Wireless Network Node for Selective Multi-Cell Bearer Handover
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing LTE handover mechanisms in heterogeneous networks require frequent handovers of user plane bearers, leading to significant signaling load and potential network bottlenecks due to frequent handovers between anchor and assisting flows.
Innovation Solution
Implementing selective handover mechanisms that allow for the handover of a subset of bearers between a source and target base station, enabling multiple connectivity and maintaining some bearers at the source while transferring others to the target, based on radio conditions and bearer type.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If frequent handovers are performed to maintain acceptable user data throughput levels, then service quality is improved, but signaling load in network nodes increases and becomes a limiting factor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the bearer set into multiple subsets, with each subset handled by a different base station. This allows the system to maintain multiple connectivity paths simultaneously, reducing the frequency of complete handovers while preserving service quality. The segmentation of bearers enables parallel handling of different data flows, thereby reducing signaling overhead.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple connectivity paths (anchor flow and assisting flow) to serve the wireless terminal simultaneously. By combining multiple base stations to handle different bearer subsets, the system achieves load distribution and reduces the signaling burden on individual nodes while maintaining reliable service.
2Ease of operation
If complete handover of all bearers is performed to simplify network management, then control is centralized, but system flexibility and recovery capability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the bearer set into multiple subsets that can be independently managed by different base stations. This segmentation maintains operational simplicity through standardized interfaces while enabling flexible distribution of bearers across multiple nodes, enhancing system adaptability and recovery capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic bearer distribution where bearers can be flexibly allocated between anchor and assisting base stations based on radio conditions and network state. This dynamic approach allows the system to adapt to changing conditions while maintaining manageable control through coordinated management.
3Productivity
If all bearers are handed over to target base station, then load balancing is achieved, but critical bearers may be lost during handover transitions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments bearers into critical and non-critical subsets, with critical bearers maintained at the anchor base station while non-critical bearers are handed over to the target. This segmentation achieves load balancing for non-critical traffic while preserving bearer continuity and reliability for critical services.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different handling strategies to different bearer subsets based on their criticality. Critical bearers receive priority handling with maintained connectivity at the anchor, while non-critical bearers are subjected to standard handover procedures, optimizing both load balancing and reliability according to local requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
Example embodiments presented herein are directed towards a wireless terminal and base station, and corresponding methods therein, for providing a handover for a subset of bearers associated with the wireless terminal. The subset of bearers is less than a total number of bearers associated with the wireless terminal. Thus, upon the completion of the handover procedure, at least one bearer will stay connected with a source base station.