UE-Centric Inter-Cell Mobility via Universal QCL Framework
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional cellular networks experience interruptions in communications during inter-cell mobility due to the need for higher-layer signaling exchanges and reconfiguration of Quasi-Colocation (QCL) assumptions, which is not efficiently managed for inter-cell mobility.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a universal QCL framework that allows User Equipment (UE) to maintain QCL assumptions separately from serving cell configurations, enabling semi-static or dynamic instruction by network equipment for physical layer control/data channels, and using beam management for inter-cell resource management to treat inter-cell mobility similarly to intra-cell mobility without interruptions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional handover procedures are used for inter-cell mobility, then UE can switch between cells, but communication interruptions occur due to higher-layer signaling exchanges and reconfiguration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring QCL assumptions and communication resources for target cells before handover occurs. The network equipment provides TCI state configurations that include QCL relationships for multiple cells in advance, so when mobility is needed, the UE can immediately switch to pre-configured resources without waiting for signaling exchanges, thereby eliminating communication interruptions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the QCL assumption management from serving cell configurations by introducing a separate universal QCL framework. This segmentation allows QCL assumptions to be independently configured and maintained for multiple cells, enabling the UE to switch between cells by simply changing the active TCI state without triggering full handover procedures, thus maintaining communication continuity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional cell ID assignment is used in densely deployed networks, then each TRP can be associated with a coverage area, but handover occurrence rate increases as UE moves between TRPs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by creating a universal QCL framework that is not tied to specific serving cells. The same QCL assumption structure can be used across multiple cells and for different types of mobility scenarios. This allows the network to support dense TRP deployments with flexible cell configurations while reducing handovers, as the UE can seamlessly switch between TRPs using the universal QCL framework without requiring traditional cell-specific reconfiguration.
3Ease of operation
If beam management is used for intra-cell mobility, then communication resources can be managed within a cell, but it cannot efficiently handle inter-cell mobility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges beam management concepts with inter-cell mobility management by extending the TCI state framework to cover multiple cells. The same mechanism used for intra-cell beam switching (TCI states with QCL assumptions) is now applied to inter-cell transitions. This integration allows the network to manage both intra-cell and inter-cell mobility using a unified approach, eliminating the need for separate handover procedures and enabling seamless transitions across cell boundaries.
Data Source
AI summary
An indication signal is used for indicating to a UE a communication resource for a second reference signal that is part of a higher-layer configuration from a first base station. The communication resource for the second reference signal is associated with a second base station. The higher-layer configuration also includes a communication resource for a first reference signal associated with the first base station. A UE that receives an indication signal communicates with the second base station. A data transmission or a control signal transmission could be communicated with the second base station using a respective data channel or control channel. The data channel or control channel is associated with the communication resource for the second reference signal.