Heterogeneous Network Handover via SINR Comparison
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Solution Overview
Problem
In heterogeneous networks, mobile terminals face challenges in selecting the most efficient base station for communication due to varying signal transmission powers among macro, pico, and femtocells, leading to potential suboptimal handovers based on positional relations rather than environmental conditions.
Innovation Solution
A communication method that involves calculating and comparing the signal-to-interference plus noise ratio (SINR) of macro and pico base stations to determine whether to perform a handover, using uplink interference information and channel measurements to optimize handover decisions and reduce uplink power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If base stations transmit preamble signals with different transmission powers according to cell type, then coverage area and service quality are optimized, but handover selection becomes unreliable due to positional relations affecting signal strength comparison
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter used for handover decision from raw signal strength to SINR (signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio). By normalizing the signal quality metric to account for transmission power differences, the system can reliably compare service quality across heterogeneous base stations without being distorted by positional relations. The macro base station calculates SINR values for both itself and the pico base station, then determines handover based on which provides higher SINR.
2Reliability
If handover is based on strongest signal selection, then connection quality is improved, but uplink power consumption increases due to suboptimal handover decisions in heterogeneous networks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the macro base station receives uplink interference information from the pico base station, calculates SINR values for both base stations, and makes handover decisions based on this feedback. This feedback loop ensures that handover decisions are made based on actual service quality (SINR) rather than raw signal strength, preventing suboptimal handovers that would increase uplink power consumption. The system continuously monitors and adjusts handover decisions based on real-time interference conditions.
3Area of stationary object
If mobile terminal connects to base station with highest transmission power, then coverage is extended, but uplink interference increases due to suboptimal cell selection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the cell selection parameter from transmission power to SINR. By using SINR as the decision metric, the system can maintain coverage area while avoiding suboptimal cell selections that cause uplink interference. The macro base station compares SINR values and directs the mobile terminal to connect to the base station providing better signal quality, thereby reducing uplink interference while preserving coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the pico base station regarding uplink interference levels to inform handover decisions. The macro base station receives this interference information and uses it to determine whether handover to the pico base station would be beneficial, balancing coverage requirements with interference reduction goals.
Data Source
AI summary
A communication method of a macro base station serving a target mobile terminal in a macrocell including a picocell includes receiving information about an uplink interference of a pico base station in the picocell from the pico base station, and determining whether to perform a handover of the target mobile terminal to the pico base station based on an uplink interference of the macro base station and an uplink interference of the pico base station.