Multi-FA Controller Handover for Broadband Wireless
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current broadband wireless communication systems face challenges in supporting both legacy Mobile Stations (MSs) using narrow bandwidth and new MSs using wide bandwidth, as existing systems require replacement of legacy MSs when Frequency Allocation (FA) changes, leading to compatibility issues.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a multi-FA controller and multiple Media Access Control (MAC) processors in both Mobile Stations (MSs) and Base Stations (BSs) allows for handover between different Frequency Allocations (FAs) within the same cell, enabling simultaneous support of MSs with varying bandwidths through frequency overlay, with each MAC processor managing independent connections and handovers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the Frequency Allocation (FA) is changed to support new MSs using wider bandwidth, then the bandwidth support capability is improved, but legacy MSs using narrow bandwidth cannot be served and must be replaced
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the frequency spectrum into multiple Frequency Allocations (FAs) with different bandwidths. Legacy MSs are assigned to narrow bandwidth FAs while new MSs are assigned to wide bandwidth FAs. This segmentation allows the system to simultaneously support both legacy and new MSs without requiring replacement of legacy devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The Base Station is designed with multi-functionality to handle multiple FAs simultaneously. It can serve both legacy MSs on narrow bandwidth FAs and new MSs on wide bandwidth FAs through a single unified system, eliminating the need for separate systems or replacement of legacy MSs.
2Device complexity
If a single FA is used in the system, then the system structure is simple, but it cannot support both legacy MSs and new MSs with different bandwidth requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically allocates MSs to different FAs based on their bandwidth requirements. The Base Station can flexibly manage multiple FAs and assign them to appropriate MSs, allowing the system to adapt to different MS types without fixed rigid structure. This dynamic allocation enables multi-bandwidth support while maintaining operational simplicity.
3Productivity
If handover is performed between different FAs of the same cell, then frequency usage is optimized and MS connectivity is maintained, but the handover control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The multi-FA controller acts as an intermediary between multiple MAC processors and the core network. It manages handover decisions and coordinates the switching between different FAs, simplifying the control logic by centralizing handover management rather than distributing it across all MAC processors. This reduces overall control complexity while enabling efficient frequency usage.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method for performing handover in a broadband wireless communication system are provided. A communication method includes broadcasting, by a Base Station (BS), a neighbor advertisement message including neighbor cell information through each Frequency Allocation (FA); analyzing the neighbor cell advertise message by a plurality of Media Access Control (MAC) processors of an Mobile Station (MS) to obtain FA configuration information of each neighbor cell; independently determining handover by the MAC processors of the MS; generating the start of handover by one MAC which first determines handover; and determining a handover target by the remaining MAC processors so that handover is performed to different FAs of the same BS of the MAC processor which generates the start of handover by using the FA configuration information of each neighbor cell.