CN101156466A - Supporting inter-technology handover using IEEE 802.16 handover procedure - Google Patents

Abstract

A method for performing an inter-technology handover in a wireless communication system having a Mobile Subscriber Station (MSS) that changes Base Stations (BSs) begins by locating one or more target BSs to which the MSS can handover. The technology used by each target BS is identified and the technologies supported by the MSS are determined. Performing a handover operation of the MSS to a target BS with which the MSS can communicate.

Description

Supports interactive technical handovers using IEEE 802.16 handover procedures

technical field

The present invention relates generally to handover procedures, and in particular to supporting an interactive technology handover using 802.16 handover procedures.

Background technique

The current specification of IEEE 802.16 (WIMAX) includes support for the mobility of Mobile Subscriber Stations (MSS) between Base Stations (BS) operating in accordance with IEEE 802.16. With the evolution of wireless/mobile technology and the coexistence of various WLAN technologies (such as IEEE 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, 802.16, 802.20, GSM, GPRS, CDMA2000, UMTS, etc.), there are different technologies for supporting Mobility requirements among operating BSs. The existing IEEE 802.16 specification provides a basis for this purpose, but the messages specified in the specification mostly lack fields that define the technology that BSs and MSSs use to communicate. Additional modifications to existing message formats are required in order for a multimode terminal to understand the various technologies available as a handover target.

Some of the basic 802.16 operations include: a BS sends a list of neighboring BSs (via a Neighbor Advertisement (MOB_NBR-ADV) message); inter-BS communication; MSS scans and monitors neighboring BSs; MSS reports power measurements to a BS; MSS Initial cell reselection; BS initiated handover; network manager initiated handover; make before break handover; make before break (break before make) handover; handover MSS/BS notification ; the MSS/BS list of target BSs; and (via a MSS_PINGPONG_REPORT message) the ping-pong effect.

Contents of the invention

The present invention extends existing procedures and message formats to support interactive handovers (ie IEEE 802.16 to/from IEEE 802.11, IEEE 802.16 to/from GSM, IEEE 802.11 to/from GPRS, IEEE 802.16 to/from UMTS, etc.). Specifically, a new field is proposed in handover related messages. This new field identifies the standard specification (technology) of the neighboring BS. This new field can be a new Type Length Value (TLV) encoded neighbor information record or existing messages (MOB_NBR-ADV, MSS_NBR-RSP, MOB_SCAN-REPORT, MOB_BSHO-REQ, MOB_MSSHO-REQ, MOB_BSHO-RSP, etc.) A new field for .

A method of performing an interactive technology handover in a wireless communication system having a Mobile Subscriber Station (MSS) to change Base Stations (BSs) begins with locating one or more target BSs to which the MSS may be handed over. Identify the technology used by each target BS, and determine the technology supported by the MSS. A handover operation is performed to make the MSS handover to a target BS with which the MSS can communicate.

A method of performing an interactive handover in a wireless communication system having an MSS, a serving BS, and one or more target BSs begins with sending a neighbor advertisement message from the serving BS to the MSS. The Neighbor Advertisement message identifies the one or more target BSs and an operating technology for each BS. A list of candidate BSs to be selected from the one or more target BSs is identified. The MSS is synchronized with each of the candidate BSs to determine a signal quality from each BS. A better BS for handover is determined and a handover operation is performed on the better BS.

The invention discloses several improved messages, including a Neighbor Advertisement message, a Neighbor Report message, a BS Initiate Handover Request message, a MSS Initiate Handover Request message, a BS Handover Response message, and a Handover Instruction message. Each of these messages is based on an existing message type and includes an operating technology field for identifying the operating technology of a neighboring BS. For example, this column may include whether the neighboring BS is using 802.11 or 802.16 technology.

An MSS configured to perform an inter-technology handover from a serving BS using a first operating technology to a target BS using a second operating technology includes a transmitter/receiver, a processor, a first an operational technical part, and a second operational technical part. The processor communicates with the transmitter/receiver and includes a technology type judging means. The first operating technology part communicates with the technology type judging means. The second operating technology part communicates with the technology type judging means and is configured to use a different operating technology from the first operating technology part. The technology type judging means is structured to receive messages from the serving BS and the target BS and forward the messages to appropriate operating technology parts.

