Inter-network Handover via Routing Area Code Addressing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current communication networks face challenges in seamlessly handover user devices between different network types, such as E-UTRAN and UTRAN, due to insufficient information for addressing target base stations and gateways, which hinders efficient inter-network operations.
Innovation Solution
The method involves the user equipment obtaining and reporting additional information like the Routing Area Code (RAC) and using it to enable the source base station to address the target SGSN, and potentially using a lookup table or broadcasting the RNC identifier to facilitate handover between E-UTRAN and UTRAN networks without pre-configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the source base station uses traditional handover procedures without additional addressing information, then the handover process within the same network type works efficiently, but inter-network handover between E-UTRAN and UTRAN fails due to insufficient target node addressing capability
Solution Approach 1:
The source eNB performs preliminary actions by obtaining and storing the RAC and RNC ID of the target UTRAN cell before handover is initiated. This preliminary acquisition of addressing information enables the source eNB to directly address the target RNC without requiring pre-configuration or additional lookup procedures during the actual handover execution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces the RAC (Routing Area Code) as an intermediary element that bridges the addressing gap between E-UTRAN and UTRAN networks. The RAC, combined with the RNC ID, serves as a mediator that enables the source eNB to locate and address the target RNC in the UTRAN network without direct pre-established connectivity information.
2Adaptability or versatility
If pre-configuration of target node information is implemented in the source base station, then inter-network handover can be achieved, but the device complexity and configuration overhead increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The source eNB serves itself by dynamically acquiring the RAC and RNC ID information when needed, rather than relying on external pre-configuration systems or databases. The base station obtains this information through standard interfacing with the core network and stores it locally for immediate use, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating complex external configuration infrastructure.
3Reliability
If the source base station stores detailed target node information for all possible handover scenarios, then handover reliability improves, but the memory requirements and information management complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The source eNB applies local quality by storing only the specific RAC and RNC ID information that is relevant to the actual handover scenario. Rather than maintaining comprehensive target node information for all possible UTRAN cells, the system stores only the addressing information for the specific target cell that the UE is attempting to handover to, optimizing memory usage while ensuring handover reliability.
Data Source
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AI summary
There is described a method of facilitating handover of a user device between a source base station component in a first communications network of a first network type and a target base station component in a second communications network of a second network type. The method includes determining an identifier of at least one target gateway component connected to the target base station component in the second communications network. A handover request message is then generated in the first communications network, the handover request message incorporating the identifier of the at least one target gateway component. The handover request message is then transmitted to the second communications network. Apparatus for performing this and other related methods is also described, for example eNodeB, gateway and user device components.