UE Handover via TDM Dual-Base Station Connectivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current handover procedures in wireless communication systems face challenges such as reliability issues, high failure rates, and increased latency, which affect the performance of 5G NR and other multi-access technologies.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method where user equipment (UE) maintains connections with both the source and target base stations using a Time Division Multiplexing (TDM) pattern during handover, allowing for simultaneous communication and reducing interruption time by sharing a single transmission between base stations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional handover procedures are used where UE disconnects from source base station before connecting to target base station, then device complexity is reduced, but handover reliability deteriorates and handover failure rate increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by establishing the connection with the target base station before disconnecting from the source base station. The UE is configured to maintain connections with both base stations simultaneously during a transition period, allowing the handover to be prepared and executed without interruption. This make-before-break approach ensures that the target connection is ready before the source connection is released, thereby improving handover reliability while managing device complexity through controlled dual connectivity.
2Reliability
If UE maintains connection with both source and target base stations during handover, then handover reliability improves, but use of energy increases due to simultaneous communication with multiple base stations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action through Time Division Multiplexing (TDM) patterns that alternately activate communication with the source and target base stations. Instead of simultaneous continuous communication, the UE switches between base stations in time-divided intervals, where communication with one base station is active while the other is inactive. This periodic switching reduces energy consumption compared to sustained dual connectivity, while still maintaining handover reliability through the make-before-break approach.
3Reliability
If UE communicates with both source and target base stations using TDM pattern, then handover failure rate reduces, but device complexity increases due to TDM pattern management
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the intermediary principle by introducing a TDM pattern configuration that acts as a mediator between the UE and the dual base station connections. The TDM pattern provides a structured framework for switching between source and target base stations, simplifying the management of dual connectivity. Instead of requiring complex autonomous switching logic in the UE, the TDM pattern serves as a pre-defined intermediary schedule that coordinates communication timing, thereby reducing the effective device complexity while maintaining low handover failure rates.
4Loss of time
If traditional break-before-make handover is used, then device complexity is minimized, but latency increases during handover transition
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by establishing the target base station connection before releasing the source base station connection. This make-before-break handover approach ensures that the UE maintains continuous connectivity throughout the transition, eliminating the interruption gap inherent in traditional break-before-make methods. The UE is configured to maintain both connections simultaneously during the handover transition period, thereby minimizing handover latency while managing device complexity through controlled dual connectivity with defined transition timing.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to methods and devices for a handover procedure which may include a user equipment (UE), first base station, and a second base station. In one aspect, the UE can receive an indication to handover from the first base station to the second base station. The UE may then establish a connection with the second base station. In another aspect, the UE can maintain a connection with the first base station over a period of time during the handover. The UE can also communicate with the first base station and the second base station during the period of time based on a time division multiplexing (TDM) pattern. The TDM pattern can comprise a pattern of subframes for communicating with the first and second base station. In another aspect, the UE can release the connection with the first base station at the end of the period of time.