LTE Handover via Intermediary Base Station
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Solution Overview
Problem
In radio communication systems operating with LTE protocols, establishing a user-plane path through a base station with limited control functions or changing the node through which a user-plane path passes is challenging due to the absence of direct control-plane paths to the user device or switching center.
Innovation Solution
A radio communication system comprising a user device, a first base station performing radio resource control through a control-plane path, a second base station without radio resource control, a gateway device, and a switching center controlling the user-plane path, where the first base station determines handover based on measurement reports and initiates handover requests to the second base station, and the switching center manages path switching to ensure seamless handover even if the second base station is not connected to the switching center.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a base station without control-plane paths is used, then network coverage and simplicity are improved, but the ability to establish user-plane paths and perform handover is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a control function element as an intermediary component that enables base stations without control-plane paths to still establish user-plane paths and perform handovers. This intermediary provides the necessary control signaling capabilities to the limited base stations, allowing them to function properly in the LTE network while maintaining the simplicity and coverage benefits of the base station architecture.
2Extent of automation
If the first base station performs all control functions, then handover control is centralized, but the control load on the first base station increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control functions by introducing separate control function elements that handle handover control independently from the first base station. This segmentation distributes the control load and prevents the first base station from becoming overloaded, while still maintaining centralized handover control through the control function elements that coordinate with the switching center.
3Device complexity
If the second base station is directly connected to the switching center, then path switching is simplified, but network flexibility and scalability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces control function elements as intermediaries between base stations and the switching center, enabling path switching and network flexibility without requiring direct connections. This intermediary layer allows the network to be more scalable and flexible, as base stations can be added or reconfigured without changing the fundamental connection architecture to the switching center.
Data Source
AI summary
A radio communication system includes a user device, a first base station, a second base station, a switching center, and a gateway device. In a handover operation performed in a situation in which a user-plane path has been established through the first base station, the first base station transmits, to the user device, a radio connection reconfiguration message commanding that a radio bearer be established between the second base station and the user device and receives a radio connection reconfiguration complete message transmitted from the user device. The first base station transmits, to the switching center, a path switching request message requesting that the established user-plane path be changed so as to pass through the second base station.