Description of drawings

Now, the present invention can be understood in more detail from the description of a preferred embodiment proposed below by way of example in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1A is a flowchart of an existing cell reselection procedure;

FIG. 1B is a flow diagram illustrating a cell reselection procedure of an interactive technology cell reselection;

FIG. 2A is a flow chart of an existing MSS initial handover procedure;

Fig. 2B is a flowchart of an interactive technology MSS initiation handover procedure;

FIG. 3A is a flow chart of an existing BS initiating a handover procedure;

FIG. 3B is a flow chart of an interactive technology BS initiating a handover procedure;

FIG. 4A is a schematic diagram of an existing neighbor advertising message;

FIG. 4B is a schematic diagram of a Neighbor Advertisement message including operational technical information;

Figure 5A is a diagram of an existing MSS Neighbor Report message;

Figure 5B is a diagram of an MSS Neighbor Report message including operational technical information;

FIG. 6A is a schematic diagram of an existing BS handover request message;

FIG. 6B is a diagram of a BS handover request message including operational technical information;

FIG. 7A is a schematic diagram of an existing MSS handover request message;

FIG. 7B is a diagram of an MSS handover request message including operational technical information;

FIG. 8A is a schematic diagram of an existing BS handover response message;

FIG. 8B is a diagram of a BS handover response message including operational technical information;

FIG. 9A is a schematic diagram of an existing handover indication message;

FIG. 9B is a diagram of a handover indication message including operational technical information; and

Figure 10 is a block diagram of a system configured to utilize operational technology information fields.

Detailed ways

Hereinafter, the term "mobile subscriber unit" (MSS) includes, without limitation, a station (STA), a wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU), a user equipment, a fixed or mobile subscriber unit, a pager, or any Other devices capable of operating in a wireless environment. Hereinafter, the term "base station" (BS) includes without limitation an Access Point (AP), a Node B, a Node Controller, or any other interfacing device in a wireless environment.

cell reselection

FIG. 1A is a flowchart of an existing 802.16 cell reselection procedure 100 . The procedure 100 uses an MSS 102 , a serving BS (BS#1) 104 , and a target BS (BS#2) 106 . MSS 102 powers on (step 110) and synchronizes with serving BS 104 (step 112). MSS 102 receives downlink (DL) and uplink (UL) parameters from serving BS 104 (step 114). The MSS 102 enters the system (step 116), performs a neighbor BS search (step 118), and detects a neighbor BS (step 120), which is the target BS 106 in the example shown in FIG. 1A.

MSS 102 synchronizes to target BS 106 (step 122) and receives DL and UL parameters from target BS 106 (step 124). MSS 102 sends a ranging request (RNG-REQ) message to serving BS 104 to perform initial power leveling and ranging (step 126). Serving BS 104 returns a Ranging Response (RNG-RSP) message including transmission time advance and power adjustment for the MSS (step 128).

FIG. 1B is a flowchart illustrating a cell reselection procedure 150 for an interactive technique cell reselection. The procedure 150 uses an MSS 152 having an 802.11 part 154 and an 802.16 part 156, a serving BS (BS#1) 158 operating under 802.16, and a target BS (BS#2) 160 operating under 802.11. MSS 152 is powered on (step 162) and synchronizes with serving BS 158 using 802.16 techniques (step 164). MSS 152 receives 802.16 DL and UL parameters from serving BS 158 (step 166). The MSS 152 enters the 802.16 system (step 168), performs a neighbor BS search (step 170), and detects a neighbor BS (step 172), which is the target BS 160 in the example shown in FIG. 1B.

MSS 152 synchronizes to target BS 160 using 802.11 technology and 802.11 part 154 (step 174) and receives 802.11 DL and UL parameters from target BS 160 (step 176). MSS 152 sends a Ranging Request (RNG-REQ) message to serving BS 158 to perform initial power leveling and ranging (step 178). Serving BS 158 returns a Ranging Response (RNG-RSP) message including transmission time advance and power adjustment for the MSS (step 180).

It should be appreciated that if the serving BS 158 uses 802.11 technology and the target BS 160 uses 802.16 technology, the process 150 will operate in substantially the same manner.

MSS start handover

FIG. 2A is a flowchart of an existing 802.16 MSS initiated handover procedure 200. The procedure 200 uses an MSS 202, a serving BS (BS#1) 204, a first target BS (BS#2) 206, and a second target BS (BS#3) 208. Serving BS 204 sends a Neighbor Advertisement (MOB_NBR-ADV) message to MSS 202 (step 210). The Neighbor Advertisement message is used to identify the network and define the characteristics of neighboring BSs to a potential MSS seeking initial network entry or handover. In the example shown in FIG. 2A, the neighbor advertisement message indicates that there are two neighboring BSs.

MSS 202 sends a scan interval assignment request (MOB_SCN-REQ) message to serving BS 204 (step 212). The scan interval assignment request message is sent by the MSS 202 to request a scan interval (including the duration N of the requested scan cycle) for seeking available BSs and judging the suitability of these BSs as targets for handover. The serving BS 204 responds to the scan interval allocation request with a scan interval allocation response (MOB_SCN-RSP) message, which includes information on when the scan starts (starts within M frames; step 214). After M frames have elapsed, MSS 202 starts neighbor BS searching (step 216). Over a period of N frames (as requested by the MOB_SCN-REQ message), the MSS 202 synchronizes to the first target BS 206 and makes signal level, interference level, and noise level measurements (step 218) and the MSS 202 synchronizes Signal level, interference level and noise level measurements are made at the second target BS 208 (step 220).

