Network Node Switching Pattern Adjustment for Handover Relocation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless communications networks, the complexity of network node configurations can lead to unsuccessful relocations due to network nodes operating in discontinuous transmission modes, which makes it difficult for user equipment to identify suitable target nodes for handover or cell reselection, especially when target nodes are in dormant states, resulting in under-reported signal strengths and reduced relocation success.
Innovation Solution
A method to adjust the switching patterns of network nodes to ensure they remain in an active mode during potential handover or cell reselection periods, aligning their transmission cycles with neighboring nodes to improve signal detection and facilitate successful relocations, while minimizing unnecessary signaling and preserving power savings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If network nodes operate in discontinuous transmission mode to save power, then energy consumption is reduced, but user equipment cannot reliably detect target nodes for relocation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a periodic switching pattern where network nodes alternate between active and dormant states in a coordinated manner. This allows nodes to save power during dormant periods while ensuring that at least one target node remains active during measurement occasions, enabling reliable detection and relocation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses measurement occasions that occur before actual relocation events. During these preliminary measurement periods, target nodes are ensured to be in active state so that user equipment can perform measurements and identify suitable target nodes before relocation is needed, thus preventing relocation failures.
2Loss of energy
If network nodes switch between active and dormant modes, then power savings are achieved, but signal detection reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes periodic measurement occasions where target nodes are guaranteed to be in active state. This periodic coordination ensures that signal strength measurements are always taken when signals are actually transmitted, eliminating the issue of averaging signals with dormant periods and ensuring measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the network controller monitors the switching patterns of network nodes and adjusts measurement occasions accordingly. This feedback ensures that measurements are always performed when target nodes are active, maintaining measurement precision while preserving power savings.
3Reliability
If network nodes remain in active mode continuously, then relocation success improves, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic measurement occasions coordinated with periodic active states of target nodes. This allows the system to achieve reliable relocation detection during these periodic active periods while allowing nodes to enter dormant states at other times, thus maintaining relocation success without continuous power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by keeping only the minimum necessary nodes active during measurement occasions rather than continuously. This ensures sufficient signal detection capability for successful relocation while minimizing the duration and extent of active transmission, thereby reducing overall energy consumption.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of controlling network nodes of a wireless communications network, a network node and a computer program product are disclosed. The method of controlling networks nodes of a wireless communications network to facilitate relocation of at least a first network node from connection with a second network node to connection with one of a plurality of neighboring network nodes, at least one of said network nodes being operable to switch, in accordance with an associated predetermined switching pattern, between an active mode of connection in which wireless communication is supported and a dormant mode of connection in which wireless communication is not supported, comprises the steps of: determining when said first network node is configured to support wireless communication with said second network node; and providing information to adjust said associated predetermined switching pattern to improve a likelihood of supporting wireless communication between said first network node and said one of a plurality of network nodes to thereby facilitate said relocation. By adjusting the switching patterns, it is more likely that the first network node will be able to detect the presences of one of the plurality of network nodes. Improving the likelihood of detecting the presence of these network nodes may in turn improve the probability of a successful relocation being facilitated.