Uplink-Centric Handover in Multi-Hop Wireless Networks
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems, particularly in multi-hop networks, face inefficiencies in handover procedures due to the reliance on downlink-centric methods, which can lead to increased network resource consumption and power usage, especially in over-deployed networks with nodes in varying operating modes.
Innovation Solution
Implementing an uplink-centric handover method where child nodes transmit uplink reference signals, and neighbor nodes monitor and report, allowing the control node to initiate handovers based on measurement reports, thereby reducing the need for frequent downlink reference signals and optimizing network resource usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If downlink-centric handover methods are used in multi-hop networks, then handover procedures can be initiated based on downlink reference signals, but network resource consumption and power usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional downlink-centric handover approach by implementing an uplink-centric method where the child node transmits uplink reference signals and the target node measures these signals to initiate handover. This inversion reduces network resource consumption because the uplink reference signals are already being transmitted for other purposes, eliminating the need for separate downlink reference signal transmissions from all potential target nodes.
Solution Approach 2:
The uplink reference signals transmitted by the child node serve multiple functions: they enable the target node to perform handover measurements and they are also used for uplink channel estimation and other communication purposes. This multi-functionality reduces the need for dedicated handover-specific transmissions, thereby conserving network resources.
2Measurement precision
If downlink reference signals are transmitted frequently for handover monitoring, then handover accuracy improves, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of having target nodes transmit downlink reference signals for measurement, the patent has the child node transmit uplink reference signals that are measured by the target node. This approach maintains measurement accuracy while reducing power consumption because the child node is already transmitting signals and the target node utilizes these existing transmissions for measurement purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The child node's uplink reference signal transmissions serve dual purposes: they fulfill the child node's own communication needs and simultaneously provide measurement signals for handover evaluation by target nodes. This self-service approach eliminates the need for additional dedicated measurement signals from target nodes, reducing overall power consumption.
3Measurement precision
If all neighbor nodes transmit downlink reference signals for handover evaluation, then handover decision accuracy improves, but network resource usage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the measurement function from the traditional model where all neighbor nodes actively transmit reference signals. Instead, only the target node performs measurements using the child node's uplink reference signals. This extraction eliminates redundant transmissions from non-target neighbor nodes, reducing network resource usage while maintaining handover decision accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
Rather than having all neighbor nodes transmit downlink reference signals (excessive action), the patent implements partial action where only the necessary measurements are performed using the child node's uplink signals. This partial approach is sufficient for accurate handover decisions and significantly reduces network resource consumption.
Data Source
AI summary
A child node in a wireless multi-hop network may receive a configuration for transmission of an uplink reference signal for a handover procedure; transmit the uplink reference signal according to the configuration; and receive a handover command or monitor for a downlink reference signal for the handover procedure based at least in part on transmitting the uplink reference signal.