Reference Configuration for L3 Handover in L1/L2 Mobility Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current communication networks face challenges in executing a seamless handover procedure when lower layer mobility, such as L1/L2 centric inter-cell mobility, is configured, leading to potential conflicts and handover failures.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a higher layer mobility procedure, specifically an L3 handover, is facilitated by using a reference configuration. This involves determining a reference configuration, transmitting a request to a target communication network control element with information indicating the reference configuration, and subsequently executing the handover procedure based on the provided configuration information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If lower layer mobility (L1/L2 centric inter-cell mobility) is configured, then mobility flexibility is improved, but handover conflicts and failures occur when executing higher layer mobility procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The source gNB performs preliminary actions by determining a reference configuration before initiating the handover procedure and includes this reference configuration information in the handover request message sent to the target gNB. This preliminary preparation ensures that the target gNB has the necessary configuration context before the handover is executed, preventing conflicts with lower layer mobility procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The reference configuration acts as an intermediary element that bridges the source gNB and target gNB during handover. By including reference configuration information in the handover request and response messages, the patent creates a common reference point that both gNBs can use to coordinate their actions, preventing conflicts with autonomous lower layer mobility procedures.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If autonomous lower layer mobility procedures are enabled, then communication continuity is improved, but configuration conflicts arise during higher layer handover execution
Solution Approach 1:
The reference configuration serves multiple functions: it acts as a baseline for the target gNB to prepare handover configuration, provides a reference point for resolving conflicts with lower layer mobility, and ensures configuration consistency across different gNBs. This multi-functionality simplifies the overall configuration management despite the presence of autonomous lower layer mobility procedures.
3Speed
If higher layer handover procedure is executed without reference configuration, then procedure speed is improved, but handover failures occur due to configuration conflicts
Solution Approach 1:
The source gNB performs preliminary action by determining and including the reference configuration in the handover request message before the handover is executed. This preliminary preparation enables the target gNB to quickly prepare the appropriate configuration without delays, maintaining fast handover execution while ensuring configuration consistency and preventing handover failures.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for use by a communication network control element or communication network control function configured to control a communication of at least one communication element or function in a communication network, the apparatus comprising at least one processing circuitry, and at least one memory for storing instructions to be executed by the processing circuitry, wherein the at least one memory and the instructions are configured to, with the at least one processing circuitry, cause the apparatus at least: to determine a reference configuration to be used for preparing a first type of mobility procedure for a communication element or communication function which is configured to conduct a second type of mobility procedure being different to the first type of mobility procedure, to cause transmission, to a target communication network control element or communication network control function to which the communication of the communication element or communication function is to be changed, of a request for preparing a target cell configuration for execution of the first type of mobility procedure, wherein the request includes information indicating the reference configuration, to receive, from the target communication network control element or communication network control function, a response to the request for preparing the target cell configuration for execution of the first type of mobility procedure, the response including an indication of the reference configuration and configuration information of a target cell for the first type of mobility procedure for the communication element or communication function, and to cause transmission, to the communication element or communication function, of a command for executing the first type of mobility procedure, the command including the indication of the reference configuration and the configuration information of the target cell for the first type of mobility procedure.