Macro Access Point Handover Coordination in Dual Connection Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless networks face challenges in smoothly managing handovers between local area access points in dual connection contexts, particularly when user equipment moves between neighboring cells, leading to potential handover failures and signal strength degradation.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that enable a macro access point to initiate and coordinate handover procedures between source and destination local area access points, involving the transmission of handover request messages, data transfer instructions, and context release messages to ensure seamless handover operations, or allow local area access points to initiate handovers with indications to the macro access point.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If handover procedures are implemented between local area access points in dual connection contexts, then network capacity and data transmission rate are improved, but handover failures and signal strength degradation occur
Solution Approach 1:
The macro access point serves as an intermediary coordinator between source and destination local area access points during handover. It receives handover requests from the source LAAP, validates the handover conditions, transmits handover commands to the UE, and coordinates the release of UE context at the destination LAAP, thereby ensuring reliable handover execution
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by receiving and validating handover requests before executing the actual handover. The macro access point checks handover conditions and prepares the handover command with necessary parameters in advance, ensuring the handover can be executed smoothly without failures
2Productivity
If handover procedures are implemented between local area access points, then data transmission rate is improved, but signal strength degradation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the macro access point receives measurement reports from the UE regarding signal conditions at both source and destination LAAPs. Based on this feedback, the macro access point makes informed handover decisions and adjusts handover parameters to maintain signal strength during the transition
3Reliability
If macro access point coordinates handover procedures, then handover reliability is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The macro access point performs multiple functions: it acts as a handover initiator, validates handover conditions, transmits handover commands, coordinates data forwarding, and manages UE context release. By consolidating these functions in the macro access point, the system avoids the complexity of requiring separate dedicated handover management entities at each LAAP
Data Source
AI summary
A method, apparatus, and computer program product are provided to manage handover procedures in a dual connection context. In the context of a method, a macro access point (MAP) may initiate a handover between a source and destination local area access point (LAAP) by causing a handover request to be transmitted to the destination LAAP. The method may further involve causing a handover command to be transmitted to a user equipment (UE), causing a data transfer inform message to be transmitted to the source LAAP, and receiving a UE context release message from the destination LAAP. In the context of another method, a LAAP may initiate a handover. The method may involve receiving a dual connection transfer request message from a source LAAP, receiving a dual connection transfer request acknowledge message from a destination LAAP and receiving a Path Switch Successful indication from a Mobility Management Entity.