Handover Primitives in Broadband Wireless Protocol Stack
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current broadband wireless access systems, such as IEEE 802.16e, lack defined primitives for the protocol stack layers within mobile stations and base stations, making it difficult to clarify operations during handover processes, particularly in transferring information between the MAC layer and upper management entities via the Network Control Management System (NCMS).
Innovation Solution
The method defines primitives between the MAC layer and upper management entities within the protocol stacks of mobile stations and base stations, allowing for the management of handover operations by transferring primitives through the NCMS, enabling clear communication and execution of handover procedures by specifying primitives like M_MACHandover.request, M_MACHandover.indication, M_MACHandover.response, and M_MACHandover.confirmation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If handover procedures are implemented in broadband wireless access systems, then mobile station can switch between base stations, but the lack of clearly defined primitives in the protocol stack layers causes operational inaccuracies and implementation ambiguities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the handover protocol into distinct layers (MAC layer and upper management entities) with clearly defined primitives for each layer. This segmentation allows precise definition of operations at each protocol level, resolving the ambiguity while maintaining overall handover functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary NCMS (Network Control Management System) that mediates between the MAC layer and upper management entities. This intermediary provides a structured interface through Management SAP and Control SAP, enabling clear primitive definitions that bridge different protocol layers and eliminate operational ambiguities.
2Device complexity
If a layered protocol architecture is used in broadband wireless access systems, then system modularity is improved, but the lack of defined primitives between layers hinders effective communication and coordination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates universal primitive interfaces that work across different protocol layers and handover scenarios. The defined primitives serve multiple functions including information transfer, control signaling, and coordination between MAC layer and upper management entities, ensuring consistent communication regardless of specific handover context.
Solution Approach 2:
The NCMS acts as an intermediary layer that provides standardized interfaces between the MAC layer and upper management entities. Through Management SAP and Control SAP, it enables reliable information transfer and coordination while preserving the modularity benefits of the layered architecture.
3Ease of operation
If handover messages are transmitted between mobile station and base station, then handover control is enabled, but without clearly defined primitives, the message processing and coordination become ambiguous
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments message processing into distinct primitive operations at each protocol layer. Each handover message is processed through clearly defined primitives that specify exact actions, parameters, and transitions, eliminating ambiguity in message handling while maintaining operational ease.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms through defined primitives that confirm message reception, processing status, and handover progression. This feedback ensures reliable message processing by verifying each step of the handover control sequence and enabling error detection and correction.
Data Source
AI summary
The primitives between an upper management layer and the MAC layer within a mobile station and a base station are defined in order to specify and clarify the operations within the protocol stack layers in a broadband wireless access system to allow a mobile station to execute handover. Media Independent Handover (MIH) procedures can be achieved because the NCMS and MIH layer can communicate through use of these primitives.