Handover Control Based on Dual Connectivity Capabilities
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless communication networks, handover processes between access nodes with different dual-connectivity capabilities pose challenges, particularly during the transition from 4G to 5G, as existing methods do not effectively select the optimal handover process based on the capabilities of source and target access nodes, leading to potential service disruptions and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves selecting between direct inter-access-node handover and indirect controller-based handover processes based on the dual-connectivity capabilities of the source and target access nodes, using neighbor list data or querying network entities to determine capabilities, ensuring seamless handover operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single handover process is used for all access nodes, then the handover process is simple to implement, but it cannot adapt to different dual-connectivity capabilities of source and target access nodes, leading to service disruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The handover process is made dynamic by selecting between direct and indirect handover methods based on the real-time dual-connectivity capabilities of the source and target access nodes. The source access node determines whether to use direct handover (when both nodes support dual-connectivity) or indirect handover (when capability mismatch exists), allowing the system to adapt its behavior to current network conditions and node capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the handover parameter (handover process type) based on the dual-connectivity capability parameter of the access nodes. By monitoring and comparing the dual-connectivity capability parameters of source and target nodes, the system selects the appropriate handover process parameter to ensure successful handover while maintaining service continuity.
2Speed
If direct inter-access-node handover is used, then handover speed is fast, but it requires both source and target access nodes to support dual-connectivity, limiting applicability
Solution Approach 1:
The source access node acts as an intermediary that intelligently selects the handover path. When both source and target nodes support dual-connectivity, the source node directly initiates handover for fast execution. When capability mismatch is detected, the source node introduces the core network controller as an intermediary to coordinate the handover process, ensuring broad applicability while maintaining speed where possible.
Solution Approach 2:
The handover execution speed is dynamically optimized by selecting direct handover (faster) when node capabilities permit, and indirect handover (slightly slower but more versatile) when capability mismatch exists. This dynamic selection ensures the fastest possible handover speed while maintaining broad applicability across different node capability scenarios.
3Productivity
If capability checking is performed for every handover, then handover optimization is achieved, but signaling overhead and processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The source access node performs capability checking in advance before initiating the handover process. By determining the dual-connectivity capabilities of both source and target nodes beforehand, the system can pre-select the appropriate handover method, avoiding delays during actual handover execution and improving overall handover efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the target access node's capability information (obtained through neighbor relation information or capability indication messages) to make informed handover decisions. This feedback mechanism allows the source node to optimize handover process selection based on actual node capabilities, improving handover efficiency while minimizing unnecessary capability checking overhead.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for controlling handover of a user equipment device (UE) between a first access node and a second access node. The first access node could select a handover process with the selecting being based on whether (i) the source access node and target access nodes are both dual-connectivity capable or both not dual-connectivity capable or rather (ii) one of the access nodes is dual-connectivity capable and the other of the access nodes is not dual-connectivity capable. For example, if both are dual-connectivity capable or not dual-connectivity capable, then the source access node could opt for X2 handover. Whereas if one is dual-connectivity capable and the other is not dual-connectivity capable, then the source access node could opt for S1 handover.