When MSS 202 wants to initiate a handover, it sends a handover request (MOB_MSSHO-REQ) message to serving BS 204 (step 222). The handover request message may include a reported metric associated with the candidate BSs; in the example shown in FIG. 2A, the reported metric is the carrier-to-interference-plus-noise-signal ratio (CINR) value for each BS. Serving BS 204 sends a handover notice message to both target BSs 206, 208 (steps 224, 226). The notice message includes information related to the MSS 202, such as MSS ID, connection parameters, MSS capabilities, bandwidth (BW), and a desired quality of service (QoS).

The first target BS 206 sends a handover advance response message to the serving BS 204 (step 228). The pre-announcement response includes an acknowledgment (ACK) for acknowledging receipt of the pre-announcement message, the QoS level that the target BS can provide, identification information of the target BS, and some overhead fields. The second target BS 208 also sends a Handover Advance Response message to the serving BS 204 (step 230). It should be understood that the order of the messages sent in steps 228 and 230 may be reversed. In the example shown in FIG. 2A, the first target BS 206 may only provide a QoS lower than that requested by the MSS, while the second target BS 208 may provide the requested QoS level.

After receiving the advance notice response message, the serving BS 204 determines which target BS is more capable of serving the MSS 202 by evaluating the capability of each target BS for the parameters requested by the MSS 202. As shown in FIG. 2A, the second target BS 208 is selected because it can provide the requested QoS level. The serving BS 204 sends a handover confirmation message to the second target BS 208 (step 232). The serving BS 204 also sends a handover response (MOB_HO-RSP) message to the MSS 202, expressing that it will be handed over to the second target BS 208 (step 234). It should be understood that the order of steps 232 and 234 can be reversed without changing the overall performance of the program 200 .

MSS 202 sends a handover indication (MOB_HO-IND) message to serving BS 204 as a final indication that handover is about to be performed (step 236). If the MSS 202 wants to cancel or reject the handover, the handover instruction message will inform the serving BS 204. The handover indication message includes a time parameter (L frames), after which the MSS 202 will initiate the handover. The MSS 202 synchronizes to the second target BS 208 (step 238) and sends a ranging request (RNG-REQ) message to the second target BS 208 to perform initial power leveling and ranging (step 240). The second target BS 208 replies with a Ranging Response (RNG-RSP) message including the transmission time lookahead and power adjustment for the MSS (step 242).

FIG. 2B is a flowchart of an interactive technology MSS initiated handover procedure 250 . The program 250 uses an MSS 252 with an 802.11 part 254 and an 802.16 part 256, a serving BS (BS#1) 258 using 802.16 technology, a first target BS (BS#2) 260 using 802.16 technology, and a A second target BS (BS#3) 262 using 802.11 technology. Serving BS 258 sends a Neighbor Advertisement (MOB_NBR-ADV) message to 802.16 part 256 of MSS 252 (step 264). The Neighbor Advertisement message is used to identify the network and define the characteristics of neighboring BSs to a potential MSS seeking initial network entry or handover. The Neighbor Advertisement message includes the technology type of each target BS. In the example shown in FIG. 2B, the Neighbor Advertisement message indicates that there are two neighboring BSs, one using 802.16 technology and the other using 802.11 technology. The MSS also keeps track of the type of technology used by each potential target BS.

MSS 252 sends a scan interval allocation request (MOB_SCN-REQ) message to serving BS 258 (step 266). The scan interval allocation request message is sent by the MSS 252 to request a scan interval (including the duration N of the requested scan cycle) for seeking available BSs and judging the suitability of these BSs as targets for handover. The serving BS 258 responds to the scan interval allocation request with a scan interval allocation response (MOB_SCN-RSP) message, which includes information on when the scan started (start within M frames; step 268). After M frames have elapsed, the MSS 252 starts neighbor BS searching (step 270). Over a period of N frames (as requested by the MOB_SCN-REQ message), the MSS 252 synchronizes to the first target BS 260 and makes signal level, interference level, and noise level measurements (step 272) and the MSS 252 synchronizes Signal level, interference level and noise level measurements are made at the second target BS 262 (step 274).

When MSS 252 wants to initiate a handover, it sends a handover request (MOB_MSSHO-REQ) message to serving BS 258 (step 276). It should be understood that the MSS may request a technology type that is better for handover, for example in the case where there is more than one target BS operating with two different technologies and providing the same signal strength. But from a deployment point of view, it is usually easier to perform the handover within the same technology, because changing the operating technology introduces a risk of data loss because changing the operating technology takes a considerable amount of time.

