NSA Handover Idle-State Control Using LTE and NR Measurements

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Solution Overview

Problem

In Non-Standalone (NSA) networking of 5G New Radio (NR) networks, the measurement report from the NR side bearer is not transmitted during handover, leading to increased duration for measurement or incorrect determination of transitioning User Equipment (UE) to an idle state, which affects power consumption and accuracy.

Innovation Solution

A method for controlling state transition by acquiring NR and LTE measurement information to determine a waiting duration, which is sent to the target base station to accurately control UE transition to an idle state, reducing the waiting duration and improving timeliness and accuracy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If only LTE measurement report is transmitted during handover in NSA networking, then the handover procedure is simplified, but the accuracy of UE state transition determination deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehandover procedure complexityVSAvoidUE state transition determination accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the measurement report transmission by separating LTE measurement reports (transmitted during handover) from NR measurement reports (transmitted separately after handover). This allows the handover procedure to proceed with simplified LTE information while NR measurement information is subsequently provided to enable accurate UE state transition determination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary action by transmitting the LTE measurement report during handover establishment, then subsequently transmits the NR measurement report after handover is complete. This staged approach ensures the handover procedure can be initiated with available information while more complete measurement data is provided later for accurate state transition determination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Loss of energy

If only LTE measurement report is transmitted during handover, then the signaling overhead is reduced, but the waiting duration for measurement increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignaling overheadVSAvoidwaiting duration for measurement
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic action by transmitting measurement reports in distinct phases: first the LTE measurement report during handover, then the NR measurement report after handover completion. This phased transmission reduces immediate signaling overhead while ensuring measurement information is provided in a timely manner for state transition determination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary action by transmitting the LTE measurement report during handover establishment to enable initial processing, then subsequently transmits the NR measurement report. This approach reduces the waiting duration for critical measurement information while managing signaling overhead through staged transmission.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Measurement precision

If the waiting duration is extended to ensure complete NR measurement, then the measurement accuracy is improved, but the power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveNR measurement accuracyVSAvoidUE power consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary action by transmitting the LTE measurement report during handover to enable immediate processing and initial state transition determination. This reduces the waiting duration required for complete measurement information, thereby reducing UE power consumption while still providing sufficient measurement data for accurate decision-making.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables the network to self-adjust the measurement reporting strategy based on the handover context. The source base station determines whether to request NR measurement reports and when to transmit them, optimizing the balance between measurement accuracy and power consumption without requiring explicit UE configuration changes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP4117250B1State switching control method and apparatus, electronic device, and storage medium
Publication Date: 2026.02.25 ZTE CORP
  • EP4117250B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4117250B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4117250B1 patent drawingFigure 5~7

AI summary

A state switching control method and apparatus, a device, and a storage medium. The method comprises: upon determining the occurrence of switching of an NSA network, obtaining NR detection information carried on an NR side (101); determining a waiting duration according to LTE detection information carried on an LTE side and the NR detection information (102); and sending the waiting duration to a target base station so that the target base station controls a UE to switch to an idle state (103).