UMTS to LTE Handover Identifier Conversion

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Solution Overview

Problem

In current mobile communication systems, there is no established rule for converting Target eNB ID to Corresponding RNC ID during a UMTS-to-LTE handover, leading to difficulties in identifying the target eNB ID, which hinders smooth handover processes.

Innovation Solution

A method and device that convert the Target eNB ID into a Corresponding RNC ID by selecting and filling appropriate PLMN ID, eNB ID, and TAC from the Target eNB ID, allowing the conversion of Target eNB ID to Corresponding RNC ID, enabling correct handover requests in UMTS-to-LTE transitions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the Target eNB ID is used directly in the handover process, then the handover can be performed, but the SGSN cannot identify the target eNB ID leading to handover failure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehandover success rateVSAvoididentity conversion mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a Corresponding RNC ID as an intermediary identifier that bridges the gap between the Target eNB ID (which SGSN cannot identify) and the SGSN's addressing capability. The RNC converts the Target eNB ID into a Corresponding RNC ID that the SGSN can understand and use to address the target MME, enabling successful handover without requiring the SGSN to directly handle LTE-specific identifiers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the identifier parameter from Target eNB ID to Corresponding RNC ID in the relocation required message. This parameter transformation allows the SGSN to correctly identify and address the target MME based on the converted identifier, resolving the incompatibility between UMTS and LTE identification systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If a conversion rule from Target eNB ID to Corresponding RNC ID is established, then the SGSN can identify the target eNB ID, but no such rule currently exists in the network

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehandover process smoothnessVSAvoidconversion rule implementation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The RNC performs the conversion from Target eNB ID to Corresponding RNC ID in advance, before the SGSN needs to address the target MME. This preliminary conversion action ensures that the SGSN receives an identifier it can understand, eliminating the need for the SGSN to perform complex conversion operations and smoothing the overall handover process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If the Target eNB ID is converted to Corresponding RNC ID, then the handover request can be correctly forwarded, but the conversion process adds complexity to the handover procedure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehandover request accuracyVSAvoidhandover processing time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The RNC autonomously performs the conversion from Target eNB ID to Corresponding RNC ID without requiring additional signaling or complex processing from other network elements. The RNC uses its existing capabilities to transform the identifier and includes the converted value in the relocation required message, minimizing the time added to the handover procedure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS9215627B2Handover method and device

Publication Date: 2015.12.15 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD

AI summary

Embodiments of the present invention provide a handover method and device. When an SGSN cannot identify a Target eNB ID, the Target eNB ID is converted into a Corresponding RNC ID. A relocation request message carrying the Corresponding RNC ID is sent to the SGSN. One of a first PLMN ID and a second PLMN ID included in the Target eNB ID is selected. A selected PLMN ID, an eNB ID included in the Target eNB ID, and a TAC in a Selected TAI are filled in the Corresponding RNC ID.