Proxy Access Network Switching for Mobile Handover Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
In mobile communication systems, the lack of pre-established bearers leads to prolonged handover times and frequent handovers, especially when mobile stations move between networks using different protocols like MIP, PMIP, and GTP, and there is exposure of mobility anchor apparatus information.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a mobile station establishing initial and secondary paths with access and path switching apparatuses, allowing the mobility anchor apparatus to switch networks based on predetermined conditions rather than immediate path switching signals, and using a proxy apparatus to conceal the mobility anchor's information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the mobility anchor apparatus switches access networks upon receiving a path switching signal from the mobile station, then the path switching is simple and fast, but the handover time is prolonged and handover frequency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by establishing bearers in advance before the mobile station actually needs to switch networks. The mobility anchor apparatus proactively sets up communication paths (bearers) with potential target access networks based on predicted mobility patterns or pre-configured conditions, so that when handover is needed, the path is already ready and activation is immediate rather than requiring time-consuming establishment during the switch.
2Reliability
If the mobility anchor apparatus establishes a bearer to the access network upon receiving a path switching signal, then the path establishment is reliable, but the handover process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-establishing bearers before handover is triggered. The mobility anchor apparatus proactively creates communication paths to potential target access networks based on mobility predictions or pre-configuration, ensuring reliable path availability while avoiding the complexity and time delay of establishing bearers during the actual handover process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by making the bearer establishment process adaptive and conditional rather than static and mandatory. The system dynamically determines whether to establish bearers based on real-time conditions such as mobile station velocity, signal strength, network load, and predicted movement patterns, allowing the handover process complexity to vary according to actual needs rather than following a fixed complex procedure in all cases.
3Productivity
If the mobile station directly communicates with the mobility anchor apparatus for path switching, then the control is direct and efficient, but the mobility anchor apparatus information is exposed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the intermediary principle by introducing an access network as a mediator between the mobile station and the mobility anchor apparatus. During path switching, the mobile station communicates with the access network, which then relays necessary information to the mobility anchor apparatus. This intermediary approach maintains control efficiency while protecting the mobility anchor apparatus's identity and location information from direct exposure to the mobile station, enhancing security and privacy.
Data Source
AI summary
In a mobile communication system including a mobile station, an access apparatus for performing connection control between the mobile station and an access network, and an access network switching apparatus for switching access networks to communicate with the mobile station, the mobile station establishes a first path to communicate with the access apparatus, when the mobile station enters a coverage area of the access apparatus. The access apparatus establishes a second path to communicate with the access network switching apparatus when the first path is established. The access network switching apparatus switches the access networks when a predetermined condition is satisfied.