Inter-EBS Handoff Mechanism for Wireless Networks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current wireless communication systems face inefficiencies and latency in handoff processes, particularly in next-generation networks that rely on hard handoffs and asynchronous radio access networks, leading to poor handoff performance and resource consumption.

Innovation Solution

A method and computer program product that enable a network entity to prepare and direct a mobile device to multiple target base stations by transferring context information, forming a ranking matrix, and calculating a priority list to facilitate a robust and fast handoff, minimizing latency and resource consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If only one potential Target EBS is prepared for handoff, then system resources are conserved, but handoff latency increases and handoff performance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehandoff performanceVSAvoidhandoff latency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by having the network entity prepare context information for multiple potential target base stations in advance, before the mobile device actually needs to handoff. This allows the mobile device to quickly select a target from the pre-prepared list without causing handoff latency, while the network entity only fully activates the specific target that is actually selected, thus balancing resource consumption with handoff performance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Speed

If multiple target base stations are prepared for handoff, then handoff latency is reduced and performance is improved, but system resource consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehandoff speedVSAvoidsystem resource consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by differentiating the level of preparation among multiple target base stations. The network entity identifies and prepares context information for multiple potential targets, but only fully activates and allocates resources for the specific target that is ultimately selected for handoff. This allows fast handoff selection while avoiding unnecessary resource consumption at non-selected targets

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If context information is transferred to multiple EBSs, then handoff robustness is improved, but device complexity and processing overhead increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehandoff robustnessVSAvoidterminal equipment complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the intermediary principle by introducing a network entity as a mediator between the mobile device and multiple target base stations. The network entity is responsible for identifying potential targets, preparing their context information, and providing a priority list to the mobile device. This shields the mobile device from the complexity of managing multiple target connections, while still enabling robust handoff through multi-target preparation at the network side

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP2329666B1Robust and fast inter-EBS handoff mechanism
Publication Date: 2015.04.29 CELLCO PARTNERSHIP INC
  • EP2329666B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2329666B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2329666B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A communications system provides a robust and fast inter-base station handoff mechanism, e.g. for networks using Enhanced Base Stations (EBS) equipment. A method for connecting a mobile device to a destination base station in the wireless communications system, may include steps of receiving a mobile device measurement report, transferring context information from a serving base station to possible target base stations, and receiving admission control information from possible target base stations. A priority list of the possible target base stations is calculated and sent to the mobile device. The mobile device connects to one or more of possible target base stations according to the priority list. The method may also entail receiving a release message from one of the possible target base stations to which the mobile device has successfully established a wireless connection, to allow release of resources of the prior serving base station.