HeNB Gateway Local Handover Processing in LTE Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing Evolved Packet Core (EPC) network in LTE systems experiences increased signaling load due to the requirement that the Home eNB Gateway (HeNB GW) relays all UE-associated S1 application part messages between the HeNB and the MME, leading to inefficient handover processes and increased network capacity requirements.
Innovation Solution
The HeNB GW intercepts handover requests and determines if the target HeNB is within the same tracking area and supports the necessary identifiers, allowing it to process handover procedures locally with minimal interaction with the MME, either by using the S1-U interface or converting the process into an X2-based handover message, thereby reducing signaling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the HeNB GW relays all UE-associated S1 application part messages between the HeNB and the MME, then the handover procedure complies with 3GPP requirements, but the signaling load on the EPC increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the handover signaling process into two parts: essential handover control messages are relayed through the MME to ensure compliance, while local handover execution messages are processed directly between the HeNB GW and target HeNB, reducing unnecessary signaling to the EPC
Solution Approach 2:
The HeNB GW acts as an intermediary that intelligently filters and processes handover messages, determining which messages require MME involvement and which can be handled locally, thereby reducing signaling load while maintaining protocol compliance
2Quantity of substance
If the HeNB GW processes handover locally with minimal MME interaction, then the signaling load is reduced, but the complexity of the HeNB GW increases
Solution Approach 1:
The HeNB GW performs preliminary actions by pre-establishing connectivity information and tracking area data during normal operation, enabling it to quickly determine during handover whether local processing is possible without complex real-time decisions
Solution Approach 2:
The HeNB GW provides self-service capabilities by autonomously making decisions about message routing based on pre-configured policies and real-time conditions, reducing the need for complex coordination with the MME while managing its own operational complexity
3Reliability
If the HeNB GW relays all handover messages to the MME, then the MME maintains full control, but the network bandwidth usage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by having the HeNB GW relay only the essential subset of handover messages to the MME rather than all messages, reducing network bandwidth consumption while maintaining sufficient MME control for compliance
Data Source
AI summary
A method to provide an optimized intra-HeNB GW handover operation that reduces signaling to and from an LTE MME (Mobility Management Entity) function of the 3GPP E-UTRAN Evolved Packet core (EPC). In operation, an HeNB Gateway (GW) intercepts handover requests from a source HeNB to a target HeNB and processes these requests locally, with minimal interaction from the MME. Where possible, messaging to and from the MME is minimized and/or reduced, irrespective of the 3GPP requirement that the GW relay all handover-related messages to the MME.