Inter-Frequency Cell Handover via Guide Cell Mediator
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In heterogeneous networks, handover from a macro cell to a micro-type cell with a different frequency is limited due to limited configurable neighboring cells, preventing successful cell handover in inter-frequency networking scenarios.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for cell handover that involves receiving a relocation request message to guide a user equipment from a source cell to a guide cell with the same frequency but different primary scrambling code, and then transferring it to a real target cell with the same primary scrambling code but different frequency, using physical channel reconfiguration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a large quantity of micro-type cells with different frequency are deployed in a macro cell coverage area, then network capacity is increased, but handover from macro cell to micro-type cell cannot be implemented due to limited configurable neighboring cells
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary frequency channel as a mediator between the macro cell and inter-frequency micro-type cells. The target base station receives the relocation request message on this intermediary channel that differs from its working frequency channel, enabling the handover process to bridge the frequency gap without requiring direct configuration of inter-frequency neighboring cells.
2Device complexity
If neighboring cell resources on macro cell side are limited, then device complexity is reduced, but handover to inter-frequency micro-type cells is prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions the handover problem from a two-dimensional solution (direct macro-to-micro cell handover on the same frequency plane) to a three-dimensional solution by introducing an intermediary frequency channel dimension. This allows the relocation request to traverse through a different frequency dimension, enabling handover to inter-frequency cells without expanding the conventional neighboring cell configuration space.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the target base station receives the relocation request message on a frequency channel different from its working frequency channel, then handover between inter-frequency cells is enabled, but communication reliability may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a copy of the communication interface by establishing an intermediary frequency channel that replicates the functionality of the working frequency channel for receiving relocation requests. This copy allows the target base station to process handover signaling without compromising the reliability of its primary working channel, as the intermediary channel is specifically dedicated to this handover function.
Data Source
Figure 1~2A
Figure 2B~3A
Figure 3B
AI summary
The present invention provides a cell handover method and apparatus, which relate to the communications field and are used to resolve a problem that cell handover cannot be completed in the case of inter-frequency networking of a macro cell and a micro-type cell. The method includes: receiving, by a target base station, a relocation request message, where the relocation request message is used to indicate a guide cell that is of the target base station and to which a user equipment is to be handed over from a source cell of a source base station; handing over, by the target base station, the user equipment to the guide cell according to the relocation request message; and handing over, by the target base station, the user equipment from the guide cell to a real target cell of the target base station; where the guide cell of the target base station is a cell that has a same frequency as the source cell of the source base station but has a different primary scrambling code, and the real target cell of the target base station is a cell that has a different frequency from the guide cell but has a same primary scrambling code. The present invention is used for cell handover.