Automated Handover Optimization in Wireless Networks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current wireless communication systems experience handover failures due to improperly configured or manually controlled handover parameters, leading to issues like premature or delayed handovers, and 'ping-ponging' between stations, which disrupt communication services.

Innovation Solution

Implementing an automated system that dynamically adjusts handover parameters such as time-to-trigger (TTT), Cell Individual Offsets (CIO), and other parameters based on real-time measurements to optimize handover timing and reduce failures, using a processor to execute instructions for monitoring and adjusting these parameters to ensure efficient handovers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If handover parameters are manually configured, then device complexity is reduced, but handover reliability deteriorates due to improper configuration

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehandover parameter configuration complexityVSAvoidhandover reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service by allowing the network to automatically monitor handover performance metrics and adjust handover parameters without manual intervention. The network entity continuously analyzes handover failure rates and dynamically optimizes parameters such as time-to-trigger and offset values, making the system self-configuring and self-optimizing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The invention implements feedback mechanisms where the network monitors handover performance metrics including handover failure rates, call drop rates, and radio link failure rates. Based on this feedback, the system dynamically adjusts handover parameters to optimize performance, creating a closed-loop control system that continuously improves handover reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If handover parameters are dynamically adjusted, then handover reliability improves, but device complexity increases due to automated monitoring and adjustment mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehandover reliabilityVSAvoidhandover parameter control complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The network entity performs self-service by automatically monitoring handover performance and adjusting parameters without external intervention. The system autonomously collects performance data, analyzes trends, and modifies handover parameters to maintain optimal operation, reducing the need for complex external management systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The network entity performs multiple functions including performance monitoring, data analysis, parameter optimization, and handover control within a single integrated system. This multi-functional approach consolidates complexity into a centralized controller rather than distributing it across multiple separate systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If handover timing is optimized, then handover failures are reduced, but loss of time occurs during parameter measurement and analysis

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehandover success rateVSAvoidparameter optimization time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements continuous monitoring and analysis of handover performance metrics without interruption to normal handover operations. Performance data is collected continuously in the background, allowing the system to maintain optimal handover parameters over time without requiring periodic system stops or interruptions to communication services.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary analysis of performance trends and proactively adjusts handover parameters before failures occur. By continuously monitoring metrics and predicting potential issues, the system can pre-optimize parameters to prevent handover failures rather than reacting after problems arise, reducing the effective time loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Measurement precision

If more handover parameters are monitored, then handover optimization accuracy improves, but device complexity increases due to extensive measurement requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehandover performance measurement accuracyVSAvoidmeasurement and monitoring complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The network entity serves as a universal monitoring platform that handles multiple measurement functions including signal strength measurement, quality assessment, failure rate tracking, and performance analysis within a single system. This consolidation reduces the complexity that would arise from having separate monitoring systems for each parameter.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system merges multiple measurement and analysis functions into an integrated process. Performance metrics for different parameters are collected, correlated, and analyzed together to identify root causes of handover failures and determine optimal parameter adjustments, reducing the complexity of managing separate measurement systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP2294859B1Method and apparatus for automatic handover optimization
Publication Date: 2019.11.20 QUALCOMM INC
  • EP2294859B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2294859B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2294859B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method for wireless communications is provided. The method includes determining a set of handover parameters that facilitate a handover between cells in a wireless network and analyzing the set of handover parameters. The method includes dynamically adjusting the parameters to mitigate handover failures between the cells.