Method and network element for controlling handover

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for controlling a connection transfer in a cellular network having at least two systems, such as a GSM system and a WCDMA system. Based on a load determination, a service-based inter-system or inter-frequency handover of the connection to another system or to another carrier of the same system is initiated if the determined is below a threshold and service priorities are indicating it. If it exceeds the threshold, an additional load-based inter-system or inter-frequency handover can be initiated. If the load of the target cell is not known, a load estimation based on a learning process can be used to derive a probability of success of an interfrequency or inter-system hand-over, which may be used for deciding on the initiation of the inter-system hand-over. The learning process may be performed by evaluating preceding interfrequency or inter-system handovers to the target cell or preceding interfrequency or inter-system handovers from the target cell. Thereby, users can be shared between different radio access technologies or systems or between different carriers of one system to thereby improve network capacity and quality of service for both systems and carriers. Furthermore, unnecessary inter-system handovers can be prevented in case the load of the target cell of the other system is not known.

Description

technical field [0001] The present invention relates to a method and a network element for controlling connection switching within a cellular network having at least two carriers or at least two systems, such as a third generation mobile telecommunication network, comprising WCDMA (Wideband Code Division Multiple Access) system and GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) within or between them. Background technique [0002] When using the third generation mobile communication technology, different radio access technology systems such as GSM and WCDMA will be available simultaneously. From the viewpoint of a mobile station or terminal capable of multi-system, both systems can be accessed. However, network resources are managed by a different system network. [0003] In general, transferring a user's connection from one radio channel to another within the same or a different radio cell of the same or a different cellular network is called handover. Each network system...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

However, in the absence of information about the target cell load, unnecessary IS-HO may be initiated, including compressed mode measurements of mobile terminals for IS-HO from WCDMA systems to GSM systems, causing additional network Capacity consumption, signaling in preparation for IS-HO and additional processing capacity required in different network elements

This leads to a waste of available radio resources if the load within the target cell does not allow IS-HO

Furthermore, IS-HO between highly loaded cells leads to a possible deterioration of the QoS (Quality of Service) of the connected mobile terminals due to the ping-pong effect and the additional and unnecessary risk of releasing said connections

Images