Wireless Network Handoff Parameter Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
In cellular wireless systems, handoffs between networks operating on different air interface protocols, such as LTE and CDMA, can be delayed when a user equipment (UE) needs to acquire operational parameters of the target network during an active communication, especially when multiple disparate CDMA networks exist in the same market area, as the current methods like SIB8 may not suffice.
Innovation Solution
A method where a first wireless network maintains data on operational parameters of multiple second wireless networks and provides the corresponding set of operational parameters to a UE upon detection of a second network, allowing the UE to hand off seamlessly without needing to read these parameters from the target network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the UE reads operational parameters from the target network during handoff, then the UE can operate properly in the target network, but the handoff process is delayed and disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The source network provides operational parameters of the target network to the UE before the handoff occurs. This preliminary provision of parameters allows the UE to be pre-configured with necessary information (such as system time, access channel parameters, and other operational data) so that when handoff occurs, the UE can immediately operate in the target network without needing to read parameters during the transition, thereby eliminating handoff delay while ensuring proper operation.
2Reliability
If the UE scans for and evaluates pilot signals to select coverage areas, then the UE can operate in the best coverage area, but the process is time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The network performs preliminary scanning and evaluation of pilot signals and provides the results to the UE. Instead of the UE independently scanning all coverage areas, the network (source base station) scans for available target coverage areas, evaluates their pilot signal strengths, and provides this pre-processed information to the UE. This allows the UE to make handoff decisions based on pre-evaluated data, significantly reducing the time required for coverage area selection while ensuring the UE selects the best coverage area.
3Reliability
If the UE monitors multiple pilot signals continuously, then the UE can ensure continuous operation in the best coverage area, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The network performs the monitoring and evaluation of pilot signals on behalf of the UE. The source base station continuously monitors pilot signals from potential target coverage areas and maintains information about available handoff targets. The UE receives this pre-monitored information from the network and uses it to make handoff decisions, eliminating the need for the UE to continuously monitor multiple pilot signals itself. This transfers the monitoring function from the UE to the network, reducing the UE's energy consumption while maintaining continuous awareness of the best coverage area.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and corresponding system to help improve handoff of a wireless communication device from a first network to a particular second network. The first network may maintain data that includes operational parameters of each of a plurality of second networks, such as networks that provide coverage in the same market area as the first wireless network. When the first network receives from a wireless communication device an indication that the device has detected coverage of a particular one of the second networks, the first network may then provide the device with the corresponding set of operational parameters for the detected second network.