X2 Handover Between Home eNBs Using MME Identifier
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing mobile communication systems face a heavy burden and reduced efficiency in handover processes due to the large number of HeNBs using S1 handover, which also affects handover efficiency when UE moves between HeNBs and eNBs, as the core network is overloaded with unnecessary signaling interactions.
Innovation Solution
Implementing an X2 handover method that involves transmitting an MME identifier from the source HeNB to the target HeNB, allowing direct path switch requests to the MME, thereby reducing the number of interactions with the core network and improving handover efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If S1 handover is used for UE movement between HeNBs, then handover can be performed, but the core network becomes overloaded with unnecessary signaling interactions and handover efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the MME identifier information from the core network signaling path and places it in the X2 interface signaling between HeNBs. This allows the target HeNB to directly identify the serving MME without requiring the MME to be involved in the handover decision and path switch signaling, thereby removing unnecessary core network signaling interactions while maintaining handover functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces the MME identifier as an intermediary information element that enables direct communication between source and target HeNBs regarding MME selection. This identifier acts as a mediator that carries the necessary routing information without requiring the MME itself to participate in the X2 handover signaling, thus reducing core network burden while enabling efficient handover
2Speed
If X2 handover is implemented without MME identifier transmission, then handover speed improves, but the target HeNB cannot determine which MME to send path switch requests to
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the source HeNB transmit the MME identifier to the target HeNB as part of the handover request message before the handover execution. This advance provision of MME identification information enables the target HeNB to immediately know which MME to contact for path switching, eliminating delays and preventing information loss during the handover process
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying by including the MME identifier (which is originally obtained by the source HeNB from the core network) as a copy of the MME identification information in the X2 handover signaling. This copied identifier allows the target HeNB to obtain the necessary MME routing information without requiring direct access to the core network or additional signaling with the MME
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for supporting X2 handover between a source home enhanced nodeB (HeNB) and a target HeNB by an HeNB gateway (GW). The method includes transmitting, to the source HeNB, an identifier of a mobile management entity (MME) serving a user equipment (UE); receiving, from the target HeNB, a path switch request message including the identifier of the MME; and transmitting the path switch request message to the MME based on the identifier of the MME.