UE Context Signaling for Intra-gNB-CU Mobility Handover
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional intra-gNB-CU mobility procedures in a Radio Access Network are not always optimal, necessitating improved data communication methods, particularly during handovers between gNB-Distributed Units (DUs).
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a User Equipment (UE) with a central node and a distributed node architecture, enabling the UE to receive and execute lower layer configuration changes, confirm these changes, and transmit identifiers to both nodes, facilitated by layer 1 and layer 2 signaling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional intra-gNB-CU mobility procedures are used, then handover between gNB-DUs can be performed, but the data communication efficiency and effectiveness are not optimized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the UE confirms lower layer configuration changes to the gNB-DU, which then notifies the gNB-CU. This feedback loop ensures that configuration changes are properly synchronized across all nodes, improving both communication efficiency and handover reliability by preventing data loss or misconfiguration during mobility transitions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the gNB-CU send a UE context modification request to the gNB-DU before the actual handover occurs. This allows the target gNB-DU to pre-configure lower layer parameters and prepare data forwarding paths in advance, ensuring seamless connectivity and optimizing data communication efficiency during the subsequent handover execution.
2Productivity
If lower layer configuration changes are implemented during handover, then data communication is optimized, but coordination complexity between gNB-CU and gNB-DU increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the handover control functions by clearly separating gNB-CU responsibilities (higher layer decision-making, context management) from gNB-DU responsibilities (lower layer configuration, data forwarding). This segmentation allows configuration changes to be implemented efficiently at the DU level while maintaining centralized coordination at the CU level, reducing overall system complexity despite the increased coordination requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The UE acts as an intermediary in the configuration change process by confirming receipt and application of lower layer configuration changes from the gNB-DU. This intermediary role creates a clear verification path that simplifies the coordination between gNB-CU and gNB-DU, as the UE's confirmation serves as proof that configuration changes were successfully applied without requiring direct complex negotiation between network nodes.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to data communication. Certain examples provide User Equipment, UE, (110) for accessing a Radio Access Network, RAN, (100) comprising at least a central node (210) and a distributed node (220), the central node controlling the distributed node, wherein the UE comprises: at least one processor (12); and at least one memory (13) storing instructions (14) that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the UE at least to: establish a connection towards the radio access network; receive (502), from the central node, a UE context modification request comprising: a request to change at least part of a lower layer configuration, and an identifier related to the request; perform (502) the requested change of the lower layer configuration; transmit (504), towards the central node. a confirmation that the requested change has been performed; and transmit (505), towards the distributed node, the identifier.