Handover Synchronization in Mobile Networks via Control Information
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Solution Overview
Problem
Handover procedures between 3G and non-3G access networks in mobile communication networks are inefficient due to unsynchronized events, leading to packet loss and unclear resource reservation status, especially when switching IP connectivity.
Innovation Solution
A method for synchronizing handover between 3G and non-3G access networks through control information conveyed between a mobile terminal and an anchor node, allowing the terminal to assess resource availability and decide on handover, with the use of intermediate states and out-of-band signaling to manage resource reservation and connectivity switching.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the UE switches IP connectivity between non-3G and 3G interfaces during handover, then service continuity is attempted, but packet loss occurs due to unsynchronized handover events and unclear resource reservation status
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the UE receives handover confirmation messages from the network indicating whether resource reservation was successful. This feedback allows the UE to synchronize its IP connectivity switching with the actual handover status, preventing packet loss by only switching when resources are confirmed available in the target network.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs preliminary resource reservation in the target network before the UE actually switches connectivity. The network performs resource allocation and sends reservation status information to the UE in advance, allowing the UE to prepare for handover without risking packet loss during the transition.
2Speed
If the UE switches IP connectivity too early during handover, then handover speed is improved, but packets received on the non-3G access are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The UE receives real-time feedback from the network about handover progress and resource reservation status. This feedback mechanism prevents premature switching by informing the UE when the target network is actually ready to receive traffic, thus maintaining handover speed while avoiding packet loss.
3Reliability
If the UE switches IP connectivity too late during handover, then packet loss is minimized, but handover efficiency decreases and packets may be delivered without required connectivity
Solution Approach 1:
The network performs preliminary resource reservation and sends confirmation to the UE before the UE switches connectivity. This allows the UE to switch at the optimal moment - not too early to avoid packet loss, and not too late to maintain efficiency - thereby achieving both reliability and productivity.
4Device complexity
If the UE does not receive clear resource reservation status information, then network complexity is reduced, but the UE cannot assess whether resources meet handover requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The network acts as an intermediary by providing structured handover confirmation messages that convey resource reservation status. This intermediary mechanism enables the UE to assess resource availability without significantly increasing overall network complexity, as the information is transmitted through existing signaling channels.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method and a device for data processing in a mobile communication network are provided, wherein a control information is conveyed between a mobile terminal and an anchor node within said mobile communication network, and wherein based on said control information, a handover synchronization between a source network and a target access network is conducted utilizing an intermediate state of a mobility management. Furthermore, a communication system is suggested comprising said device.