Multi-Carrier Scanning Without Data Interruption
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Solution Overview
Problem
In mobile communication systems supporting multi-carriers, existing methods interrupt data traffic during scanning operations, as they rely on a single primary carrier for managing the state and mobility of mobile stations, including scanning operations, which can lead to inefficiencies and resource underutilization.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that allow scanning operations to be performed using a designated carrier without interrupting data traffic, by requesting and utilizing a scanning interval allocated by the serving base station, using either the primary or secondary carrier for scanning, while maintaining uninterrupted data transmission and reception through another carrier.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If scanning operations are performed using the primary carrier in existing methods, then scanning functionality is achieved, but data traffic transmission is interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the carrier functions by separating scanning operations from data traffic operations. The mobile station uses the primary carrier exclusively for data traffic transmission and reception, while performing scanning operations on a secondary carrier. This segmentation allows both scanning functionality and data traffic transmission to occur simultaneously without mutual interference, resolving the contradiction between reliable scanning and continuous data transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a secondary carrier as an intermediary resource to perform scanning operations. Instead of using the primary carrier for both data traffic and scanning (which causes interruption), the secondary carrier acts as a mediator that handles scanning tasks. This allows the primary carrier to maintain uninterrupted data traffic while the secondary carrier performs scanning in allocated intervals, thus resolving the contradiction between scanning reliability and data transmission productivity.
2Reliability
If scanning is performed by interrupting data traffic on the primary carrier, then scanning of neighbor base stations is achieved, but resource utilization efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments carrier functionality to assign different tasks to different carriers. The primary carrier is dedicated to data traffic transmission, while the secondary carrier is used for scanning operations. This segmentation enables continuous data traffic on the primary carrier without interruption, thereby improving resource utilization efficiency while still achieving reliable neighbor base station information acquisition through scanning on the secondary carrier.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements multi-functionality by having the mobile station operate on multiple carriers simultaneously. The primary carrier handles data traffic, while the secondary carrier handles scanning operations. This multi-functional approach allows the system to achieve both data transmission efficiency and scanning functionality without resource waste, as each carrier is optimized for its specific function rather than requiring interruption for task switching.
3Device complexity
If the mobile station uses only the primary carrier for data traffic, then carrier management is simplified, but scanning operations require traffic interruption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments carrier roles into primary and secondary functions. The primary carrier is simplified for data traffic management, while the secondary carrier is added specifically for scanning operations. This segmentation maintains simplified management of the primary carrier while enabling continuous scanning capability on the secondary carrier without requiring traffic interruption on the primary carrier.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from single-carrier operation to multi-carrier operation, adding a new dimension to the system. By introducing a secondary carrier, the system can perform scanning operations in a different dimensional space (frequency domain) without affecting the primary carrier's data traffic operations. This dimensional expansion allows continuous scanning capability while maintaining simplified primary carrier management.
Data Source
AI summary
There are provided a method and an apparatus for scanning in a mobile communication system supporting a multi-carrier. For this, the scanning method includes: in a mobile station supporting a multi-carrier including a primary carrier and a secondary carrier, requesting allocation of a scanning interval to a serving base station by using the primary carrier; receiving a response message for designating the scanning interval and a carrier to be used for scanning from the serving base station; and scanning neighbor base stations by using the carrier designated by the response message in the scanning interval. Transaction data is continuously transmitted and received through the remaining carriers while scanning the neighbor base stations by using the primary carrier or the secondary carrier without interruption.