Measurement Control Method for Heterogeneous Network Handover Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
In heterogeneous wireless networks, user equipment (UE) experiences abrupt signal attenuation when moving from the center to the edge of small cells, leading to delayed handovers to macro cells and increased handover signaling overheads due to frequent handovers between densely deployed small cells.
Innovation Solution
A measurement control method that involves receiving measurement configuration information, detecting cell signal quality, and determining whether to report events or measurement results based on signal strength and configuration parameters to optimize handover processes, including skipping or deferring reports to retain macro cells in the active set and reduce handover signaling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If small cells are deployed densely to increase network capacity, then network capacity is improved, but handover signaling overhead increases due to frequent handovers between cells
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by adding neighboring cells to the active set in advance before handover is needed. When a UE is in a software handover area, the system proactively adds neighboring cells (including macro cells) to the active set before the UE actually needs to hand over, thereby reducing handover signaling overhead while maintaining network capacity benefits from dense small cell deployment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the active set composition flexible and adaptive. The active set dynamically includes both small cells and macro cells based on UE location and signal conditions, allowing the system to adapt to changing network conditions and reduce unnecessary handovers while maintaining high network capacity
2Ease of operation
If the UE adds neighboring cells to active set in advance for interference coordination, then access convenience is improved, but handover signaling overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by adding neighboring cells to the active set in advance before handover is needed. When a UE is in a software handover area, the system proactively adds neighboring cells (including macro cells) to the active set before the UE actually needs to hand over, thereby reducing handover signaling overhead while maintaining network capacity benefits from dense small cell deployment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating the treatment of different cells based on their types and locations. The system applies different active set management strategies for small cells versus macro cells, and for cells in different geographic areas (center vs. edge of small cells), optimizing access convenience locally while reducing overall signaling overhead
3Area of stationary object
If the UE moves from center to edge of small cell, then coverage area is expanded, but handover timing is delayed due to abrupt signal attenuation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by adding the macro cell to the active set in advance when the UE is still in the small cell coverage area. This proactive approach ensures that when the UE moves to the edge and experiences abrupt signal attenuation, the macro cell is already available in the active set, eliminating handover delay and ensuring seamless continuity of service
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by maintaining multiple cells (both small cells and macro cells) in the active set simultaneously. This creates a buffer or cushion that protects against abrupt signal attenuation at small cell edges, ensuring that the UE always has alternative cells available for immediate connection without handover delays
Data Source
AI summary
The present application discloses a measurement control apparatus, and can reduce handover signaling and improve a handover success rate. The apparatus of the present application mainly includes: a processor coupled with a non-transitory storage medium storing executable instructions; wherein the executable instructions, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to receive measurement configuration information sent by a control node, where the measurement configuration information includes a list of first-type cells, the type of first-type cells, a list of second-type cells, the type of second-type cells, hierarchical cell structure (HCS) priorities, a frequency of first-type cells, or a dedicated parameter for evaluating an event trigger threshold; detect cell signal quality or signal strength of a cell; and determine, according to the cell signal quality or signal strength and the measurement configuration information, whether to report an event or a measurement result to the control node.