Cell Identifier Updates for Wireless Handover
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Solution Overview
Problem
Integrated wireless systems that combine licensed and unlicensed wireless systems face challenges in seamless handovers, particularly in providing location-based services due to the lack of accurate cell identification information for unlicensed wireless system access points, leading to rejected handover requests and inability to determine specific access points during handovers.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves changing the cell identifier associated with a user terminal during handover processes between licensed and unlicensed systems, allowing the source MSC to request handovers using a unified cell identifier for the unlicensed network controller, enabling successful handovers from unlicensed to licensed systems and vice versa, and updating cell identifier information to facilitate location-based services.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a unified cell identifier is used for the unlicensed network controller, then handover requests are accepted and seamless transition is enabled, but location-based services cannot be provided due to lack of specific access point identification
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the identification information into two levels: a unified cell identifier for the unlicensed network controller (for handover acceptance) and specific access point identifiers (for location-based services). This segmentation allows both functions to operate simultaneously without conflict.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested identification structure where the unified cell identifier contains or is associated with multiple specific access point identifiers. The unified identifier serves as a container that encompasses the more granular access point-level identifiers, enabling both handover operations and location-based services.
2Loss of information
If separate cell identifiers are stored for each access point in the unlicensed system, then location-based services can be provided, but resource requirements for storing identification information increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple access point identifiers under a single unified cell identifier for the unlicensed network controller. Instead of storing separate identifiers for each access point individually, the system combines them into a unified structure, reducing storage requirements while maintaining the ability to access specific access point information when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The unified cell identifier serves multiple functions: it enables handover requests to be accepted by the licensed system and simultaneously provides a structure that can contain or reference multiple specific access point identifiers for location-based services. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate storage mechanisms.
3Quantity of substance
If the unlicensed system uses a single cell identifier for the unlicensed network controller, then resource requirements are reduced, but handover requests from specific access points are rejected due to lack of specific cell identification
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the identification information into two levels: a unified cell identifier for the unlicensed network controller (for handover acceptance) and specific access point identifiers (for location-based services). This segmentation allows both functions to operate simultaneously without conflict.
Solution Approach 2:
The unified cell identifier acts as an intermediary between the licensed system's handover requirements and the unlicensed system's access point structure. It provides the handover acceptance functionality required by the licensed system while serving as a gateway to the more granular access point identifiers needed for specific service delivery.
4Device complexity
If cell identifier information is not updated during handover, then system complexity is reduced, but location-based services cannot be provided and handover tracking is inaccurate
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamic cell identifier updates during handover processes. The cell identifier information is not static but changes appropriately as users move between access points and licensed/unlicensed systems. This dynamic updating enables accurate location tracking and location-based services while maintaining manageable system complexity through automated update mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that automatically update cell identifier information during handover events. When a handover occurs, the system receives feedback about the new location and automatically updates the cell identifier information, ensuring accuracy for location-based services without requiring complex manual management.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the invention provide methods and apparatuses for effecting handover between the licensed and unlicensed portions of an integrated wireless network. For one embodiment, prior to hand out of a communication from the unlicensed wireless system (UWS), a cell identifier associated with a user terminal is changed from the cell identifier corresponding to the internet access point to the cell identifier corresponding to the unlicensed network controller. This allows the destination MSC of the licensed wireless system (LWS) to accept and fulfill a handover request from the UWS. In accordance with an alternative embodiment of the invention, after a hand in of a communication to the UWS, a cell identifier associated with the user terminal is changed from the cell identifier corresponding to the UNC to the cell identifier corresponding to the internet access point. This change allows providing location-based services to the UT being serviced by the UWS.