Dynamic Handover Threshold for Dual-Connectivity Service Transition
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing handover process in cellular wireless networks does not effectively account for the benefits of dual-connectivity service when transitioning between cell sites, as it is keyed to UE coverage strength on the first RAT and does not consider the second-RAT coverage strength, potentially leading to suboptimal handovers between dual-connectivity and standalone services.
Innovation Solution
The handover threshold for determining whether the target RAT coverage is stronger than the source RAT coverage is dynamically set based on the detected second-RAT coverage strength, allowing for more informed decisions on handover between dual-connectivity and standalone services by adjusting the threshold values based on measurement events such as A2 and B1 events.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the handover process uses a fixed threshold based only on first-RAT coverage strength, then the handover decision is simple and fast, but the handover may be suboptimal when second-RAT coverage conditions change
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic handover thresholds that automatically adjust based on second-RAT coverage conditions. When second-RAT coverage is strong, the threshold for handover is lowered to encourage transition to dual-connectivity service. When second-RAT coverage is weak, the threshold is raised to prevent premature handover. This dynamic adjustment mechanism resolves the contradiction by making the handover process adaptive rather than static, improving reliability without significantly complicating the decision process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the handover threshold parameter based on detected second-RAT coverage strength. Specifically, it adjusts the threshold value dynamically according to measurement events (such as A2 and B1 events) that indicate second-RAT coverage conditions. This parameter change approach allows the system to optimize handover decisions for dual-connectivity scenarios while maintaining the simplicity of threshold-based comparison, effectively resolving the contradiction between operational simplicity and handover optimality.
2Productivity
If the network transitions UE to dual-connectivity service when second-RAT coverage is strong, then data throughput is improved, but the handover threshold must be dynamically adjusted which increases system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the system continuously monitors second-RAT coverage strength through measurement events and uses this information to dynamically adjust handover thresholds. When measurement events indicate strong second-RAT coverage, the system feedback-adjusts the threshold to promote handover to dual-connectivity service, thereby improving data throughput. This feedback-based approach automates the complexity, reducing the burden on network operators while still achieving optimized throughput performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by automatically adjusting handover thresholds based on detected second-RAT coverage conditions without requiring manual intervention. The network autonomously monitors coverage strength, determines appropriate threshold values, and applies them to handover decisions. This self-service mechanism handles the complexity internally while presenting a simple interface for throughput optimization, resolving the contradiction between improved productivity and increased system complexity.
3Productivity
If the handover threshold is lowered to enable handover when second-RAT coverage is strong, then dual-connectivity service is achieved with higher throughput, but handover may occur prematurely when second-RAT coverage is weak
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically changes the handover threshold parameter based on detected second-RAT coverage strength. When measurement events confirm strong second-RAT coverage, the threshold is lowered to enable handover and achieve dual-connectivity service with higher throughput. When second-RAT coverage is weak, the threshold is raised to prevent premature handover. This conditional parameter change approach ensures that the threshold adjustment is context-dependent, resolving the contradiction between improved productivity and maintained reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary assessment of second-RAT coverage strength through measurement events before adjusting the handover threshold. By evaluating coverage conditions in advance and only lowering the threshold when strong coverage is confirmed, the system avoids premature handover while still enabling timely handover when conditions are favorable. This preliminary action mechanism ensures that threshold changes are made with sufficient information, resolving the contradiction between throughput optimization and handover timing accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for controlling handover of a user equipment device (UE) between (i) a first cell site that provides dual-connectivity service on a first radio access technology (RAT) and a second RAT and (ii) a second cell site that provides standalone first-RAT service, wherein the handover includes transitioning the UE from source first-RAT service to target first-RAT service. The method includes setting a handover threshold to use as a basis to evaluate whether target first-RAT coverage detected by the UE is sufficiently stronger than source first-RAT coverage detected by the UE, where setting the handover threshold includes setting the handover threshold to a value selected based on whether the UE has detected that second-RAT coverage of the first cell site meets a defined threshold measurement threshold. Further, the method includes applying the set handover threshold as a basis to control whether to invoke the handover of the UE.