Gateway Intercepts Cell Change Messages to Reduce Signalling Load
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Solution Overview
Problem
In 3GPP LTE networks, the increasing geographic density of small cells poses challenges in achieving successful and efficient handover procedures due to increased signalling load, difficulties in improving system capacity, and network planning complexities, especially with non-ideal backhaul connections.
Innovation Solution
A gateway apparatus that intercepts and processes messages related to communication cell changes, determining when to notify the core network and facilitating direct or indirect data forwarding between source and target base stations to optimize handover processes without unnecessary core network signalling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If small cells are deployed with high geographic density to increase system capacity, then network coverage and capacity are improved, but signalling load increases and handover efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The gateway acts as an intermediary between base stations and the core network, intercepting handover messages and processing them locally without forwarding to the core network. This mediator role reduces signalling load on the core network while maintaining handover functionality in high-density small cell deployments
Solution Approach 2:
The handover message processing function is segmented into two parts: basic handover processing handled locally by the gateway, and core network notification handled selectively only when necessary. This segmentation allows most handovers to be processed efficiently at the gateway level without involving the core network
2Reliability
If handover messages are forwarded to the core network for every cell change, then core network control is maintained, but handover efficiency and system performance deteriorate due to excessive signalling
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of forwarding every handover message to the core network, the gateway applies partial action by selectively forwarding only those messages that require core network involvement. This reduces unnecessary signalling while maintaining core network control when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The gateway monitors handover messages and uses feedback mechanisms to determine when core network notification is necessary, adjusting its filtering behavior based on the specific handover context and network conditions
3Speed
If direct data forwarding is implemented between base stations, then handover speed is improved, but device complexity and coordination requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The gateway serves as a mediator that coordinates direct data forwarding between base stations, managing the complexity of inter-base station communication while enabling fast handover. The gateway handles the coordination overhead, allowing base stations to exchange data directly without increasing their individual complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A gateway is described which facilitates a change of communication cell for a mobile device in a communication system, which includes a core network. The gateway receives messages from a base station operating a cell and forwards the messages received from the base station to the core network. The gateway intercepts a message relating to a change of communication cell, from a source cell in which the mobile communication device is located to a target cell, to determine if the core network needs to be notified of the change of cell. When it is determined that the core network needs to be notified, the gateway generates a message for providing information relating to the change of cell to the core network and transmits the message to the core network.