Heterogeneous Network Handover Control via Context Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge lies in efficiently managing handovers between base stations employing different network technologies, such as 5G and LTE, especially when 5G base stations using high-frequency mmWave frequencies have reduced coverage, leading to frequent handovers and requiring efficient mobility solutions in heterogeneous network environments.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for controlling user equipment handovers between heterogeneous networks, involving determining handover necessity based on measurement information, transmitting identification messages, and converting context data for successful handovers between source and target base stations and core network entities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If 5G base stations use high-frequency mmWave frequencies to provide high-speed data transmission, then data transmission speed is improved, but coverage area is reduced and handover frequency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary handover management mechanism that coordinates between 5G and LTE base stations. When a user equipment moves out of 5G coverage, the system seamlessly transitions to LTE coverage through standardized handover procedures, ensuring continuous service without interruption. This intermediary mechanism resolves the coverage limitation by providing a fallback pathway.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts network selection and handover parameters based on real-time user equipment position, signal quality, and network load. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize the balance between utilizing high-speed 5G when available and falling back to LTE when necessary, effectively managing the coverage-speed tradeoff.
2Adaptability or versatility
If handover between heterogeneous networks (5G and LTE) is implemented to maintain service continuity, then mobility support is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal handover management framework that handles both intra-5G and inter-RAT (5G-LTE) handovers through a unified procedure. The same core network entities and signaling mechanisms are used regardless of the specific network type, simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining comprehensive mobility support across heterogeneous networks.
Solution Approach 2:
The handover process is segmented into distinct phases (measurement, decision, execution, and completion) that can be independently managed and optimized. This segmentation allows complex handover scenarios to be broken down into manageable steps, reducing the perceived system complexity while maintaining robust mobility support.
3Reliability
If frequent handovers are allowed to maintain connectivity in high-frequency 5G networks, then service continuity is improved, but handover overhead and signaling load increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary measurements and evaluations before triggering handovers. User equipment continuously monitors neighbor cell conditions and reports to the network, allowing the system to predict and prepare for handovers in advance. This preliminary action reduces the actual handover execution time and signaling overhead by having decisions pre-prepared.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where handover performance metrics are continuously monitored and used to adjust handover parameters. This feedback loop optimizes handover timing and frequency, reducing unnecessary handovers while maintaining service continuity, thereby lowering overall signaling overhead and handover-related time loss.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are apparatus and methods for controlling a handover of a user equipment between base stations each belonging to a network different from the other. The method includes: i) determining whether the user equipment should be handed over to a target base station belonging to a heterogeneous network based on measurement information received from the user equipment, ii) transmitting a handover required message containing identification information of the target base station to a core network entity linked to the source base station, when it is determined that the user equipment should be handed over, iii) receiving a handover command message containing evolved packet system (EPS) bearer setup list information of the target base station from the core network entity, and iv) transmitting the handover command message to the user equipment.