA NR cells, then adaptability to different UE capabilities is improved, but the ability to determine target cell type and manage handovers deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces explicit indicator mechanisms that act as 'signaling colors' to identify cell types. Specific bits and fields in signaling messages are designated to indicate whether a cell is NSA or SA type, making detection straightforward and unambiguous despite the coexistence of multiple cell types in the network.
3Productivity
If NSA NR cells are used for capacity boosting without 5GCN connection, then immediate deployment capability is improved, but control plane connection reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the LTE network as an intermediary for control plane connectivity in NSA deployments. The LTE eNB acts as a mediator that maintains control plane connections to the EPC while enabling NR user plane connectivity, thus preserving reliability while allowing rapid NSA deployment without direct 5GCN connections.
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless device configured to acquire network support information associated with a neighbor cell, wherein the network support information indicates that the neighbor cell supports a Stand-Alone (SA) mode of operation and/or a Non-Stand-Alone (NSA) mode of operation; and transmit to a serving network node a report comprising identification information associated with the neighbour cell and the network support information indicating that the neighbor cell supports a SA mode of operation and/or a NSA mode of operation. A serving network node configured to receive a report transmitted by a wireless device, wherein the report comprises identification information associated with the neighbor cell and network support information indicating that the neighbor cell supports a Stand-Alone (SA) mode of operation and/or a Non-Stand-Alone (NSA) mode of operation; and determine, based on the report, a type of interface to establish between the serving network node and the neighbor network node.