Preconfigured Measurement Gaps with UL MAC CE Handover Sync
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods fail to synchronize the activation status of preconfigured measurement gaps between UE and the target network node during handover, leading to misinterpretation and inefficiencies in measurement gap management.
Innovation Solution
A method and user equipment (UE) that activates or reactivates preconfigured measurement gaps using Uplink Medium Access Control Control Elements (UL MAC CE) during or before handover, ensuring synchronization with the network on gap activation status, and a second network node that manages gap activation status through Downlink MAC Control Elements (DL MAC CE).
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional handover methods are used without UL MAC CE signaling, then the handover procedure is simpler and faster, but the activation status of measurement gaps becomes desynchronized between UE and target network node
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the UE sends UL MAC CE to report its measurement gap activation status to the target network node during handover. The target node can also send DL MAC CE to activate/deactivate gaps. This bidirectional feedback ensures both parties have synchronized understanding of gap activation status, resolving the reliability issue while adding controlled signaling complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs measurement gap activation status reporting as a preliminary action during the handover preparation phase. The source network node includes the UE's measurement gap activation status in the handover request message to the target node before handover execution. This preliminary information exchange enables the target node to properly configure and synchronize measurement gap handling before the UE actually switches cells, preventing desynchronization without requiring complex post-handover adjustments.
2Productivity
If measurement gaps are deactivated during handover without proper signaling, then resource usage is reduced, but measurement continuity is lost and handover performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses UL MAC CE from the UE and DL MAC CE from the target network node as feedback mechanisms to maintain accurate measurement gap activation status information during handover. This ensures the target node knows whether to activate or maintain measurement gaps, preventing misinterpretation and ensuring continuous measurement capability throughout the handover process, thereby maintaining both productivity and reliability.
3Loss of information
If UL MAC CE signaling is implemented for measurement gap status reporting, then synchronization accuracy improves, but uplink signaling overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements partial action by only sending UL MAC CE signaling when measurement gap activation status changes or when specifically required during handover. The UE does not continuously report gap status but only provides updates when necessary. This reduces uplink signaling overhead while still preventing information loss, as the network only receives the essential status updates needed for proper handover execution rather than continuous reporting.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a 5G or 6G communication system for supporting a higher data transmission rate. Embodiments herein is to provide a method and User Equipment (UE) (110) for handling preconfigured measurement gaps during handover in a wireless network. The method includes performing. by the UE (110) in the wireless network, a handover from a first network node (130) to a second network node (120) in the wireless network. The method further includes deactivating. by the UE (110), one or more preconfigured measurement gaps without sending Uplink Medium Access Control Control Element (UL MAC CE). The method further includes detecting. by the UE (110), that the one or more preconfigured measurement gaps need to be activated or re-activated after the handover is completed. The method further includes activating or reactivating. by the UE (110), the one or more preconfigured measurement gaps by sending the UL MAC CE.