The handover request message may include a reported metric associated with the candidate BSs; in the example shown in FIG. 2B, the reported metric is the CINR value for each BS. Serving BS 258 sends a handover notice message to both target BSs 260, 262 (steps 278, 280). The notice message includes information related to the MSS 252, such as MSS ID, connection parameters, MSS capabilities, BW, and a desired QoS.

The first target BS 260 sends a handover advance response message to the serving BS 258 (step 282). The advance notice response includes an ACK confirming receipt of the advance notice message and the QoS level that the target BS can provide. The second target BS 262 also sends a Handover Advance Response message to the serving BS 258 (step 284). It should be understood that the order of the messages sent in steps 282 and 284 may be reversed. In the example shown in FIG. 2B, the first target BS 260 may only provide a QoS lower than that requested by the MSS, while the second target BS 262 may provide the requested QoS level.

After receiving the advance notice response message, the serving BS 258 judges which target BS is more capable of serving the MSS 252 by evaluating the capability of each target BS for the parameters requested by the MSS 252. As shown in Figure 2B, the second target BS 262 is selected because it can provide the requested QoS level. The serving BS 258 sends a handover confirmation message to the second target BS 262 (step 286). The serving BS 258 also sends a handover response (MOB_HO-RSP) message to the MSS 252, expressing that it will be handed over to the second target BS 262 (step 288). It should be understood that the order of steps 286 and 288 may be reversed without changing the overall performance of program 250 .

MSS 252 sends a handover indication (MOB_HO-IND) message to serving BS 258 as a final indication that handover is about to be performed (step 290). If the MSS 252 will cancel or reject the handover, the handover indication message will inform the serving BS 258. The handover instruction message includes a time parameter (L frames), after which the MSS 252 will initiate the handover. The MSS 252 synchronizes to the second target BS 262 using 802.11 techniques (step 292), and sends a ranging request (RNG-REQ) message to the second target BS 262 to perform initial power leveling and ranging (step 294). The second target BS 262 replies with a ranging response (RNG-RSP) message including the transmission time lookahead and power adjustment for the MSS (step 296).

BS initiation handover

FIG. 3A is a flowchart of an existing 802.16 BS initiated handover procedure 300. The procedure 300 uses an MSS 302, a serving BS (BS#1) 304, a first target BS (BS#2) 306, and a second target BS (BS#3) 308. Serving BS 304 sends a Neighbor Advertisement (MOB_NBR-ADV) message to MSS 302 (step 310). The Neighbor Advertisement message is used to identify the network and define the characteristics of neighboring BSs to a potential MSS seeking initial network entry or handover. In the example shown in FIG. 3A, the neighbor advertisement message indicates that there are two neighboring BSs.

Serving BS 304 initiates handover (step 312) and sends a handover advance message to both target BSs 306, 308 (steps 314, 316). The notice message includes information related to the MSS 302, such as MSS ID, connection parameters, MSS capabilities, BW, and a desired QoS. Serving BS 304 then sends a Handover Request (MOB_BSHO-REQ) message to MSS 302 (step 318). The handover request message includes a list of recommended BSs for MSS 302 to check. In FIG. 3A, the handover request message indicates that BS#2 and BS#3 are on the list of recommended BSs.

MSS 302 initiates a neighbor BS search (step 320), checking each of the BSs recommended by serving BS 304. While MSS 302 is performing neighbor BS search, serving BS 304 receives handover advance response messages from first target BS 306 and second target BS 308 (steps 322, 324). The advance notice response includes an ACK confirming receipt of the advance notice message and the QoS that the target BS can provide. The MSS 302 is synchronized to the first target BS 306 and makes signal level, interference level and noise level measurements (step 326) and the MSS 302 is synchronized to the second target BS 308 and makes signal level, interference level and noise level Signal level measurement (step 328).

After completing the measurement of the target BSs, the MSS 302 sends a handover response (MOB_MSSHO-RSP) message to the serving BS 304, including the CINR value of each target BS (step 330). The serving BS 304 determines which target BS is more capable of serving the MSS 302 by evaluating the capability of each target BS with respect to the parameters in the handover notice message. As shown in FIG. 3A, the second target BS 308 is selected because it can provide the requested QoS level. The serving BS 304 sends a handover response (MOB_HO-RSP) message to the MSS 302, expressing that it will be handed over to the second target BS 308 (step 332). The serving BS 304 also sends a handover confirmation message to the second target BS 308 (step 334).

MSS 302 sends a handover indication (MOB_HO-IND) message to serving BS 304 as a final indication that handover will be performed (step 336). If the MSS 302 will cancel or reject the handover, the handover instruction message will inform the serving BS 304. The handover instruction message includes a time parameter (L frames), after which the MSS 302 will initiate the handover. The MSS 302 synchronizes to the second target BS 308 (step 338) and sends a ranging request (RNG-REQ) message to the second target BS 308 to perform initial power leveling and ranging (step 340). The second target BS 308 replies with a Ranging Response (RNG-RSP) message including the transmission time advance and power adjustment for the MSS (step 342).

