Femto Gateway MSC Selection via Location Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless communication networks, handovers between femto and macro cellular areas often result in non-intra-MSC handovers, leading to less seamless call or session continuity due to different mobile switching centers (MSCs) and serving GPRS Support Nodes (SGSNs) being used.
Innovation Solution
The femto gateway selects the same MSC and SGSN for both femto and macro cellular areas by using the local area code, routing area code, and geographical location to ensure intra-MSC handovers by creating a mapping between these identifiers and the corresponding network devices, allowing for seamless handover of user equipment between microcellular and macro cellular networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the femto gateway uses the same MSC and SGSN for both femto and macro cellular areas, then intra-MSC handovers are achieved and call continuity is improved, but the system complexity increases due to the need for mapping and selection logic
Solution Approach 1:
The femto gateway performs preliminary actions by pre-establishing mappings between femto cell identifiers (LAC/RAC) and corresponding MSC/SGSN identifiers before handover occurs. This preliminary mapping configuration enables the gateway to automatically select the appropriate MSC/SGSN for macro cell handover without requiring complex real-time decision logic, thus improving call continuity while managing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mapping mechanism that acts as a mediator between the femto cell identification system and the macro cell MSC/SGSN selection system. This intermediary layer (the mapping table or database) translates femto-specific identifiers into corresponding macro network identifiers, enabling seamless handover while isolating the complexity of the translation logic from the core handover process.
2Reliability
If the femto gateway selects MSC/SGSN based on geographic location and LAC/RAC, then handover seamless is improved, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring increases due to the need for location and code mapping
Solution Approach 1:
The femto gateway performs self-service by autonomously performing the mapping between LAC/RAC and MSC/SGSN identifiers using pre-configured local data. The gateway independently queries and selects the appropriate network identifiers based on the detected LAC/RAC values, eliminating the need for complex external measurement and detection systems. This self-service approach improves handover seamless while simplifying the measurement and detection requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A femto gateway maintains information about the location of femto cells and areas served by mobile switching centers. The gateway maintains a mapping so that it selects a desired mobile switching center (MSC) and SGSN that is likely to be used if the user equipment leaves the coverage area of the femto cell and enters a macro cell or vice versa.