Dynamic Cellular Handover to Non-Equivalent PLMNs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current LTE cellular networks have inflexible handover criteria, limiting the ability to selectively handover cellular devices between non-equivalent Public Land Mobile Networks (PLMNs), which restricts network flexibility and quality of service based on dynamic conditions.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that allow eNodeBs to dynamically decide on handover targets by accessing permissions lists and current operating parameters, enabling handover to different PLMNs based on conditions such as time, application type, and Quality of Service (QoS), using a PLMN selection table to determine permissible networks for handover.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If static handover criteria based on equivalent PLMN lists are used, then handover decisions are simple and consistent, but network flexibility and ability to selectively handover to different PLMNs are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transforming static handover criteria into dynamic decision-making. The base station now evaluates multiple factors including time of day, application type, QoS requirements, and cost parameters in real-time to determine handover eligibility, rather than relying on fixed equivalent PLMN lists. This enables the network to adapt handover behavior to changing conditions while maintaining manageable complexity through structured evaluation rules.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes parameters by introducing multiple variable criteria for handover decisions. Instead of a single static PLMN equivalence parameter, the system now considers time parameters, application type parameters, QoS parameters, and cost parameters. These parameter changes enable selective handover to non-equivalent PLMNs based on current network conditions and service requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If handover to non-equivalent PLMNs is allowed, then network flexibility improves, but network sharing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces cost as a evaluatable parameter in the handover decision process. The base station assesses cost parameters associated with handover to different PLMNs and compares them against QoS requirements and current network conditions. This enables selective handover to non-equivalent PLMNs only when the QoS benefit justifies the additional cost, rather than universally allowing or prohibiting such handovers.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies local quality by enabling different handover cost structures for different PLMN targets. Instead of a uniform approach, the system evaluates each potential handover target individually based on its specific cost parameters, QoS capabilities, and current suitability for the particular UE and application, allowing optimized cost-QoS tradeoffs for each handover decision.
3Reliability
If dynamic handover decisions based on multiple parameters are implemented, then quality of service improves, but base station processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the handover decision process into distinct evaluatable components: time conditions, application type matching, QoS requirement assessment, and cost parameter evaluation. Each segment can be independently processed and combined to form the overall handover decision. This segmentation manages base station processing complexity by breaking down the complex multi-parameter evaluation into manageable discrete steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies preliminary action by pre-configuring handover evaluation rules, cost parameters, and QoS thresholds in the base station. These parameters are established in advance based on network policies and service requirements, allowing the base station to perform rapid real-time evaluations without complex on-the-fly calculations. The structured pre-configuration enables efficient processing of dynamic handover decisions.
Data Source
AI summary
In a cellular communications network, user equipment connected to a base station, the active mode handover behavior of the base station for selecting handover targets is set to be different from idle mode reselection. The MME provides its eNodeBs with supplemental information about other PLMNs which can be considered for handover in accordance with dynamic criteria such as the time, location, subscriber group, etc to allow dynamic handover to other PLMNs in accordance with the commercial agreements.