LTE Measurement Context Synchronization During Inter-eNB Handover

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Solution Overview

Problem

In LTE systems, there is a lack of standardization in determining whether the network-side measurement context synchronization during inter-eNB switching or reestablishment is performed by the source or destination base station, leading to potential inconsistencies between the UE-side and network-side measurement contexts, which can affect subsequent control processes.

Innovation Solution

A method and device for processing the network-side measurement context between source and destination radio access network devices during inter-frequency switching or RRC connection reestablishment, where the source device transmits the measurement context to the destination device, and the destination device performs necessary exchange operations to maintain synchronization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If the source base station performs measurement context exchange operations, then the measurement context can be prepared in advance, but the source base station cannot determine whether the destination cell is at a different frequency, leading to potential synchronization issues

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement context exchange operationVSAvoidfrequency difference detection
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by having the source base station perform the measurement context exchange operation in advance, before the inter-frequency switching is actually executed. This allows the measurement context to be prepared and transferred beforehand, improving the efficiency and responsiveness of the switching process. The source base station initiates the exchange operation proactively, rather than waiting for confirmation of frequency difference.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Difficulty of detecting and measuring

If the destination base station performs measurement context exchange operations, then the frequency difference can be determined, but the measurement context cannot be prepared in advance, leading to potential delays

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefrequency difference detectionVSAvoidmeasurement context preparation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Difficulty of detecting and measuringVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary approach where the measurement context is transferred from the source base station to the destination base station in advance, but the actual exchange operation (associating measurement identities with measurement objects) is deferred until the destination base station confirms the frequency difference. This intermediary transfer allows the context data to be available when needed, while avoiding premature processing that could lead to errors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Device complexity

If no standard is specified for performing measurement context exchange operations, then device complexity is reduced, but inconsistencies between UE-side and network-side measurement contexts occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestandardization requirementVSAvoidmeasurement context synchronization
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the parameter of who performs the exchange operation based on the frequency difference condition. When the destination base station determines that the destination cell is at a different frequency, it triggers the exchange operation. This parameter-based control (frequency difference as the triggering condition) ensures that the exchange operation is performed only when necessary, maintaining synchronization between UE-side and network-side measurement contexts while avoiding unnecessary complexity from universal standardization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP2424289B1Method and device for processing a measurement context
Publication Date: 2015.03.18 CHINA ACAD OF TELECOMM TECH
  • EP2424289B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP2424289B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5
  • EP2424289B1 patent drawingFigure 6

AI summary

A method and a device for processing a measurement context are provided by the present invention. The method includes: preparing for handover between radio access network devices in the Long Term Evolution (LTE) system (101); processing the network side measurement context between the radio access network devices (102). The application of the present invention can avoid the error resulted from the difference between the network side measurement context and the user equipment side measurement context, and can realize the interconnection between the radio access network devices of different manufacturers.