MME Gateway Reselection for LTE Small-Cell Dual Connectivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
In small cell deployment scenarios, the introduction of dual connectivity in LTE systems leads to frequent handovers due to signal attenuation and lack of spectrum resources, causing significant signaling impact on the core network, and the support for SIPTO@LN services is not adequately addressed.
Innovation Solution
The method involves a master evolved node B interacting with a candidate secondary node B to determine dual connectivity based on local home network information, and the mobility management entity re-selects a serving gateway to support SIPTO@LN services by exchanging ERAB address information through inter-evolved node B interfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dual connectivity is introduced to reduce frequent handovers in small cell deployment, then user throughput and mobility performance are improved, but the system complexity and signaling impact on core network increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring and pre-establishing dual connectivity relationships between master eNB and candidate secondary eNBs before actual handover occurs. The master eNB maintains a list of candidate secondary eNBs with pre-negotiated parameters, allowing rapid activation during mobility events without complex real-time negotiation, thus reducing signaling overhead while maintaining high mobility performance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the dual connectivity configuration adaptable and flexible. The master eNB dynamically selects and activates appropriate secondary eNBs based on real-time user equipment location, signal conditions, and network load. The configuration parameters are dynamically adjusted during operation, allowing the system to optimize performance while managing complexity through intelligent, context-aware decision-making
2Productivity
If high-frequency points are used for hotspot coverage to increase user throughput, then spectral efficiency is improved, but signal attenuation increases and coverage area decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies merging by combining high-frequency point-to-point links with dual connectivity architecture. The high-frequency eNBs provide capacity-boosting hotspot coverage through point-to-point connections, while dual connectivity enables seamless handovers between these high-frequency nodes and macro eNBs. This merging allows the system to exploit the high spectral efficiency of high-frequency spectrum while mitigating the limited coverage through intelligent connectivity management
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the master eNB as an intermediary between high-frequency secondary eNBs and the core network. The master eNB handles the complex coordination and signaling for dual connectivity setups involving high-frequency eNBs, abstracting the complexity from the core network and enabling high-frequency deployment without proportionally increasing core network burden
3Adaptability or versatility
If frequent handovers occur between new cells and existing cells, then user mobility is supported, but signaling impact on core network increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-establishing dual connectivity relationships and pre-configuring handover parameters between candidate eNBs before actual handover occurs. This allows the network to prepare handover paths in advance, reducing real-time signaling during mobility events. The master eNB maintains a pre-validated list of candidate secondary eNBs with agreed-upon parameters, enabling rapid activation without extensive real-time negotiation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the master eNB continuously monitors user equipment location, signal conditions, and connection status. Based on this feedback, the master eNB dynamically adjusts dual connectivity configurations and selects optimal handover targets. This closed-loop approach ensures that handovers are triggered only when necessary and beneficial, reducing unnecessary signaling while maintaining smooth user mobility
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for information interaction under small cell deployment, includes: a mobility management entity re-selecting (S910) a serving gateway for a user equipment; and the mobility management entity sending (S710, S920) an evolved radio access bearer, ERAB, modification message to a master evolved node B to which the user equipment accesses, wherein the ERAB modification message carries new ERAB transport information