RAN Node Handover Decision Using Priority-Based Measurement Waiting
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing ENDC handover mechanism in 5G NSA technology often selects a lower frequency LTE layer for anchoring, despite higher-priority layers being available, leading to sub-optimal performance due to the UE's measurement prioritization, resulting in lower bandwidth and poorer end-user experience.
Innovation Solution
The RAN node waits for up to a predetermined time to receive measurement reports from higher-priority frequency layers, allowing for a more informed selection of the LTE anchor layer that can provide better bandwidth and performance, thereby improving the handover decision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the RAN node immediately processes the first measurement report received from the UE, then the handover decision is made quickly, but the selected frequency layer may be sub-optimal leading to lower bandwidth and poorer end-user performance
Solution Approach 1:
The RAN node performs preliminary actions by configuring the UE to measure multiple frequency layers before the handover decision is made. The node prepares a prioritized list of frequency layers and configures the UE to measure and report on these layers in advance, ensuring that when measurement reports are received, the node has already gathered necessary information about multiple candidate layers to make an optimal selection.
Solution Approach 2:
Measurement reports act as intermediaries between the UE and the RAN node's handover decision. The RAN node uses these reports as mediating information to evaluate multiple frequency layers and select the optimal target layer. The node can wait for additional measurement reports before making the final decision, using these intermediate data points to resolve the contradiction between speed and quality.
2Reliability
If the RAN node waits for measurement reports from higher-priority frequency layers, then the handover selection quality improves, but the handover decision time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The RAN node dynamically adjusts its waiting behavior based on the received measurement reports. Instead of a fixed waiting period, the node adaptively decides whether to wait for additional reports from higher-priority layers or proceed with the current best candidate. This dynamic approach allows the system to balance between waiting for better information and making timely decisions based on available data.
Solution Approach 2:
The RAN node changes the parameter of measurement report collection by adjusting which frequency layers are prioritized for measurement and reporting. The node can modify the prioritization list and measurement configurations to optimize the balance between waiting time and selection quality, changing parameters such as measurement thresholds, reporting triggers, and layer prioritization based on network conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
A method performed by a radio access network (RAN) node includes receiving, from a user equipment, a first measurement report relating to a first frequency layer, determining whether a priority level of the first frequency layer is lower than a priority level of another frequency layer to be measured by the user equipment, if the priority level of the first frequency layer is lower than a priority level of another frequency layer to be measured by the user equipment, waiting, for up to a predetermined time period, to receive a second measurement report relating to a frequency layer of a higher priority level than the first frequency layer, and determining whether to perform a handover of the user equipment based on the one or more received measurement reports.