UE Capability Signaling for NR Standalone Mobility
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Solution Overview
Problem
User Equipment (UE) supporting multi-RAT dual connectivity (MR-DC) can only connect to a 5G cell via LTE assistance, limiting its ability to transition between non-standalone and standalone modes in new Radio (NR) networks.
Innovation Solution
A communication device that transmits capabilities to a base station, indicating support for standalone mode and multiple bands, allowing seamless handovers and redirections between different radio access technologies, enabling direct connectivity to NR standalone networks without LTE assistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If UE supports multi-RAT dual connectivity (MR-DC) mode, then UE can connect to 5G cell via LTE assistance, but UE cannot support standalone mode and cannot transition between non-standalone and standalone modes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the UE indicate its standalone mode capability and supported NR bands in advance during the initial network selection or registration procedure. This allows the network to pre-configure appropriate cell information and mobility parameters, enabling seamless transitions between non-standalone and standalone modes without requiring complex real-time reconfiguration. The UE capability indication is established before the actual mode transition occurs, simplifying the overall connection management.
2Reliability
If UE uses LTE assistance for 5G connection, then UE can establish connection to NR cell, but UE cannot perform direct connectivity and handovers within NR standalone network
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the intermediary principle by introducing a capability indication mechanism that acts as a mediator between the UE and the network. The UE includes its standalone mode capability and supported NR band information in capability indication information elements transmitted to the network. This intermediary capability indication allows the network to understand UE preferences and configure appropriate cell information, enabling reliable NR standalone connections without requiring continuous LTE assistance while simplifying mobility management within the NR network.
3Adaptability or versatility
If UE transmits detailed capability information to base station, then network can properly configure cell information for handover, but increases signaling overhead and processing complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the UE capability information into distinct, organized components. The capability indication includes separate elements for standalone mode capability indication, supported NR band information, and other relevant parameters. This segmented structure allows the network to process and configure cell information more efficiently, maintaining network configuration flexibility while reducing signaling overhead through structured information presentation and selective information exchange based on network requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A communication device for transmitting capabilities for mobility to a network supporting a standalone mode of a first radio access technology (RAT), comprises at least one storage device; and at least one processing circuit, coupled to the at least one storage device. The at least one storage device stores, and the at least one processing circuit is configured to execute instructions of: the communication device transmitting a first capability of the first RAT and a second capability of the first RAT to a first base station (BS) of a second RAT via the second RAT, wherein the first capability indicates a support of a standalone mode of the first RAT and the second capability indicates a plurality of supported bands of the first RAT.