Network-Assisted LTE Channel Acquisition for Seamless Handover
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The rapid growth of mobile data demand poses challenges for network capacity, as switching off LTE to conserve battery life results in prolonged reconnection times when moving out of Wi-Fi coverage, and existing technologies lack efficient methods for seamless transitions between WLAN and LTE/LTE-A connections.
Innovation Solution
An IRP manager determines optimal physical layer cell identification and LTE band information based on network topology and traffic load, which is then broadcast to user equipment (UE) via a WLAN access point, enabling efficient selection and synchronization with an LTE/LTE-A network cell when UE moves out of WLAN coverage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the LTE radio is switched off to conserve battery life and reduce power consumption, then energy efficiency is improved, but the reconnection time to LTE network increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the UE perform LTE channel scanning and acquisition while still connected to WLAN, before the actual handover occurs. The IRP manager pre-configures the UE with target cell information and frequency parameters, so that when the handover is triggered, the UE can immediately connect to the target LTE cell without performing extensive channel scanning, thus reducing reconnection time while maintaining battery efficiency.
2Reliability
If the UE performs extensive channel scanning to find the optimal LTE cell, then connection reliability is improved, but the time required for reconnection increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs channel scanning and cell measurement activities in advance while the UE is still connected to WLAN. The IRP manager collects channel quality information and identifies optimal target cells before the handover is actually needed. This preliminary cell selection and measurement process ensures that when handover occurs, the UE already has pre-identified target cells with known channel parameters, maintaining connection reliability while minimizing reconnection time.
Solution Approach 2:
The IRP manager acts as an intermediary between the UE and the LTE network during the handover process. It collects channel quality measurements from the UE, determines optimal target cells, and provides the UE with pre-configured handover commands including target cell IDs and frequency information. This intermediary role streamlines the handover process by eliminating the need for the UE to perform extensive autonomous cell searching, thus reducing reconnection time while ensuring reliable connection establishment.
3Speed
If the UE maintains active LTE connection while connected to WLAN, then network responsiveness is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic connection management strategy where the UE adapts its radio connection state based on current network conditions and service requirements. While connected to WLAN, the UE can maintain minimal LTE monitoring capabilities or quickly switch to LTE when needed, rather than maintaining a fully active LTE connection at all times. This dynamic approach allows the system to optimize between power consumption and network responsiveness based on actual traffic patterns and service priorities.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
In one embodiment, the present disclosure provides an IRP manager configured to query at least one eNB to determine physical layer cell identification and/or LTE band information associated with one or more cell coverage areas associated with the at least one eNB and determine an optimal physical layer cell identification and LTE band for at least one cell associated with the at least one eNB. The optimal physical layer cell identification and/or LTE band may be based on, for example, network topology statistics (e.g., current cell coverage area, etc.), traffic load, etc. The optimal physical layer cell identification and/or LTE band information may be utilized by at least one UE within a coverage area of a WLAN AP to provide cell connection in the event the at least one UE falls outside the coverage area of a WLAN AP.