Master eNB Small Cell Handover via Signal and Load Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mobile communication systems face challenges in providing stable and rapid small-cell handover for User Equipments (UEs) due to issues with signal quality and resource load between the UE and Secondary eNBs, leading to difficulties in switching UEs from one small cell to another.
Innovation Solution
A method and eNB architecture that enables stable and rapid small-cell handover by establishing control plane and data plane connections between the UE and the master eNB, allowing the master eNB to select a target small cell based on signal quality and load conditions, and facilitating the switching of UEs through control plane signaling, including bearer-level QoS parameter management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a UE is served by a Secondary eNB in Dual Connectivity mode, then data transmission capacity is enhanced, but when signal quality deteriorates or resource load increases, the UE cannot be switched to another Small Cell Node
Solution Approach 1:
The Master eNB acts as an intermediary that manages the UE's connection to Multiple Small Cell Nodes. The Master eNB receives measurement reports from the UE, evaluates signal quality of candidate Small Cell Nodes, and controls the handover process between Small Cell Nodes, enabling seamless switching when signal quality deteriorates.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically selects which Small Cell Node serves the UE based on real-time signal quality measurements and resource load conditions. The Master eNB continuously monitors measurement reports and adjusts the serving Small Cell Node assignment to maintain optimal connection quality.
2Productivity
If the SeNB resource load is heavy, then data transmission capacity is充分利用, but the signal quality for UE connection deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically balances load across Multiple Small Cell Nodes by monitoring resource load conditions alongside signal quality. When one Small Cell Node becomes overloaded, the Master eNB can initiate handover to another Small Cell Node with available resources, maintaining both high data transmission capacity and acceptable signal quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The UE provides measurement reports containing signal quality and resource load information to the Master eNB. This feedback mechanism enables the Master eNB to make informed decisions about handover timing and target selection, optimizing the balance between resource utilization and connection quality.
3Reliability
If handover between Small Cell Nodes is implemented, then service continuity is maintained, but data transmission interruption occurs during switching
Solution Approach 1:
The Master eNB prepares for handover in advance by selecting a target Small Cell Node based on measurement reports and pre-configuring the necessary parameters. This preliminary preparation minimizes the actual handover execution time and reduces data transmission interruption.
Solution Approach 2:
The control plane connection between the UE and Master eNB is maintained throughout the handover process, ensuring continuous control signaling. The data plane connection is rapidly reestablished with the target Small Cell Node, minimizing interruption to useful data transmission.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method, base station and a computer storage medium for small-cell handover are provided, the method including: when determining, according to the measurement result of a radio signal reported by a UE, that the quality of a signal between the UE and source small cell is below a first preset threshold, or when determining, according to the obtained load information of a secondary eNB, that the load of the source small cell is above a second preset threshold, or when the source small cell requests to switch out of the UE, a master eNB selects for the UE, according to the measurement result, a neighbouring small cell having a signal quality and a load condition satisfying the requirement of the UE as a target small cell, and instructs the UE to switch to the target small cell.