Inter-Frequency Handover Channel Search Order Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current inter-frequency handover processes in mobile networks are inefficient due to the need for UEs to reconfigure receive chains for each carrier frequency measurement, leading to increased battery consumption and longer search times, especially with the upcoming deployment of 5G networks which require more carriers to be monitored, resulting in significant measurement periods being wasted.
Innovation Solution
A method for channel selection in inter-frequency handover where a network node generates and transmits information to a UE defining a sequence of channels to be measured, prioritized based on probabilities of coverage, using machine learning to optimize the search order for faster handover and reduced search time, thereby minimizing battery consumption and measurement gaps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If UEs perform inter-frequency measurements by reconfiguring receive chains for each carrier frequency, then measurement accuracy is improved, but battery consumption increases and search time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The network node pre-calculates and provides search order information to the UE before the UE performs inter-frequency measurements. This preliminary action allows the UE to follow an optimized search sequence that prioritizes carriers with higher coverage probability, reducing the number of frequency reconfigurations needed and thereby reducing battery consumption while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of search order from random or fixed to dynamic and optimized based on coverage probabilities. By adjusting the search sequence parameter according to calculated probabilities, the system achieves faster handover while reducing the total number of measurements required, thus lowering energy consumption.
2Adaptability or versatility
If UEs monitor more carrier frequencies for inter-frequency handover, then handover options increase, but search time duration increases
Solution Approach 1:
The network node performs preliminary calculation of coverage probabilities for multiple carriers and provides the optimized search order to the UE in advance. This allows the UE to efficiently search through multiple carrier frequencies by following a pre-determined optimal sequence, reducing the time required to evaluate multiple handover options while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the set of carrier frequencies into an optimized search sequence based on coverage probabilities. Instead of monitoring all carriers simultaneously or in random order, the UE follows a segmented, prioritized list of carriers to measure, reducing the effective search time while preserving access to multiple handover options.
3Reliability
If inter-frequency search is performed randomly, then all carriers have equal measurement opportunity, but inefficient UE carrier search duration becomes large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the search parameter from random selection to probability-based ordered selection. The network node calculates coverage probabilities for each carrier and provides an optimized search order to the UE. This parameter change ensures that carriers with higher coverage probability are measured first, reducing search duration while maintaining reliable measurement coverage across all necessary carriers.
Data Source
AI summary
A method (420) performed by a network node (102, 700, 800, 960a, 1320) for channel selection for inter-frequency handover. The method comprises generating (400) information usable by a user equipment (UE) (101, 500, 600, 910a, 1330) for determining a sequence of channels to be successively measured by the UE for availability for inter-frequency handover. The method comprises transmitting (410) the information to the UE. A method (320) performed by a wireless device for measuring channels available for inter-frequency handover. The method comprises determining (300) a channel order defining a sequence of channels to be successively measured for availability for inter-frequency handover. The method comprises performing (310) measurement of the channels according to the channel order.