Multi-Link Configuration for UDN Handover Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
In ultra-dense networks (UDN), frequent handovers of user equipment (UE) occur due to small cell coverage areas, leading to increased signaling overheads and data interruptions, which is a pressing issue that needs to be resolved.
Innovation Solution
A multi-link configuration method is implemented where a base station configures multiple links for UE by selecting transmission points with strong signal strengths, ensuring that when a weak signal is detected, a better quality transmission point is added to maintain continuous service, thereby reducing handover frequency and interruptions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If small cells are deployed on a large scale in hot spot areas to increase network capacity, then network coverage and data handling capability are improved, but frequent handover occurs even when UE moves at low or medium speed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple small cell coverage areas into a unified multi-link configuration. When UE is served by multiple transmission points simultaneously through multiple links, the handover is performed as a group rather than individual cell transitions, reducing handover frequency and signaling overhead while maintaining network capacity benefits
2Reliability
If frequent handover is performed to maintain connection quality in UDN, then connection reliability is improved, but signaling overhead increases and data interruption occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring multiple links and candidate transmission points before handover is needed. The network maintains prepared connection paths in advance, allowing seamless switching without frequent handover signaling, thus reducing signaling overhead while maintaining connection quality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic link management where the set of active links and candidate transmission points adapts based on UE movement and signal conditions. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to maintain optimal connection quality without unnecessary handovers, reducing signaling overhead
3Reliability
If multiple links are configured for UE to reduce handover frequency, then handover stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service mechanisms where the UE autonomously monitors signal conditions of candidate transmission points and reports measurements to the network. The network then automatically manages link activation and deactivation based on these reports, reducing the complexity burden on individual devices while maintaining handover stability
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention provide a multi-link configuration method, a base station, and user equipment. UE generates uplink information and sends the uplink information to a base station. The base station configures a first set and/or a second set for the UE based on the uplink information. When the first set or the second set is configured, a plurality of links are established between transmission points included in the first set or the second set and the UE. When the first set and the second set are configured, the first set includes at least two transmission points, and the second set is a subset of the first set. In this process, the transmission point included in the first set is a candidate transmission point, and the transmission point included in the second set establishes a plurality of links to a user, and is a transmission point that actually transmits data to the UE. When a signal of the transmission point included in the second set is weak or interrupted, a transmission point with good quality is selected from the first set and added to the second set to reduce a quantity of times of link interruption and service interruption, thereby resolving a problem of frequent handover of the UE in a UDN network.