Connection Resume Context Transfer for Mobile Access Networks

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Solution Overview

Problem

In non-terrestrial networks with fast-moving access network devices, the target access network device struggles to find the anchor access network device to retrieve the context information of a terminal device, complicating the connection resume mechanism and impacting system performance.

Innovation Solution

A communication method where the first access network device sends context information and a security verification parameter to the core network device, enabling the second access network device to obtain the context information from the core network device, ensuring a successful connection resume and reducing mobility impacts.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If a user equipment camps on a frequency without performing cell selection, then power consumption is reduced, but the uplink synchronization timing may drift and cause communication failures

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidcommunication reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The user equipment performs cell selection and uplink synchronization at periodic intervals (e.g., every 30 minutes or at specific system frame numbers) rather than continuously. This periodic maintenance of synchronization allows the device to camp on frequencies for extended periods without continuous cell selection, significantly reducing power consumption while preventing uplink timing drift from causing communication failures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

2Reliability

If a user equipment performs cell selection frequently to maintain uplink synchronization, then communication reliability is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements periodic cell selection and uplink synchronization at optimized intervals based on network conditions and service requirements. This allows the UE to maintain adequate synchronization for reliable communication while avoiding continuous cell selection operations that would drain battery power.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The network can dynamically adjust the cell selection periodicity and timing parameters based on UE mobility patterns, service type, and radio conditions. For example, during periods of low mobility or stable signal conditions, the cell selection interval can be extended, reducing power consumption while maintaining communication reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If the network configures multiple SSB frequencies for monitoring, then cell reselection reliability is improved, but the complexity of frequency monitoring and power consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecell reselection reliabilityVSAvoidfrequency monitoring complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The network divides the frequency monitoring task into segments by providing multiple SSB frequencies with associated timing information. The UE monitors these frequencies at different time instances rather than continuously monitoring all frequencies simultaneously. This segmentation reduces the instantaneous monitoring complexity and power consumption while maintaining reliable cell reselection capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The network provides preliminary configuration information including SSB frequency lists, associated system frame numbers, and subframe timing in advance (e.g., via system information blocks). This allows the UE to pre-plan its monitoring schedule and efficiently switch between frequencies at the appropriate times, reducing monitoring complexity compared to blind continuous scanning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4025007B1Communication method and communication apparatus
Publication Date: 2026.05.13 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP4025007B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4025007B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4025007B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

This application provides a communication method and a communication apparatus, to ensure running of a connection resume mechanism of a terminal device, and reduce impact of mobility of an access network device on a connection resume procedure of the terminal device. The communication method includes: A first access network device sends a first message to a terminal device, where the first message is used to indicate the terminal device to enter an inactive state. The first access network device sends a second message to a core network device, where the second message carries context information and a first security verification parameter of the terminal device, and the first security verification parameter is used to perform security verification on the terminal device. The first access network device receives a third message from a second access network device, where the third message is used to request the context information of the terminal device. The first access network device sends a fourth message to the second access network device, where the fourth message is used to indicate the first access network device not to provide the second access network device with the context information.