Uplink Split Mode Handover Control for Wireless Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
In heterogeneous wireless networks, load balancing of wireless devices between access nodes with different capabilities is challenging, particularly when devices with high uplink data requirements are not well-served by access nodes that do not support uplink split mode, leading to inefficient handovers.
Innovation Solution
The method involves determining the uplink usage requirements of wireless devices and adjusting handover thresholds to prevent or delay handovers to access nodes not capable of uplink split mode, encouraging devices to stay attached to nodes that support simultaneous 4G LTE and 5G NR communications, thereby enhancing load balancing and uplink throughput.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If standard handovers are performed based on signal conditions alone, then wireless devices can maintain connectivity, but devices with high uplink requirements may be handed over to access nodes that cannot support uplink split mode, resulting in reduced throughput
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies handover decision parameters by introducing uplink capability assessment and uplink usage requirement evaluation. Instead of relying solely on signal quality metrics, the system changes the handover parameters to include capability matching between device uplink requirements and target access node uplink split mode support, ensuring high-throughput devices are directed to appropriate nodes
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where access nodes report their uplink split mode capability status and wireless devices report their uplink usage requirements. This feedback loop enables the network to make informed handover decisions that match device throughput needs with access node capabilities, preventing handovers that would degrade uplink performance
2Use of energy by stationary object
If access nodes use split mode antenna arrays for both 4G and 5G communications, then power consumption is reduced and equipment cost is lowered, but load balancing becomes problematic when device capabilities do not match node capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating handover decisions based on specific device characteristics (uplink usage requirements) and specific target node characteristics (uplink split mode capability). Instead of uniform handover policies, the system tailors handover behavior to local conditions - directing high uplink requirement devices to nodes with uplink split mode support while allowing standard handovers for devices without such requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary assessment of both device uplink requirements and access node uplink capabilities before executing handovers. By evaluating capability matching in advance, the network prevents problematic handovers to incompatible nodes, ensuring that devices with high uplink needs are pre-screened to only consider capable target nodes
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for preventing or delaying handovers to target access nodes that are not configured to provide uplink split mode, include determining that an uplink usage requirement or a power headroom of a wireless device meets a threshold, and preventing handovers of the wireless device to access nodes that are not capable of utilizing uplink split mode. Access nodes capable of utilizing uplink split mode are configured to receive uplink data via at least two different radio access technologies simultaneously, including 4G LTE and 5G NR.