Intermediate Handover State for Cellular Network Signaling Overhead
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Solution Overview
Problem
In heterogeneous wireless networks, frequent handovers between multiple cells result in significant signaling overhead, delay, and quality of service (QoS) degradation due to the overlap of coverage areas, especially in unplanned clustered cell deployments.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of an intermediate handover (IHO) state, where a user equipment (UE) is connected to both the serving cell and neighboring cells, allowing for a transition to a target cell or staying with the serving cell based on signal quality indicators, reducing unnecessary handovers and maintaining network agnosticism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If traditional handover procedures are used in heterogeneous networks, then cell coverage is improved, but signaling overhead increases and QoS degrades due to frequent handovers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediate handover state as a mediator between the serving cell and target cell. During this intermediate state, the UE maintains connection with both cells simultaneously, allowing for smoother transition and reducing the frequency of handover decisions, thereby decreasing signaling overhead while maintaining coverage.
2Area of stationary object
If traditional handover procedures are used in heterogeneous networks, then cell coverage is improved, but delay increases due to frequent handovers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary actions by establishing the intermediate handover state before the UE fully transitions to the target cell. This preliminary state allows the UE to prepare for handover while maintaining connection with the serving cell, reducing the time loss associated with frequent handover decisions and executions.
3Area of stationary object
If traditional handover procedures are used in heterogeneous networks, then cell coverage is improved, but QoS degrades due to frequent handovers
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediate handover state acts as a buffer that reduces the frequency of handover events. By maintaining connection with both serving and target cells during the intermediate state, the system minimizes QoS degradation that would otherwise result from frequent handover interruptions and signaling overhead.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, apparatuses, and methods for a handover procedure in heterogeneous networks are provided. In particular, an intermediate handover (IHO) is introduced. Certain aspects of the disclosure involve, a method, performed at a serving base station of a wireless communications network, where the serving base station serves a user equipment (UE). The method includes receiving a downlink (DL) signal quality indicator from the UE; and determining, from the signal quality indicator, whether a condition for an intermediate handover (IHO) state is satisfied. If the condition for the intermediate handover state is satisfied, the serving base station can initiate the intermediate handover state.