FIG. 3B is a flowchart of an inter-technology BS initiating handover procedure 350 . The program 350 uses an MSS 352 with an 802.11 part 354 and an 802.16 part 356, a serving BS (BS#1) 358 using 802.16 technology, a first target BS (BS#2) 360 using 802.16 technology, and a A second target BS (BS#3) 362 using 802.11 technology. Serving BS 358 sends a Neighbor Advertisement (MOB_NBR-ADV) message to 802.16 part 356 of MSS 352 (step 364). The Neighbor Advertisement message is used to identify the network and define the characteristics of neighboring BSs to a potential MSS seeking initial network entry or handover. The Neighbor Advertisement message includes the technology type of each target BS. In the example shown in FIG. 3B, the Neighbor Advertisement message indicates that there are two neighboring BSs, one using 802.16 technology and the other using 802.11 technology.

Serving BS 358 initiates handover (step 366) and sends a handover advance message to both target BSs 360, 362 (steps 368, 370). The notice message includes information related to the MSS 352, such as MSS ID, connection parameters, MSS capabilities, BW, and a desired QoS. Serving BS 358 then sends a Handover Request (MOB_BSHO-REQ) message to MSS 352 (step 372). The handover request message includes a list of recommended BSs for MSS 352 inspection and the technology type of each recommended BS. In FIG. 3B, the handover request message indicates that BS#2 and BS#3 are on the list of recommended BSs.

MSS 352 initiates a neighbor BS search (step 374), checking each of the BSs recommended by serving BS 358. While the MSS 352 is performing the neighbor BS search, the serving BS 358 receives handover advance response messages from the first target BS 360 and the second target BS 362 (steps 376, 378). The advance notice response includes an ACK confirming receipt of the advance notice message and the QoS that the target BS can provide. The MSS 352 is synchronized to the first target BS 360 and makes signal level, interference level and noise level measurements (step 380) and the MSS 352 is synchronized to the second target BS 362 and makes signal level, interference level and noise level Signal level measurement (step 382).

After completing the measurements of the target BSs, the MSS 352 sends a handover response (MOB_MSSHO-RSP) message to the serving BS 358, including the CINR values for each target BS (step 384). The serving BS 358 determines which target BS is more capable of serving the MSS 352 by evaluating the capability of each target BS with respect to the parameters in the handover notice message. As shown in Figure 3B, the second target BS 362 is selected because it can provide the requested QoS level. The serving BS 358 sends a handover response (MOB_HO-RSP) message to the MSS 352, expressing that it will be handed over to the second target BS 362 and that 802.11 technology will be used (step 386). The serving BS 358 also sends a handover confirmation message to the second target BS 362 (step 388).

MSS 352 sends a handover indication (MOB_HO-IND) message to serving BS 358 as a final indication that handover will be performed (step 390). If the MSS 352 will cancel or reject the handover, the handover instruction message will inform the serving BS 358. The handover indication message includes a time parameter (L frames), after which the MSS 352 will initiate the handover. MSS 352 performs a disengagement procedure to disengage the MSS from 802.16 technology (step 392). The MSS 352 synchronizes to the second target BS 362 (step 394) and sends a ranging request (RNG-REQ) message to the second target BS 362 to perform initial power leveling and ranging (step 396). The second target BS 362 replies with a ranging response (RNG-RSP) message including the transmission time lookahead and power adjustment for the MSS (step 398).

Neighbor Advertisement (MOB_NBR-ADV) Message

FIG. 4A is a diagram of an existing neighbor advertisement message 400 . The message 400 includes a management message type field 402 , an operator ID field 404 , a neighbor number field 406 , an information block 408 for each neighboring BS, and a hash message authentication code (HMAC) tuple 410 . Each neighbor information block 408 includes a neighboring BS ID 412 , a DL entity frequency 414 of the neighboring BS, a configuration change count column 416 , and Type Length Value (TLV) encoded neighbor information 418 .

The management message type column 402 is used to identify that the message is a neighbor advertisement message. Operator ID column 404 includes a unique network ID shared by a group of BSs. The number of neighbors column 406 includes a count of the number of neighboring BSs to advertise. The HMAC tuple 410 is used to verify the content of the message 400 .

Neighboring BS ID column 412 contains the unique ID of the neighboring BS. The DL entity frequency column 414 includes the DL center frequencies of neighboring BSs. Configuration change count column 416 is incremented whenever any value associated with a built-in data element changes. If the change count 416 is the same as in the previous promotional message, the MSS may ignore the entire message because no change has occurred. The TLV-encoded neighbor information 418 may include variable parameters, such as Downlink Channel Descriptor (DCD) settings and Uplink Channel Descriptor (UCD) settings.

