Source Access Node Handover Signaling for eMBB Fallback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current handover procedures in wireless communication systems, such as those in LTE and NR, face challenges in minimizing handover interruption time and efficiently managing fallback mechanisms, leading to potential delays and inefficiencies, especially when the target access node does not support enhanced Make-Before-Break (eMBB) requests.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a method where the source access node sends an initial handover preparation message with explicit indicators for eMBB requests to the target access node, allowing for the selection of fallback mechanisms and learning the target's eMBB capabilities, thereby optimizing handover processes and avoiding unnecessary delays.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If the source access node requests enhanced Make-Before-Break handover to the target access node, then handover interruption time is reduced, but the target access node may reject the request if it does not support eMBB, causing handover delays
Solution Approach 1:
The source access node performs preliminary actions by including explicit indicators in the initial handover preparation message to request eMBB and signal desired fallback mechanisms before the handover is executed. This allows the target access node to prepare appropriately and avoids rejection delays by pre-negotiating the handover mode and fallback options.
Solution Approach 2:
The handover preparation response message includes explicit indicators that provide feedback to the source access node about whether the target access node supports eMBB and what fallback mechanisms are available. This feedback loop enables informed decision-making and allows the source to select appropriate fallback mechanisms, ensuring handover reliability even when eMBB is not supported.
2Ease of operation
If the source access node sends explicit indicators for eMBB requests, then handover decision-making is improved, but the signaling complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The handover signaling is segmented into distinct components: the initial handover preparation message includes explicit indicators for eMBB requests and desired fallback mechanisms, while the handover preparation response message includes separate explicit indicators for target eMBB support and available fallback mechanisms. This segmentation makes the complex information exchange more manageable and easier to process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces new parameters (explicit indicators) to the existing handover signaling messages to convey eMBB requests, fallback preferences, target support status, and available fallback mechanisms. By adding these specific parameters to standardized message structures, the patent enhances decision-making capabilities without fundamentally changing the signaling protocol architecture.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the target access node rejects eMBB requests, then compatibility is maintained, but handover delays occur due to fallback mechanism selection
Solution Approach 1:
The source access node performs preliminary action by including indicators of desired fallback mechanisms in the initial handover preparation message. This pre-specification of fallback options eliminates the need for additional negotiation or selection processes when eMBB is rejected, thereby maintaining compatibility while minimizing handover delays.
Solution Approach 2:
The handover preparation response message includes explicit indicators that provide feedback to the source access node about which fallback mechanisms are available at the target access node. This feedback enables the source to quickly select an appropriate fallback mechanism without trial-and-error attempts, reducing handover delay while maintaining compatibility.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments herein relate to, e.g., a method performed by a source access node relating to handover of a UE. The source access node sends to a target access node, an initial handover preparation message with a first explicit indicator for the target access node to request an enhanced Make-Before-Break Handover. The source access node receives an handover preparation response message from the target access node, with a second explicit indicator accepting or rejecting the requested enhanced Make-Before-Break Handover. Further, the source access node selects a possible fallback mechanism, upon reception of the handover preparation response message from the target access node indicating rejection or no support of enhanced Make-Before-Break Handover.