Relay eNB X2 Interface Connection via MME Mediator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication technologies, particularly in the LTE-A system, lack a method for establishing X2 interface connections between Relay eNBs and other eNBs, such as HeNBs, which is necessary for mobile handover processes but is not disclosed in prior art.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a gateway that facilitates the establishment of X2 interfaces by exchanging request and response messages between network nodes, including Relay eNBs, HeNBs, and other eNBs, using transmission layer addresses and identifiers to establish communication links, allowing for the setup of X2 interfaces between these nodes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If Relay eNBs and HeNBs use traditional S1 interface-based handover processes, then connection establishment is possible through core network nodes, but direct X2 interface connections between eNBs cannot be established, limiting handover efficiency and mobility management capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the MME as an intermediary that facilitates X2 interface connection establishment between Relay eNBs/HeNBs and other eNBs. The MME receives X2 connection requests, retrieves transmission layer addresses from its stored context information, and forwards them to enable direct peer-to-peer X2 connections while the Relay eNB/HeNB remains connected to the MME via S1 interface for control
2Productivity
If Relay eNBs establish connections only through S1 interface to MME, then core network management is maintained, but direct peer-to-peer communication with other eNBs is prevented, reducing network efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the communication paths by maintaining S1 interface connections for control plane management between Relay eNBs/HeNBs and MME, while simultaneously enabling separate X2 interface connections for user plane data transmission and handover operations between eNBs. This segmentation allows both management and efficient data transfer to coexist
Solution Approach 2:
The MME performs preliminary actions by storing transmission layer addresses of Relay eNBs and HeNBs in its context information during initial connection establishment. This pre-stored information is readily available when X2 connection requests are made, eliminating the need for complex real-time address discovery and reducing connection establishment delay
3Loss of time
If direct X2 interface connections are established between Relay eNBs/HeNBs and other eNBs, then handover efficiency improves, but the lack of predefined connection methods increases implementation complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the MME receives X2 connection requests from Relay eNBs or other eNBs, retrieves the necessary transmission layer address information from its stored context, and feeds back this information in a structured response message. This feedback loop automates the connection establishment process and eliminates manual configuration complexity
Data Source
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AI summary
A method and an apparatus for establishing a connection between evolved Node Bs (eNBs) are provided. The method includes after finding a new neighboring cell, sending, by a first network node, a first request message carrying information of a third network node, to which the neighboring cell belongs to a second network node, sending, by the second network node, a second request message carrying cell information of the first network node to the third network node, sending, by the third network node, a first response message carrying information of the first network node to the second network node, and sending, by the second network node, a second response message carrying cell information of the third network node to the first network node, for establishing, by the first network node, a communication connection between the first network node and the third network node with the cell information of the third network node. The present invention may establish the X2 interface connection between a Relay eNB or a Home eNB (HeNB) and other eNBs, and implement the X2 interface based application, such as the mobile handover.