FIG. 4B is a diagram of a Neighbor Advertisement message 450 including operational technical information. Message 450 is based on message 400; fields 402-418 within message 450 are the same as message 400. Additional information in message 450 is an operating technology field 452 embedded with each neighbor information block 408 . The operating technology column 452 is used to identify the operating technology of the neighboring BS (eg, 802.11 or 802.16).

In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the operating technology information can be placed in the TLV encoded neighbor information 418 as a new value and the operating technology column 452 is not required. For example, the operating technology type can be encoded in one byte as follows:

Table 1 - TLV encoding operation technology type

byte value Operational Technology 00000000 802.16 00000001 802.11b 00000010 802.11g

Other operational technology types may be encoded in a similar manner.

Neighbor Advertisement messages 400, 450 as shown in Figures 4A and 4B are periodically sent out by the BS. If neighbor BS information is not available, these messages need not be transmitted.

Neighbor Report (MSS_NBR-REP) message

FIG. 5A is a diagram of a legacy MSS Neighbor Report message 500 . The message 500 includes a management message type column 502, a neighbor number column 504, and an information block 506 for each neighboring BS. Each neighbor information block 506 includes a neighboring BS ID 508, a physical frequency field 510 of the neighboring BS, and TLV encoded neighbor information 512.

The management message type column 502 is used to identify that the message is a neighbor advertisement message. The number of neighbors column 504 includes a count of the number of neighbor BSs to report. Neighboring BS ID column 508 contains the unique ID of the neighboring BS. The physical frequency column 510 includes DL center frequencies of neighboring BSs. The TLV-encoded neighbor information 512 may include variable parameters, such as DCD settings and UCD settings.

FIG. 5B is a diagram of an MSS Neighbor Report message 550 including operational technical information. Message 550 is based on message 500; fields 502-512 within message 550 are the same as message 500. Additional information in message 550 is an operating technology field 552 embedded with each neighbor information block 506 . The operating technology column 552 is used to identify the operating technology of the neighboring BS (eg, 802.11 or 802.16).

MSS Neighbor Report messages 500, 550 as shown in Figures 5A and 5B are periodically sent out by the BS. If neighbor BS information is not available, these messages need not be transmitted.

BS handover request (MOB_BSHO-REQ) message

FIG. 6A is a diagram of a legacy BS handover request message 600 . The message 600 includes a management message type field 602 , a network assisted handover support field 604 , an information block 606 for each neighboring BS, and an HMAC tuple 608 . Each neighbor information block 606 includes a neighbor BS ID 610 and a service level prediction field 612.

The management message type column 602 is used to identify that the message is a BS handover request message. A network assisted handover support column 604 indicates whether the serving BS supports network assisted handover. HMAC tuple 608 is used to verify the content of message 600 . The neighbor BS ID column 610 contains the unique ID of the neighbor BS. The Service Level Prediction column 612 indicates the service level that the MSS is expected to receive from the neighboring BS. This may include an indication of the following: no service, some service, full service, or no forecast.

FIG. 6B is a diagram of a BS handover request message 650 including operational technical information. Message 650 is based on message 600; fields 602-612 within message 650 are the same as message 600. Additional information in message 650 is an operating technology column 652 embedded with each neighbor information block 606 . The operating technology column 652 is used to identify the operating technology of the neighboring BS (eg, 802.11 or 802.16).

BS handover request messages 600, 650 as shown in Figures 6A and 6B are sent by the BS to initiate a handover. The MSS scans a list of recommended neighbor BSs (which may include the serving BS) and may select any identified BS without informing the serving BS.

MSS handover request (MOB_MSSHO-REQ) message

FIG. 7A is a schematic diagram of a legacy MSS handover request message 700 . MSS Handover Request message 700 is sent by the MSS to initiate a handover. The message 700 includes a management message type field 702 , an information block 704 for each neighboring BS, an estimated handover start field 706 , and an HMAC tuple 708 . Each neighbor information block 704 includes a neighboring BS ID 710, a BS CINR average column 712, and a service level prediction column 714.

The management message type column 702 is used to identify that the message is a handover request message. The estimated handover start column 706 includes the handover start time (unit: frame) of the recommended target BS. HMAC tuple 708 is used to verify the content of message 700 . Neighboring BS ID column 710 contains the unique ID of the neighboring BS. The BS CINR Average column 712 indicates the CINR (in dB) measured at the MSS on the DL signal for a particular BS. Service Level Prediction column 714 indicates the service level that the MSS is expected to receive from the neighboring BS. This may include an indication of the following: no service, some service, full service, or no forecast.

FIG. 7B is a diagram of an MSS handover request message 750 including operational technical information. Message 750 is based on message 700; fields 702-714 within message 750 are the same as message 700. Additional information in message 750 is an operating technology column 752 embedded with each neighbor information block 704 . The operating technology column 752 is used to identify the operating technology of the neighboring BS (eg, 802.11 or 802.16).

