Gateway Handover Proxy for LTE Signaling Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The current handover procedures in LTE RAN networks, particularly involving home base stations (HeNBs), lead to increased signaling load on the core network, which can be costly and complex to manage, especially when implementing the X2 interface in mass-market devices.
Innovation Solution
An improved handover method where a gateway, acting as a proxy for core network control nodes, receives handover messages and generates corresponding messages using different protocols (e.g., S1AP to X2AP or X2AP to S1AP) to facilitate handovers between network nodes without involving core network control nodes, thereby reducing signaling load while maintaining simplicity in home base stations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the X2 interface is implemented in home base stations (HeNBs) to enable direct handover communication, then handover efficiency is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The gateway acts as an intermediary between HeNBs and the core network, converting S1AP handover messages to X2AP messages. This allows HeNBs to benefit from efficient X2-based handover without implementing the X2 interface directly, as the gateway performs the protocol conversion and message forwarding.
Solution Approach 2:
The handover function is segmented between the gateway and HeNBs. The gateway handles the complex X2AP protocol processing and message conversion, while HeNBs only need to implement simplified S1AP-based communication. This segmentation allows HeNBs to remain simple while still enabling efficient handovers.
2Loss of energy
If the X2 interface is implemented in home base stations (HeNBs) to enable direct handover communication, then signaling load on the core network is reduced, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The gateway serves as a mediator that intercepts S1AP handover messages from HeNBs, converts them to X2AP messages, and forwards them to the target base station. This eliminates the need for HeNBs to implement complex X2 interface functionality while still achieving reduced core network signaling load through efficient X2-based handover.
Solution Approach 2:
The gateway creates converted copies of handover messages, transforming S1AP messages into X2AP messages. This copying and conversion process allows the system to leverage efficient X2-based handover signaling without requiring HeNBs to natively support the X2 interface.
3Adaptability or versatility
If protocol conversion at the gateway is implemented to enable X2-based handover, then core network control node capacity requirements are reduced, but gateway complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gateway functions as a protocol conversion intermediary, translating between S1AP and X2AP message formats. It receives S1AP handover requests from source HeNBs, converts them to X2AP format, and forwards them to target base stations. This intermediary role protects core network control nodes from the signaling load of managing individual HeNB handovers, while the gateway absorbs the protocol conversion complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
In one aspect, the invention provides an improved procedure for handing over a connection from a source network node to a target network node. In some embodiments, this procedure includes the following steps: (a) receiving, at a gateway, a handover required message transmitted from the source network node; (b) generating, at the gateway, a handover request message in response to receiving the handover required message; and (c) transmitting, from the gateway, the handover request message to the target network node. In another aspect, the invention provides an improved gateway that is configured to intercept and handle handover signaling.