Cell Change Detection Using Stored Identifiers and Registration Times

Solution Overview

Problem

Mobile devices frequently switch between cells or radio technologies, leading to unstable states and unnecessary cell changes, which increase network signaling load and reduce battery life.

Innovation Solution

The method involves storing the unique identifiers and registration times of current and previous cells, allowing the network to detect and reject superfluous cell changes by comparing these identifiers and evaluating time differences to determine if a change is unnecessary.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If terminals frequently switch between cells or radio technologies, then network adaptability and service continuity are maintained, but network signaling load increases and battery life decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork adaptabilityVSAvoidbattery life

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The network performs preliminary evaluation of cell change requests by comparing the target cell identifier with the stored previous cell identifier and evaluating the time difference before the terminal actually switches cells. This preliminary check prevents unnecessary cell changes from occurring, thereby reducing signaling load and conserving terminal battery life while maintaining necessary cell changes for adaptability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If terminals switch between cells to maintain service continuity, then service availability is improved, but unnecessary cell changes increase network signaling load

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveservice continuityVSAvoidnetwork signaling load

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The network maintains a feedback mechanism by storing the previous cell identifier and registration time, then using this information to evaluate subsequent cell change requests. This feedback loop allows the network to distinguish between necessary cell changes for service continuity and unnecessary ping-pong effects, thereby reducing signaling load while maintaining service availability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If the network allows frequent cell changes to maintain coverage, then service availability is improved, but terminal battery life is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveservice availabilityVSAvoidterminal battery life

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The network performs preliminary evaluation of cell change requests by comparing the target cell identifier with the stored previous cell identifier and evaluating the time difference before the terminal actually switches cells. This preliminary check prevents unnecessary cell changes from occurring, thereby reducing signaling load and conserving terminal battery life while maintaining necessary cell changes for adaptability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP2392159B1Method for recognizing unnecessary cell changes in a mobile radio network

Publication Date: 2017.07.26 DEUTSCHE TELEKOM AG

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AI summary

The invention relates to a method for operating a cellular mobile radio network. In said method, each cell (n) in the mobile radio network has a unique identification (n), and the identification of the current cell (n) for a mobile radio terminal that is currently registered in a cell is temporarily stored in the network. Additionally, at least the registration time (t) in the current cell (n) is stored, in particular temporarily, especially in order for the network to detect unnecessary cell changes.