BS handover response (MOB_BSHO-RSP) message

FIG. 8A is a diagram of a legacy BS handover response message 800 . The Handover Response message 800 is sent to the MSS in response to an MSS Handover Request message. The message 800 includes a management message type field 802 , an estimated handover start field 804 , an information block 806 for each neighboring BS, and an HMAC tuple 808 . Each neighbor information block 806 includes a neighbor BS ID 810 and a service level prediction field 812.

The management message type column 802 is used to identify that the message is a handover response message. The estimated handover start column 804 includes the handover start time (unit: frame) of the recommended target BS. HMAC tuple 808 is used to verify the content of message 800 . The neighbor BS ID column 810 contains the unique ID of the neighbor BS. The Service Level Prediction column 812 indicates the service level that the MSS is expected to receive from the neighboring BS. This may include an indication of the following: no service, some service, full service, or no forecast.

FIG. 8B is a diagram of a BS Handover Response message 850 including operational technical information. Message 850 is based on message 800; fields 802-812 within message 850 are the same as message 800. Additional information in message 850 is an operating technology field 852 embedded with each neighbor information block 806 . The operating technology column 852 is used to identify the operating technology of the neighboring BS (eg, 802.11 or 802.16).

Handover indication (MOB_HO-IND) message

FIG. 9A is a diagram of an existing handover indication message 900 . Handover Indication message 900 is sent by the MSS to finally indicate that the handover is started, canceled, or rejected. The message 900 includes a management message type field 902 , a reserved field 904 , a handover indication type (HO_IND_type) field 906 , a target BS ID field 908 , and an HMAC tuple 910 .

The management message type column 902 is used to identify that the message is a handover indication message. The Handover Indication Type column 906 provides an indication that the serving BS will release the MSS, that the handover will be canceled, or that the handover will be rejected. Target BS ID column 908 contains the ID of the handover target BS; this column is only used if the handover will be performed. HMAC tuple 910 is used to verify the content of message 900 .

FIG. 9B is a diagram of a handover indication message 950 including operational technical information. Message 950 is based on message 900; fields 902-910 within message 950 are the same as message 900. Additional information in message 950 is an operating technology field 952 identifying the operating technology (eg, 802.11 or 802.16) of the neighboring BS.

Systems structured to use operational technical information

FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a system 1000 configured to use operational technical information fields. The system includes a multi-technology capable MS 1002, a serving BS 1004 using 802.16 technology, and a target BS 1006 using 802.11 technology. MS 1002 includes a transmitter/receiver 1010, a processor 1012, an 802.16 part 1014, and an 802.11 part 1016. The processor 1012 includes a signal processor 1018 and a technology type determining device 1020 .

Serving BS 1004 includes a transmitter/receiver 1030 and a processor 1032. The target BS 1006 includes a transmitter/receiver 1040 and a processor 1042.

In operation, MS 1002 contacts service BS 1004 using 802.16 technology. Transmitter/receiver 1030 within serving BS 1004 sends a signal to MS 1002. Transmitter/receiver 1010 within MS 1002 receives the signal and forwards it to signal processor 1018. The technology type determining means 1020 is configured to determine which technology (802.16 or 802.11 in this example) is used to send the signal to the MS 1002. If the signal is using 802.16 technology, the judging device 1020 transfers the signal to the 802.16 part 1014 for further processing. If the signal is using 802.11 technology, the judging device 1020 forwards the signal to the 802.11 part 1016 for further processing.

For example, when a Neighbor Advertisement message is sent by the target BS 1006, the processor 1042 includes in the message an operational technology information field indicating that the target BS uses 802.11 technology. The message is then sent to MS 1002, where it is handed over to 802.11 part 1016 by judging means 1020. Similarly, when the serving BS 1004 sends a Neighbor Advertisement message, the processor 1032 includes an operational technology information field in the message, indicating that the serving BS uses 802.16 technology. The message is then sent to MS 1002, where it is handed over to 802.16 part 1014 by judging means 1020. The judging means 1020 is configured to read the operation technology information column to judge what the operation technology is.

Although features and components of the present invention have been described in particular combinations in preferred embodiments, each feature or component may be used alone (without the other features and components of the preferred embodiment) or in combination with or without the other features and components of the present invention. Various combinations of features and components are used.

Claims (22)

1. method of in the interior wireless communication system that a mobile subscriber station MSS who wants the conversion base station BS arranged, carrying out the interaction technique handing-over, it comprises following steps:

Orient one or more target BS s that this MSS can join;

Discern the employed technology of each target BS;

Judge the technology that this MSS supports; And

Carry out the handing-over that this MSS is handed off to a target BS, wherein this MSS can communicate by letter with this target BS.

2. method as claimed in claim 1 is characterized in that, this positioning step comprises by each target BS of this one or more target BS s and sends a promotional messages.

