Slice-Based Handover in 5G Multi-Tier Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
In the context of 5G networks, the multi-tier architecture with varying RAN-slice capabilities leads to additional handover challenges due to potential services in multiple-slice scenarios, where existing technologies fail to efficiently manage slice-based handovers.
Innovation Solution
A slice-based handover method is introduced, where user equipment (UE) sends a service request to an access node, which selects candidate slice instances from multiple cells and neighbor nodes, measures specific parameters, and configures a connection with a target cell that supports the service request, thereby alleviating additional handovers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a UE accesses multiple slices simultaneously via a single RAN in a multi-tier network, then service diversity is improved, but handover complexity increases due to varying RAN-slice capabilities across nodes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the handover decision process into multiple independent components: measurement configuration specific to each candidate slice instance, separate measurement objects for each slice, and independent evaluation of slice support capability. This segmentation allows the system to manage complex multi-slice handovers by breaking them down into manageable per-slice assessments rather than treating the entire handover as a single complex operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary actions by configuring measurement parameters and criteria for multiple candidate slice instances before the actual handover execution. The network pre-identifies which slice instances support the UE's requested services and pre-configures measurement objects for these candidates. This preliminary preparation reduces on-the-fly decision complexity during the actual handover event.
2Speed
If slice-based handover decisions are made without considering multiple candidate slice instances, then decision speed is improved, but service continuity reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-configures measurement objects and evaluation criteria for multiple candidate slice instances before handover execution. By preparing multiple validated options in advance with pre-assessed service support capability, the system ensures that when handover is triggered, the decision can be made quickly by comparing pre-evaluated candidates rather than performing full assessments during the handover event itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the handover decision parameters by incorporating slice instance support capability as a primary decision criterion alongside traditional signal quality metrics. The measurement configuration includes slice-specific parameters that allow the system to evaluate both radio conditions and service compatibility simultaneously, enabling faster and more reliable decisions by changing what parameters are measured and how they are weighted.
3Measurement precision
If measurement configuration is performed for each candidate slice instance, then handover accuracy is improved, but signaling overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by configuring measurement parameters specifically tailored to each candidate slice instance's characteristics and the UE's service requirements. Rather than using generic measurement configurations, the system customizes measurement objects for each slice candidate based on its specific capabilities and the particular service needs, achieving high accuracy while avoiding unnecessary measurements for incompatible slices.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement configuration is segmented into slice-specific components, allowing the system to focus measurements only on relevant slice instances that support the requested services. This segmentation avoids the overhead of configuring measurements for all possible slices and enables precise, targeted measurement sets for each candidate, reducing total signaling while maintaining accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of a user equipment (UE), an access node and a slice-based handover method are provided. In an embodiment of the method, a service request is sent from a UE to an access node. Multiple candidate slice instances provided by cells of the access node and its neighbor nodes that support the service request are then selected. Various measurement objects with respect to each candidate slice instance are measured and a measurement report is sent to the access node by the UE. A target cell with at least one slice instance that supports the service request is decided from the candidate slice instances according to the measurement report. Finally, a control command is sent to the UE by the access node to configure a connection between the UE and the target cell.