Buffering IP Packets During LTE to 2G/3G Handover
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mobile terminals face challenges in seamlessly handing over IP packets between LTE and 2G/3G networks due to architectural complexity, resulting in packet loss and delayed transmission during handovers, especially for delay-sensitive applications.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a wireless user equipment (UE) with a Long Term Evolution-Mobile Extreme Convergence (LTE-MXC) application processor, an LTE processor, and a Digital Signal Processor (DSP) that buffers and manages IP packets, ensuring successful transmission and retransmission during handovers by utilizing a multi-mode Radio Resource Control (MMd_RRC) and Non-Access Stratum (MMd_NAS) modules to establish and maintain connections across different radio access technologies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple protocol stacks are employed to enable handover between LTE and 2G/3G networks, then handover capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple protocol stacks (LTE protocol stack and 2G/3G protocol stack) into a unified architecture where both protocols can coexist and operate simultaneously. The mobile terminal maintains both protocol stacks integrated within the same device, allowing seamless handover between different network types without requiring separate dedicated devices for each network type.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile terminal is designed with multi-functionality to operate across multiple network types (LTE, 2G, and 3G networks) using a single device. The terminal incorporates universal protocol support that enables it to function on different radio access technologies, making it adaptable to various network environments without requiring multiple specialized devices.
2Duration of action of moving object
If handover is performed quickly to maintain seamless communication, then service continuity is improved, but IP packet loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary buffering of IP packets before the handover process begins. The mobile terminal stores incoming IP packets in a buffer during the handover transition period, ensuring that packets are not lost during the network switch. This preliminary action of buffering allows the handover to proceed quickly while maintaining packet integrity, as packets are held temporarily and then forwarded to the destination after handover completion.
3Productivity
If IP packets are transmitted during handover to maintain real-time communication, then service quality is improved, but packet loss increases due to channel availability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent buffers IP packets in advance before handover occurs, ensuring that packets are ready for transmission once the new channel is established. This preliminary buffering action prevents packet loss by holding packets temporarily rather than attempting transmission during an unstable transition period, thereby maintaining both real-time communication quality and delivery reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The buffering mechanism acts as a cushion during the handover process, absorbing the impact of channel unavailability. By storing packets in a buffer, the system creates a protective layer that prevents packet loss during the transition, allowing the handover to proceed without compromising either service quality or reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for performing handover by wireless User Equipment (UE) is provided. The UE includes a Long Term Evolution-Mobile Extreme Convergence (LTE-MXC) application processor, a LTE processor and a Digital Signal Processor (DSP). The UE buffers a set of IP packets when a Radio Access Technology (RAT) indicator is less than a pre-defined threshold and sends the set of IP packets to the LTE processor and the DSP. The LTE processor transmits the set of IP packets to the LTE network and sends acknowledgement signals to the LTE-MXC application processor and the DSP. When the handover is complete, the LTE processor sends the transmission status of the set of IP packets to the DSP. The UE also includes multimode Radio Resource Control (RRC) and Non-Access Stratum (NAS) modules.