Dynamic Neighbor List Update for Inter-Frequency Handover Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current cellular network technologies lack control over detected set cells not on the neighbor list, which can lead to inefficient inter-frequency handovers and increased signaling load, as these cells are not considered for inter-frequency measurements, potentially resulting in suboptimal handover decisions and network performance issues.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that allow the network and user equipment (UE) to cooperatively update the neighbor list by adding detected set cells with different frequencies, enabling their inclusion in inter-frequency measurements and virtual active sets, thereby controlling which cells affect handover decisions and reducing signaling load.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If detected set cells are not added to the neighbor list, then the neighbor list remains controlled and manageable, but inter-frequency handover decisions become suboptimal and network control is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The neighbor list is made dynamic by allowing automatic addition of detected set cells that meet specific criteria (signal strength threshold, frequency quality estimate). The system transitions from a static, manually configured neighbor list to a dynamic one that adapts to changing radio conditions, improving handover accuracy while maintaining manageable complexity through automated rules
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the UE continuously monitors detected set cells and reports them to the network. The network uses this feedback to determine whether to add cells to the neighbor list based on predefined criteria. This closed-loop feedback system ensures optimal handover decisions while maintaining controlled neighbor list management
2Measurement precision
If detected set cells are included in inter-frequency measurements, then handover accuracy improves, but signaling load increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies local quality by performing detailed inter-frequency measurements only on detected set cells that meet specific local criteria (signal strength above threshold, geographic relevance). Not all detected cells undergo full measurement and reporting, reducing overall signaling load while maintaining measurement precision for relevant cells
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs partial measurements on detected set cells rather than exhaustive measurements on all possible cells. By measuring only a subset of cells that meet predefined criteria, the system achieves sufficient measurement precision for accurate handover decisions while minimizing signaling load and energy consumption
3Productivity
If the neighbor list is automatically updated with detected cells, then handover performance improves, but control over the neighbor list is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The neighbor list management system transitions from static to dynamic, allowing automatic updates based on real-time radio conditions. The system maintains ease of operation by implementing automated decision rules and thresholds that govern when cells are added or removed, providing adaptability without requiring manual intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains control through feedback mechanisms where the network receives reports about detected set cells and makes informed decisions about neighbor list updates. The network retains ultimate control by evaluating reported cells against predefined criteria and policies, ensuring automated updates improve handover performance without losing operational control
Data Source
AI summary
A method, apparatus and computer program product are provided to permit a neighbor list to be updated with a detected set cell such that the detected set cell may thereafter be utilized for determining a frequency quality estimate or for inter-frequency measurements and/or considered for inclusion in a virtual active set. From a network perspective, the method may receive information regarding a detected cell that is not on a neighbor list for a user equipment (UE) and that operates at a non-used frequency and may cause a message to be transmitted to the UE adding the detected cell to the neighbor list. From a UE perspective, the method may cause information to be provided regarding a detected cell that is not on a neighbor list and that operates at a non-used frequency and may thereafter receive a message adding the detected cell to the neighbor list.