Network Redirection via Signal Quality Thresholds
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Solution Overview
Problem
User equipment in heterogeneous overlay networks, such as E-UTRAN and UTRAN, experiences poor reception signal quality due to location at the edge of cells or high data traffic, necessitating redirection between networks to maintain service quality.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for redirecting user equipment from a current serving cell in one network to a target cell in another network based on signal quality measurements, involving SINR and RSRP evaluation, threshold comparison, and performing a RRC connection release procedure to switch between E-UTRAN and UTRAN networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If user equipment is served by E-UTRAN network, then high data transmit rate with low latency is achieved, but poor reception signal quality occurs when user equipment is located at cell edge or serving base station has high data traffic load
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a measurement report as an intermediary mechanism between the user equipment and the network controller. The measurement report carries signal quality measurements from the user equipment, enabling the network to identify when redirection is needed without direct intervention in the radio interface. This intermediary allows the system to resolve the contradiction by triggering redirection based on measured signal quality while maintaining high throughput in good signal conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational state of the user equipment from one network (E-UTRAN) to another network (UTRAN) by modifying the serving network parameter. When signal quality measurements indicate poor reception, the system changes the network parameter to redirect the user equipment to a different network, thereby resolving the contradiction between maintaining high data rates and ensuring reliable signal quality.
2Loss of time
If redirection decision is made based on single measurement, then response time is reduced, but false redirection may occur due to measurement fluctuations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by continuously monitoring signal quality measurements before making a redirection decision. The system measures signal quality over a predetermined period and only triggers redirection when the measurement consistently falls below the threshold for that duration. This preliminary continuous measurement approach filters out temporary fluctuations while maintaining rapid response to genuine signal degradation, resolving the contradiction between quick response and accurate decision-making.
3Reliability
If network redirection is implemented, then user equipment signal quality is improved, but connection establishment complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by establishing a closed-loop system where the user equipment continuously measures and reports signal quality to the network. Based on this feedback, the network makes informed redirection decisions and provides guidance to the user equipment about the target network. This feedback mechanism simplifies the connection establishment by providing clear instructions and reducing uncertainty during the redirection process, thereby resolving the contradiction between improving signal quality and maintaining procedural simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
Described embodiments provide a method and apparatus for redirecting user equipment from a current serving cell of a first network to a corresponding target cell of a second network in a heterogeneous overlay network environment. A current serving base station of the first network may receive signal quality measurements from user equipment coupled to the current serving cell of the first network. Based on the received signal quality measurements, the current serving base station may determine whether signal quality of the user equipment is lower than predetermined reference quality based on at least one of the received signal quality measurements. When the signal quality of the user equipment is lower than the predetermined reference quality, the current serving base station may redirect the user equipment from the current serving cell of the first network to the corresponding target cell of the second network.