X2 Gateway Base Station Connection Management
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The deployment of Home eNodeB (HeNB) base stations poses challenges due to frequent power cycles, leading to frequent configuration changes and TNL Address changes, which result in inefficient TNL Address Discovery processes and X2 connection maintenance across a large number of HeNBs, causing load on the network and potential connection failures.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a communication system where base stations include a neighbour discovery module and a network address discovery module that send configuration request messages indicating X2 gateway support, allowing for the establishment of X2 connections through an X2 gateway device, and include identifiers in messages to manage connections based on gateway compatibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the conventional TNL Address Discovery procedure is used for each HeNB, then complete address information can be obtained, but the core network experiences excessive load due to frequent power cycles and configuration changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by having base stations exchange TNL address information proactively through X2 interface before handover operations are needed. The source base station obtains the target base station's TNL address in advance through direct X2 communication or via X2 gateway, eliminating the need for frequent core network involvement during actual handovers. This preliminary exchange of address information significantly reduces the load on core network elements like MME while ensuring complete and up-to-date TNL address availability for seamless handovers.
2Speed
If direct X2 connections are established between all base stations, then communication efficiency is improved, but the system complexity increases due to managing numerous connections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an X2 gateway as an intermediary component that mediates X2 connections between base stations. Instead of requiring every base station to maintain direct connections with all other base stations, the X2 gateway centralizes the management of TNL address information and connection routing. This intermediary approach maintains fast direct communication paths when needed while significantly reducing the complexity of connection management by providing a centralized coordination point for address discovery and connection establishment.
3Reliability
If TNL address discovery is performed frequently to accommodate HeNB power cycles, then connection reliability is maintained, but network efficiency deteriorates due to redundant discovery processes
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs TNL address discovery in advance when base stations become active or when configuration changes occur, storing this information in local buffers at base stations. This preliminary discovery eliminates the need for frequent repeated discovery processes. The stored address information is validated and updated only when necessary (e.g., upon detecting actual configuration changes), thereby maintaining high handover reliability while avoiding redundant network operations during normal operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where base stations monitor for configuration change indications and validate stored TNL address information. When a base station detects that a neighbor's configuration may have changed (through synchronization signals or other indicators), it triggers an updated address discovery process. This feedback-driven approach ensures address information remains current and reliable while minimizing unnecessary discovery operations, thereby optimizing network efficiency without sacrificing connection reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A communication system is disclosed comprising an X2 gateway, a number of base stations, and a mobile device. The base stations are able to establish X2 connections directly with each other or via the X2 gateway. Various procedures are disclosed to determine how X2 connections should be established based on compatibility of the respective base stations with the X2 gateway.