QoE Reporting Across NR-to-LTE Handover Using Extended RRC Messaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems face challenges in maintaining continuity of Quality of Experience (QoE) measurement collection during intra-5GC inter-RAT handover procedures, particularly from NR to LTE networks, due to limitations in QMC flexibility and reporting capabilities, leading to issues with buffered QoE reports and oversized measurements.
Innovation Solution
Enhanced messaging procedures and expanded UE capabilities for QoE measurement collection in LTE networks, along with extended RRC messaging in LTE and NR networks to handle QoE reports after handovers, ensuring continuity of QMC for streaming and MTSI services during intra-5GC inter-RAT handovers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If QoE measurement collection is performed during intra-5GC inter-RAT handover procedures, then measurement continuity is improved, but device complexity increases due to expanded UE capabilities and extended messaging procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The QoE measurement collection process is segmented into distinct phases: pre-handover measurement configuration, handover execution with buffered report handling, and post-handover report transmission. This segmentation allows the UE to manage complex measurements by breaking them into manageable stages, reducing the perceived complexity while maintaining continuity.
Solution Approach 2:
The UE performs preliminary actions by buffering QoE reports before handover completion and preparing measurement data in advance. The network entity provides pre-configuration for report handling during handover, allowing the system to anticipate and prepare for potential interruptions, thereby maintaining measurement continuity without requiring complex real-time processing during the critical handover moment.
2Loss of information
If QoE reports are buffered and transmitted after handover, then measurement data completeness is improved, but loss of time increases due to delayed report transmission
Solution Approach 1:
QoE reports are buffered in advance during the handover preparation phase rather than being transmitted immediately after handover completion. This preliminary buffering allows the system to collect complete measurement data without loss while managing transmission timing to minimize delays. The network entity is configured to expect and process these buffered reports, reducing the effective time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement collection action continues uninterrupted during handover by buffering reports in the UE. This maintains the continuity of the measurement process itself, even though the transmission action is temporarily suspended. The useful action of measuring QoE parameters continues without gap, ensuring data completeness while allowing flexible transmission timing.
3Adaptability or versatility
If RRC messaging is extended to handle QoE reports after handover, then reporting capability is improved, but device complexity increases due to extended messaging procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The RRC messaging framework is enhanced to serve multiple functions: it handles both standard handover signaling and QoE report transmission within the same message structures. By making the messaging system multi-functional, the patent avoids creating entirely separate complex protocols for QoE reporting, thereby improving reporting capability while limiting the increase in overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The RRC layer acts as an intermediary that mediates between the measurement collection functions and the underlying radio transport. It provides a standardized interface for QoE report handling during handover, absorbing the complexity of coordinating between different network entities and the UE, while presenting a simplified interface to higher-layer protocols.
Data Source
AI summary
Various aspects of the present disclosure relate to collecting QoE measurements during mobility procedures, such as during intra-system, inter-RAT mobility procedures. For example, a core network can enhance messaging procedures between networks and UEs, expand the capabilities of a UE to perform QoE measurement collection in an LTE network (or during a related handover procedure), and/or extend RRC messaging in LTE and NR networks for handling QoE reports after handovers are completed.