Mobile Relay Handover Latency Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current relay technologies in mobile networks, such as those used in 3GPP LTE-Advanced systems, are designed for stationary relays and do not effectively manage the handover of mobile relays, leading to potential network disruptions and quality of service (QoS) issues when relays move relative to source network nodes.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for managing a moving relay node by ensuring a target network node can support the relay, sending a handover request, establishing an interface between the relay and the target node, and detaching the relay from the source node without waiting for acknowledgement, thereby minimizing handover latency and ensuring seamless mobility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If traditional handover procedures are used for mobile relays, then the relay can move relative to the source network node, but handover latency increases and network disruptions occur
Solution Approach 1:
The source network node sends the handover command to the mobile relay before receiving acknowledgment from the target network node. This preliminary action allows the handover process to start earlier, reducing handover latency and enabling faster relay mobility without waiting for the complete traditional handover sequence to finish.
2Reliability
If the source network node waits for acknowledgment before sending handover command, then handover reliability improves, but handover latency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The handover command is sent in advance before acknowledgment is received, performing the critical handover action preliminarily. This reduces latency while maintaining reliability through subsequent completion procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The handover procedure transitions from a static, sequential process to a dynamic, overlapping process where the command transmission and acknowledgment receipt occur in parallel. This dynamic approach allows the system to adapt timing based on network conditions while minimizing delays.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional relay architectures are used, then stationary relays are supported, but mobile relay handovers cannot be effectively managed
Solution Approach 1:
The relay architecture transitions from static to dynamic by enabling mobile relays to perform handovers. The optimized handover procedure with early command transmission allows the relay to maintain connectivity while moving, supporting scenarios like relays on moving vehicles or portable base stations.
Solution Approach 2:
By preparing and sending handover commands in advance, the system proactively manages mobility transitions. This preliminary action ensures that mobile relays can switch network nodes seamlessly during movement, maintaining service continuity despite the dynamic environment.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and relay node for managing a plurality of relay nodes that is moving relative to a source network node, the method comprising: selecting a lead node; connecting the plurality of relay nodes to the lead node; and transmitting a signal to manage mobility of the plurality of relay nodes from the lead node to a network node.