Uplink-Based Mobility Synchronization for 5G UE
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems, particularly in 5G NR, face challenges in mobility procedures as they often rely on downlink-based methods, which may not be ideal for all connectivity states, necessitating the development of uplink-based and hybrid mobility modes to enhance user equipment (UE) connectivity and network efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of synchronization and reference signals allows user equipment (UE) to discover zones where uplink-based mobility can be employed, enabling the network to select a serving cell without neighbor cell search and measurement, supporting downlink, uplink, or hybrid mobility modes based on connectivity states, with UE determining the appropriate mobility mode based on signals received.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If downlink based mobility procedure is used, then UE can measure downlink signals from serving cell and neighbor cells to determine cell quality, but UE must perform neighbor cell search and measurement which increases complexity and time consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional downlink based mobility procedure by using uplink signals transmitted by the UE for mobility decisions. Instead of the network measuring downlink signals from the UE, the UE transmits uplink signals that the network measures to determine mobility conditions, thereby eliminating the need for UE to perform neighbor cell search and measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The UE performs self-service by transmitting uplink signals that carry mobility information. The network uses these self-transmitted signals to make mobility decisions, allowing the UE to initiate the mobility process without requiring complex neighbor cell measurements, thus reducing UE complexity while maintaining reliable mobility procedures.
2Ease of operation
If uplink based mobility procedure is implemented, then network can measure uplink signals to determine serving cell change, but UE needs to transmit signals and network must process them which increases system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The uplink signals transmitted by the UE serve multiple functions: they carry mobility information, enable network to measure signal quality, and trigger appropriate mobility procedures. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated signaling messages, thereby managing network processing complexity while improving ease of operation for the UE.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter used for mobility decisions from downlink signal quality (traditional) to uplink signal characteristics. By measuring uplink signal parameters such as received power and quality, the network can determine mobility conditions without requiring complex processing, thus improving ease of operation while controlling system complexity through parameter optimization.
3Adaptability or versatility
If hybrid mobility mode is used, then UE can select between downlink and uplink based procedures, but UE must determine and switch between different mobility modes which increases control complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The hybrid mobility mode enables dynamic adaptation between downlink and uplink based procedures. The UE can switch between mobility modes based on current network conditions, signal quality, and operational requirements. This dynamic flexibility improves adaptability while managing complexity through automated mode selection algorithms that respond to real-time conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The network provides preliminary configuration information to the UE about supported mobility modes and conditions. This preliminary setup simplifies the UE's decision-making process by pre-establishing criteria for mode selection, reducing the complexity of real-time mode determination while maintaining high adaptability to different network scenarios.
Data Source
AI summary
Various aspects relate to flexible mobility for a user equipment (UE) based on supported mobility modes of a network and UE conditions. A network may support one or more of a downlink based mobility mode, an uplink based mobility mode, or a hybrid mobility mode for a connectivity state of a UE. A UE may determine a serving cell based on at least one downlink signal. The UE may determine based on the at least one downlink signal, a set of supported mobility modes for the serving cell, including at least one of a downlink based mobility mode, an uplink based mobility mode, or a hybrid based mobility mode. The UE may follow a mobility procedure based on a selected mobility mode from the determined set of supported mobility modes. Other aspects relate to a base station transmitting synchronization signals to support flexible mobility.