Controller-Based Handover for Small Cell Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
In densely deployed small cell networks, the existing handover procedures in 3G mobile communications result in excessively long handover delays and degraded network performance due to the complexity of handover processes between small cells and macro cells.
Innovation Solution
A handover processing method and system that utilizes a controller to facilitate handovers between small cells or between a small cell and a macro cell, where the controller receives a handover trigger message and sends a corresponding trigger message to another network element node to manage the handover process, reducing delays and improving network performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the existing handover procedures in 3G mobile communications are used for densely deployed small cells, then the handover process follows the standardized protocol, but the handover delay becomes excessively long and network performance degrades
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a controller as an intermediary component that coordinates handover between small cells and macro cells. The controller receives handover requests from serving cells, manages the handover process, and sends commands to target cells, thereby reducing the complexity and delay of direct peer-to-peer handover procedures between densely deployed small cells.
Solution Approach 2:
The handover process is segmented into distinct phases: the serving cell sends a handover request to the controller, the controller processes the request and determines the target cell, then the controller sends a handover command to the target cell. This segmentation allows parallel processing and reduces the sequential delay in handover operations.
2Area of stationary object
If multiple small cells are densely deployed to improve network coverage, then network coverage and capacity are enhanced, but the complexity of handover management increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller serves as a centralized intermediary that manages handover for multiple small cells, consolidating the complexity of handover management in densely deployed networks. The controller receives handover requests from any serving cell, processes them uniformly, and coordinates with target cells, thereby simplifying the management complexity despite increased network density.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller is designed as a universal management entity that handles handover requests from both small cells and macro cells to various target cells. This multi-functional approach allows the same controller to manage diverse cell types and handover scenarios, reducing the need for cell-specific handover management logic.
3Reliability
If the standardized handover procedure is followed between small cells, then protocol compliance is maintained, but the handover process becomes too slow for mobile users
Solution Approach 1:
The controller pre-processes handover requests by evaluating measurement reports and determining target cells before the actual handover execution. This preliminary action allows the controller to prepare handover commands in advance, reducing the time required during the actual handover transition while maintaining protocol compliance.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller enables expedited handover procedures by directly issuing handover commands to target cells based on pre-processed information, skipping certain intermediate verification steps that would otherwise be performed sequentially. This allows the handover to proceed faster while still ensuring essential protocol requirements are met.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention provides a handover processing method, apparatus, and system. The handover processing method includes: receiving a first handover trigger message sent by a first network element node; and sending a second handover trigger message to a second network element node according to the first handover trigger message, so that the second network element node hands over user equipment UE from the first network element node to the second network element node according to the second handover trigger message. Handover between small cells or between a small cell and a macro cell is implemented, and because a controller is used to perform handover, a handover delay is effectively reduced, and network performance is improved.