Special UE Handover via Capability-Aware Target Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional handover procedures in cellular networks are inadequate for special UEs with non-standard capabilities or limitations, as they lack mechanisms to effectively inform and support proprietary services during handover processes.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a method where serving cells select target cells based on their capability to support special UEs, involving the exchange of information about proprietary capabilities through X2 and S1 messages, and the UE confirming its special status during RRC connection setup, ensuring uninterrupted service.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional handover procedures are used for special UEs with non-standard capabilities, then the handover process can be completed using standard protocols, but the target cell cannot support the proprietary services and special capabilities of the UE
Solution Approach 1:
The source cell performs preliminary actions by determining the special UE's capabilities before handover and proactively selecting a target cell that can support these special capabilities. The source cell also pre-establishes an indication message containing capability information and sends it to the target cell in advance, ensuring the target cell is prepared to support the UE's proprietary services during handover.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism in the form of an indication message that carries capability information about the special UE. This message is transmitted through the X2 interface between network nodes, serving as a mediator that conveys the UE's special capabilities from the source cell to the target cell, enabling the target cell to make informed decisions about supporting the UE.
2Productivity
If the network selects target cells without considering special UE capabilities, then the handover procedure is simple and fast, but the target cell may not be able to support the UE's proprietary services
Solution Approach 1:
The source cell performs preliminary determination of the UE's special capabilities and pre-selects a suitable target cell before the handover is triggered. This preliminary action ensures that when handover occurs, the target cell is already identified as capable of supporting the UE's special requirements, maintaining both speed and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The source cell autonomously determines the UE's capabilities and independently selects the target cell based on this information, without requiring complex network-wide coordination or additional signaling overhead. This self-service approach maintains handover efficiency while ensuring appropriate target cell selection.
Data Source
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AI summary
A network node obtains capability information indicating whether neighbor network nodes support special user equipments (UEs), receives a measurement report for the neighbor network nodes from a special UE, and selects one of the network nodes as a target node for handover of the special UE based on the received measurement report and the obtained capability information.