UE Switch Gap Configuration for Handover Latency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies face challenges in efficiently managing the switching process of user equipment (UE) between base stations during a handover in wireless networks, particularly in Multi-USIM devices, which can lead to data transfer latency and misinterpretation of connection statistics.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves a mechanism where a UE maintains a switch gap configuration that allows it to receive transmissions from a second network during specified time periods, and this configuration is managed through RRC reconfiguration messages that include commands to suspend or resume the usage of these gaps after a handover procedure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the UE autonomously releases the RRC connection with the first network when deciding to respond to a page on the second network, then the UE can respond to the paging request on the second network, but the first network interprets this release as an error case, distorting connection statistics and wasting paging resources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a suspension mechanism that is activated before the UE releases the RRC connection. The network sends a suspension indication to the UE prior to handover or network switching, instructing the UE to suspend ongoing data transfers and release procedures. This preliminary action prevents the autonomous release that causes statistical distortion, while still allowing the UE to respond to paging requests on the second network.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the UE performs switching operations between networks frequently, then the UE can monitor both networks for paging and signaling, but data transfer latency increases due to repeated suspension and resumption of data sessions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic suspension mechanism where the suspension indication and resumption indication are sent based on real-time network conditions and handover requirements. Rather than fixed suspension periods, the system dynamically adjusts when to suspend and resume data transfers, optimizing the balance between multi-network monitoring capability and data transfer continuity. The resumption is triggered automatically when the network determines the UE has successfully switched or when data transfer conditions are favorable.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the UE maintains switch gap configuration to receive transmissions from the second network during specified time periods, then the UE can monitor the second network, but efficient use of time and frequency resources during handover is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the switch gap configuration from continuous operation and applies it selectively during handover procedures. The network sends a suspension indication that temporarily suspends the switch gap configuration during critical handover phases, allowing full resource utilization for data transfer. After handover completion, the configuration can be resumed or adjusted. This extraction approach allows the UE to maintain the capability to receive transmissions from the second network when needed, while optimizing resource efficiency during actual data transfer periods.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for a user equipment (UE) is provided. The method includes the UE maintaining a first Radio Resource Control (RRC) connection with a first base station (BS) of a first network while receiving transmissions from a BS of a second network during at least one time specified in a switch gap configuration. The UE receives an RRC reconfiguration message from the first BS that includes a first command and a second command. The first command instructs the UE to begin a handover procedure from the first BS to a second BS of the first network. The second command controls usage of the switch gap configuration by the UE. The UE initiates the handover procedure according to the first command. The UE may suspend reception of transmissions from the BS of the second network following completion of the handover procedure based on the second command.