Minimizing IRAT Handovers via Trigger-Based RAT Assignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The excessive inter-RAT handovers in wireless networks, particularly between 5G and 4G RATs, lead to service interruptions and poor user experience due to unnecessary transitions caused by factors like service unavailability, signal conditions, and device manufacturer settings.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that determine when a wireless device has exceeded a threshold number of inter-RAT handovers within a predetermined time period, identify the trigger for these handovers, and assign the device to a selected RAT based on the trigger, thereby minimizing unnecessary IRAT transitions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If wireless devices perform inter-RAT handovers to access services or maintain connectivity, then service availability is improved, but service interruptions increase due to handover procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The system monitors handover events and detects when devices perform excessive handovers (ping-pong effect) between 5GSA and 4GLTE. By implementing feedback mechanisms that track handover patterns, the network can identify problematic devices and apply targeted interventions such as assigning them to a non-handover RAT or adjusting handover parameters, thereby reducing service interruptions while maintaining service availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system proactively identifies devices that are likely to perform excessive handovers based on predefined criteria (stationary devices, devices at coverage edges, devices with specific service requirements) and assigns them to a selected RAT before the ping-pong effect occurs. This preliminary action prevents the harmful handover behavior from developing in the first place.
2Adaptability or versatility
If wireless devices perform continuous IRAT handovers between 5GSA and 4G LTE, then access to additional services is improved, but network resource usage increases due to intensive handover procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts and isolates the problematic handover behavior by identifying specific devices that are performing excessive handovers and separating them from the normal handover process. By assigning these identified devices to a non-handover RAT or applying device-specific handover parameter adjustments, the system removes the excessive resource consumption caused by ping-pong handovers while preserving service access capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes handover parameters dynamically based on device behavior and conditions. By adjusting handover thresholds, hysteresis values, or assigning devices to specific RATs with modified handover policies, the system reduces the frequency of handovers for problematic devices, thereby decreasing network resource consumption while maintaining necessary service access.
3Adaptability or versatility
If wireless devices perform frequent IRAT handovers, then connectivity options are improved, but user experience deteriorates due to service interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback mechanisms that monitor handover events and detect patterns indicating poor user experience (excessive handovers, ping-pong effects). Based on this feedback, the system automatically adjusts handover parameters or assigns devices to more stable RAT configurations, thereby improving user experience while preserving connectivity options.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary analysis of device behavior and network conditions to identify devices that are likely to experience poor user experience due to excessive handovers. By proactively assigning these devices to optimized RATs or adjusting handover parameters before the problem manifests, the system prevents service interruptions and maintains smooth user experience.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods and devices are provided for minimizing unnecessary inter-radio access technology (IRAT) transitions. A method includes determining that a wireless device has experienced a threshold number IRAT handovers in a predetermined time period, identifying a trigger for the inter-RAT handovers and assigning the wireless device to a selected RAT based on the identified trigger.