Heterogeneous Network Mobility Support via Intra-Macro Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In heterogeneous networks (Hetnets), user equipment (UE) mobility is hindered by interference and increased signaling overhead due to frequent handovers between macro cells and low power nodes, leading to performance degradation and increased core network interactions.
Innovation Solution
The system and method for UE mobility support in Hetnets involve preventing intra-macro handovers and reducing interference by reserving network resources, using joint transmission, coordinated beamforming, and coordinated scheduling between macro cells and low power nodes, and allowing handovers only when necessary to minimize core network path switches.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If handover is performed frequently between macro cells and low power nodes to support UE mobility, then mobility support is improved, but signaling overhead and core network interactions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The network is segmented into intra-macro handovers and inter-macro handovers. Intra-macro handovers (within the same macro cell coverage) are handled locally without core network path switches, while inter-macro handovers trigger path switches. This segmentation reduces unnecessary core network interactions and signaling overhead for local mobility events.
Solution Approach 2:
The macro cell acts as an intermediary for UEs moving within its coverage area. Instead of allowing direct handovers between low power nodes that would trigger core network path switches, the macro cell mediates by maintaining the UE connection and handling data forwarding internally, thus reducing core network signaling overhead.
2Adaptability or versatility
If handover is performed frequently between macro cells and low power nodes to support UE mobility, then mobility support is improved, but system performance degrades
Solution Approach 1:
Handovers are segmented into intra-macro and inter-macro categories. Intra-macro handovers are optimized to not trigger core network path switches, reducing signaling overhead and performance degradation. Inter-macro handovers maintain proper path switching when necessary. This selective approach preserves system performance while supporting mobility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary classification of handover types before executing the handover procedure. By identifying whether a handover is intra-macro or inter-macro in advance, the system can prepare appropriate handling strategies, preventing unnecessary path switches and maintaining performance.
3Loss of information
If intra-macro handovers are prevented to reduce signaling overhead, then core network overhead is reduced, but UE mobility support may be limited
Solution Approach 1:
The macro cell serves as an intermediary that maintains UE connections during intra-macro movements. Instead of allowing handovers that would trigger path switches, the macro cell mediates by handling data forwarding and maintaining the existing path, thus reducing core network overhead while still supporting UE mobility within the macro coverage area.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts handover behavior based on the type of mobility event. For intra-macro movements, it prevents path-switching handovers and uses alternative mechanisms. For inter-macro movements, it allows proper handovers. This dynamic approach optimizes both core network overhead and mobility support.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for supporting mobility in a user equipment by a macro cell as the user equipment moves into a coverage area of a low power node includes receiving a measurement report from the user equipment, and selecting a technique for supporting mobility according to the measurement report, and a support factor of the user equipment and of a communications system where the user equipment is operating. The method also includes operating the macro cell and the low power node according to the selected technique.