Handover Type TLLI Identifier for Seamless Packet Data Transfer
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current packet-switched handover procedures in cellular networks face interruptions due to the need for a mobile station to handle multiple P-TMSI values and lack of acknowledgement mechanisms, leading to service disruptions during cell changes.
Innovation Solution
Introducing a 'handover type' of TLLI identifier that is valid in both the source and target cells, allowing seamless data transfer before and after P-TMSI assignment in the target cell, and enabling continuous operation during handovers and routing area updates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mobile station uses traditional P-TMSI identifiers for packet-switched services during handover, then the network can maintain basic connectivity, but service interruptions occur due to the need to handle multiple P-TMSI values and lack of acknowledgement mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The network assigns a new P-TMSI value to the mobile station before the handover is completed. This preliminary assignment allows the mobile station to have the new identifier ready before switching cells, eliminating the need to handle multiple P-TMSI values simultaneously and reducing service interruption time during handover
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an acknowledgement mechanism where the mobile station sends an acknowledgement message to confirm receipt and validity of the new P-TMSI value. This feedback loop ensures reliable identifier transition and prevents service disruptions by confirming the mobile station is ready to use the new identifier before completing the handover
2Ease of manufacture
If the network assigns a new P-TMSI value before the mobile station enters the target cell, then resource allocation in the target cell is simplified, but the mobile station experiences service disruption until the new P-TMSI is acknowledged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous packet data transfer and signaling during handover by implementing an acknowledgement mechanism. The mobile station continues to use the old P-TMSI for data transfer until it receives and acknowledges the new P-TMSI value, ensuring uninterrupted service while the network prepares resource allocation in the target cell
3Force
If the mobile station handles multiple P-TMSI values during handover, then the network can prepare resources in advance, but the complexity of P-TMSI handling procedures increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complexity of handling multiple P-TMSI values from the mobile station by implementing an acknowledgement mechanism. The network manages the P-TMSI transition centrally by sending the new value and waiting for acknowledgement, while the mobile station simply follows the protocol without needing to independently manage multiple identifiers simultaneously
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to identifying resources allocated in a cellular network for a mobile station for packet-switched services. A first identifier is used for identifying a mobile station, and a second identifier is used for identifying resources allocated for packet-switched services for the mobile station. When a mobile station is entering or has entered a second cell from a first cell, a value of a first type for the second identifier is determined. The first type of the second identifier is for use in both the first cell and the second cell for transmitting packet-switched data between the cellular network and the mobile station.