Level 1 Signaling for Fast Wireless Handover Latency
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless telecommunications, particularly in high-speed data connections like VoIP, handover processes between base stations often result in significant delays or interruptions due to the use of slow Level 3 signaling, which is inadequate for real-time voice communications, leading to impaired service quality during transitions.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method that uses Level 1 signaling to identify and switch between primary and secondary base stations more efficiently, with the Radio Network Controller directing data to the secondary base station at a precisely determined activation time based on current radio link conditions, reducing latency and service interruptions by synchronizing channel reconfigurations and buffer management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If Level 3 signaling is used for handover control, then the handover process is simple to implement, but the signaling latency increases causing service interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the signaling process into multiple layers (Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 signaling). Level 1 signaling handles fast handover control between base stations, Level 2 signaling manages radio resource control, and Level 3 signaling handles higher-layer protocol adjustments. This segmentation allows critical handover functions to be performed at lower levels with faster response times, while maintaining the simplicity of higher-level protocols for non-critical functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a handover controller as an intermediary component that coordinates between multiple base stations and the radio network controller. This intermediary manages the complex signaling interactions, particularly using Level 1 signaling to rapidly exchange handover parameters between source and target base stations, thereby reducing overall handover latency without requiring complete redesign of the signaling architecture.
2Reliability
If Level 1 signaling is implemented for fast handover, then service interruption is reduced, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the signaling architecture into hierarchical levels where Level 1 signaling specifically handles fast handover control messages between base stations. This segmentation isolates the complexity of fast handover to a specific layer, allowing Level 1 to implement rapid handover with dedicated message formats and timing, while Level 2 and Level 3 signaling continue to handle their respective functions with standard procedures, thus managing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary actions by pre-configuring handover parameters and maintaining buffer copies of data at target base stations before handover occurs. Level 1 signaling exchanges handover preparation information in advance, allowing the target base station to prepare reception parameters and buffer data, thereby ensuring seamless service continuity when handover is triggered without requiring complex real-time decision-making during the actual handover execution.
3Loss of time
If data buffering is implemented at the target base station, then service interruption is minimized, but the buffer management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary buffering actions where the target base station creates and maintains buffer copies of data packets before the actual handover occurs. During Level 1 signaling handover preparation, the source base station forwards data to the target base station's buffer in advance. When handover is executed, the mobile device seamlessly switches to the target base station which already has the data ready, minimizing service interruption without requiring complex real-time data retrieval mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses data copying mechanisms where buffer copies of data are maintained at the target base station during handover preparation. Instead of transferring all data during handover, the system creates copies of relevant data packets in the target buffer while the mobile device is still connected to the source base station. This copying approach minimizes service interruption while keeping buffer management relatively simple through standardized copy-and-hold operations.
Data Source
AI summary
In one aspect of the instant invention, a method is provided for controlling a communications system that includes a mobile device, a first and second base station and a radio network controller. The method comprises establishing the first base station as a primary base station that communicates high speed data to the mobile device. A parameter associated with the first and a second base stations, such as signal strength or quality, is monitored, and a level one type signal is sent to the first and second base stations indicating that the second base station is the primary base station in response to the monitored parameter associated with the second base station exceeding the monitored parameter associated with the first base station.