S1 Interface Mediator for LTE Handover and X2 Setup
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing method for establishing inter-eNB relations and X2 interfaces in LTE communication networks is inefficient, particularly due to the reliance on DNS for IP address retrieval, which requires configuration efforts and leads to delays in updating eNB IP addresses, making the process time-critical and prone to errors.
Innovation Solution
The method involves performing the first handover between eNBs over the S1/S10 interfaces prior to establishing the X2 interface, allowing for non-time-critical neighbor relation and X2 establishment, and using an ANR-independent S1 handover procedure to facilitate swift handovers and reduce the real-time requirements for neighbor relation and X2 establishment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If DNS is used for IP address retrieval in ANR process, then eNB IP address can be resolved, but configuration efforts are required and updates are delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the S1 interface as an intermediary communication path between source eNB and target eNB. This mediator allows direct information exchange including IP address communication without relying on the DNS resolution process, thereby bypassing the configuration delays and reliability issues associated with DNS-based address retrieval.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the IP address communication function from the DNS resolution process. By directly transmitting IP address information through the S1 interface during handover procedures, the system removes the dependency on DNS lookup mechanisms, eliminating the associated configuration overhead and update delays.
2Productivity
If X2 interface establishment is made time-critical during ANR, then neighbour relation can be established, but handover process becomes complex and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by establishing the S1 interface connection and exchanging necessary information (including IP addresses) before the actual handover execution. This preliminary setup through the S1 interface ensures that when handover occurs, the X2 interface establishment can proceed smoothly without time-critical constraints, reducing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the handover process into distinct phases: S1 interface-based preliminary information exchange phase, and X2 interface establishment phase. This segmentation allows each phase to be optimized independently, with the S1 phase handling the complex information exchange without time pressure, and the X2 phase focusing on rapid connection establishment.
3Extent of automation
If neighbour relation and X2 establishment are coupled with handover in real-time, then automatic neighbour relation can be maintained, but handover reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the S1 interface as a mediator that handles the complex neighbour relation and X2 establishment procedures separately from the time-critical handover execution. This intermediary role allows automated neighbour relation maintenance to proceed through reliable S1-based communication, while handover reliability is protected by decoupling it from these automated procedures.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method and a communication network node for establishing a relation between a newly detected radio base station (15b) and existing radio base stations (15a) in a communication network system. The communication network system comprises radio base stations (15) each serving at least one cell (19) and communicating with at least one communication network entity (10; 15) on a first communication interface (17), communicating with each other on a second communication interface (16), and communicating with user equipments (18) over a radio interface. When a user equipment (18) is to be handed over to said newly detected radio base station (15b) before a relation between said detected radio base station (15b) and an existing radio base station (15a) serving said user equipment (18) is established, the handover messages are initially transmitted over said first communication network interface (17).