Codec-Aware Handover Thresholds for RAN Service Continuity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems fail to account for the varying robustness of different codecs when determining handover thresholds, leading to unnecessary handovers and service interruptions during poor radio conditions.
Innovation Solution
Determine handover thresholds based on the type of codec being used and whether redundancy is employed, allowing the radio access network to make informed decisions about handovers or fallbacks to ensure continued service quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If handover thresholds are determined using fixed preset values, then the handover decision process is simple, but unnecessary handovers occur during poor radio conditions leading to service interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the handover threshold parameter dynamically based on codec robustness characteristics. Different codecs (e.g., AMR, EVS, HD Voice) have different robustness levels, and the system adjusts the handover threshold accordingly - higher thresholds for robust codecs and lower thresholds for less robust codecs - thereby optimizing service continuity without excessive complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The handover threshold is made dynamic rather than static. The system continuously monitors the active codec type and adjusts the handover threshold in real-time based on the current codec's robustness properties, allowing the network to adapt handover decisions to changing communication conditions and codec selections
2Reliability
If handover thresholds are lowered to enable more frequent handovers, then service quality may be maintained, but unnecessary handovers increase during poor radio conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the handover threshold parameter based on codec-specific robustness characteristics. By setting appropriate thresholds for each codec type (higher for robust codecs like EVS, lower for less robust codecs), the system maintains service quality while avoiding unnecessary handovers that would reduce handover efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback about codec performance and radio conditions to dynamically adjust handover thresholds. The network monitors codec robustness and radio quality, then adjusts thresholds accordingly to maintain optimal service quality without triggering unnecessary handovers
3Productivity
If handover thresholds are raised to prevent unnecessary handovers, then handover efficiency improves, but service quality may deteriorate during poor radio conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements codec-dependent threshold adjustments that raise thresholds for robust codecs (improving handover efficiency) while maintaining lower thresholds for less robust codecs (preserving service quality). This selective parameter adjustment resolves the contradiction by tailoring thresholds to specific codec characteristics
Data Source
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AI summary
Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, are provided for handovers including fallbacks. In some example embodiments, there is provided an apparatus comprising at least one processor and at least one memory including program code which when executed causes the apparatus to at least: receive, during creation or modification of a bearer, a message including a handover threshold based at least in part on a type of codec for the bearer; receive, from a user equipment, a measurement report providing an indication of a condition of the bearer and/or perform a measurement, by the base station, providing the indication of the condition of the bearer; determine, based at least on the handover threshold, whether to initiate a handover. Related apparatus, systems, methods, and articles are also described.