UE Relay Handover Configuration for Seamless Network Transition

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current standards do not address UE-based relaying and do not allow handover of mobile devices to/from cells operated by UE Relays, as existing handover techniques are not applicable to UE Relays due to their ad-hoc deployment nature.

Innovation Solution

The solution involves configuring specific trigger events for UE Relays based on signal conditions, using configuration data that defines entry and leaving conditions for handover, including hysteresis values, to enable handover to/from cells operated by UE Relays, utilizing RSRP, RSRQ, RSSI, and RSCP measurements, and allowing UE Relays to operate as relay devices via LTE or other interfaces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If existing handover techniques are used for UE Relays, then handover can be performed, but handover fails because UE Relays are not recognized as valid target cells by conventional handover procedures

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehandover reliabilityVSAvoidcompatibility with UE Relay
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces new parameters specific to UE Relay handover, including separate measurement thresholds for relay cells versus conventional cells, and modifies the handover decision parameters to recognize and evaluate UE Relay cells as valid targets. This allows the handover mechanism to adapt to the unique characteristics of UE-based relaying while maintaining compatibility with existing networks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the handover procedure into distinct paths: one for conventional base station cells and another for UE Relay cells. By introducing separate measurement configurations, reporting criteria, and decision logic for relay cells, the system can handle UE Relay handovers differently from traditional handovers, resolving the incompatibility issue.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Area of stationary object

If UE-based relaying is implemented, then network coverage is extended, but handover management becomes complex due to ad-hoc deployment nature

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork coverage areaVSAvoidhandover management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables UE Relays to self-configure and self-manage their relay operations, including automatic measurement configuration and handover reporting. The relay-capable UE automatically identifies suitable relay partners and manages the relay connection without requiring complex network-side configuration, thereby extending coverage while keeping management complexity manageable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements preliminary measurement configurations and pre-established criteria for relay cell evaluation before actual handover is needed. By pre-configuring measurement parameters, reporting thresholds, and handover triggers specific to relay cells, the system prepares the handover mechanism in advance, reducing the complexity of real-time relay handover management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP2915369B1A communication device and a method for providing measurement reports
Publication Date: 2022.03.23 NEC CORP
  • EP2915369B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2915369B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2915369B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A system is disclosed in which a communication device provides measurement reports to a communication network. The communication device connects to a cell of the network and receives configuration data for at least one relay specific trigger event for triggering measurement reporting for at least one relay cell operated by a relay device for the base station. The communication device performs measurements and sends a measurement report to the communication network when the trigger event has occurred.