3. method as claimed in claim 2 is characterized in that, this promotional messages comprises an operating techniques identifier, is used to discern the employed operating techniques of this BS.

4. method as claimed in claim 1 is characterized in that, this identification step comprises by each BS and sends an operating techniques identifier.

5. one kind is used to carry out the method that an interaction technique joins in wireless communication system, and this wireless communication system has a mobile subscriber station (MSS), a serving BS (BS) and one or more target BS s, and the method includes the steps of:

Send neighbours' promotional messages from this serving BS broadcasts to this MSS, this neighbours' promotional messages is discerned the operating techniques of this one or more target BS s and each BS;

Discern a candidate BSs inventory, those candidate BSs select from this one or more target BS s;

Make this MSS be synchronized with each those candidate BSs, to judge a signal quality from each BS;

Judge a preferable BS who is used to join; And

Execution one is handed off to the handing-over operation of this preferable BS.

6. method as claimed in claim 5 is characterized in that, it more comprises following steps:

Initial this handing-over operation;

Send a handing-over advance notice message from this serving BS broadcasts to each candidate BS; And

At the handing-over advance notice response message of this serving BS broadcasts reception from each candidate BS.

7. method as claimed in claim 6 is characterized in that, this advance notice message comprises the expectation service quality QoS level of this MSS.

8. method as claimed in claim 7 is characterized in that, this advance notice response message comprises the QoS level that this BS can provide.

9. method as claimed in claim 8 is characterized in that, this determining step comprises that selection one can provide the BS of this QoS level of this MSS expectation.

10. method as claimed in claim 6 is characterized in that, this initial step is triggered by this MSS after this synchronizing step.

11. the method as claim 10 is characterized in that, triggering is that this MSS sends a handover request message to this serving BS broadcasts.

12. method as claimed in claim 6 is characterized in that, this initial step was triggered by this serving BS broadcasts before this identification step.

13. the method as claim 12 is characterized in that, it more comprises following steps:

Send a handover request message from this serving BS broadcasts to this MSS, this handover request message comprises the operating techniques of this candidate BSs inventory and each candidate BS.

14. method as claimed in claim 5 is characterized in that, this execution in step may further comprise the steps:

Send a handing-over response message from this serving BS broadcasts to this MSS, this preferable BS of this handing-over response message identification;

Send a handing-over acknowledge message from this serving BS broadcasts to this preferable BS;

Send a handing-over Indication message from this MSS to this serving BS broadcasts; And

Make this MSS be synchronized with this preferable BS.

15. one kind is used for and the relevant neighbours' promotional messages of a wireless communication system one interaction technique handing-over, this wireless communication system comprises at least one neighbor base station BS, and this message comprises:

One type of message hurdle, it is used to discern this message;

One neighbours' quantity hurdle, it is used to point out the quantity of contiguous BSs;

The block of information of each contiguous BS, it comprises:

One contiguous BS identification hurdle;

One operating techniques hurdle, it is used to discern the operating techniques of this vicinity BS;

One entity frequency hurdle, it is used to discern the used following chain frequency of this vicinity BS;

One configuration change count hurdle, it is used to point out whether any part of this message once changed; And

One type lengths values coding neighbor information hurdle, it is used to discern one or more parameter of this vicinity BS; And

One hash message authentication code, it is used to verify the content of this message.

16. one kind is used for and the relevant neighbours' report message of a wireless communication system one interaction technique handing-over, this wireless communication system comprises at least one neighbor base station BS, and this message comprises:

One type of message hurdle, it is used to discern this message;

One neighbours' quantity hurdle, it is used to point out the quantity of contiguous BS s; And

The block of information of each contiguous BS, it comprises:

One contiguous BS identification hurdle;

One operating techniques hurdle, it is used to discern the operating techniques of this vicinity BS;

One entity frequency hurdle, it is used to discern the used following chain frequency of this vicinity BS; And

One type lengths values coding neighbor information hurdle, it is used to discern one or more parameter of this vicinity BS.

17. one kind is used for and the relevant initial handover request message of BS of a wireless communication system one interaction technique handing-over, this wireless communication system comprises a serving BS BS and at least one contiguous BS, and this message comprises:

One type of message hurdle, it is used to discern this message;

The hurdle is supported in one network assistance handing-over, and it is used to discern this serving BS broadcasts, and whether network enabled is assisted handing-over;

The block of information of each contiguous BS, it comprises:

One contiguous BS identification hurdle;

One service level prediction hurdle, it is used to the service level of pointing out that this vicinity BS provides; And

One operating techniques hurdle, it is used to discern the operating techniques of this vicinity BS; And

One hash message authentication code, it is used to verify the content of this message.

18. one kind is used for and the relevant initial handover request message of mobile subscriber station of a wireless communication system one interaction technique handing-over, this wireless communication system comprises at least one neighbor base station BS, and this message comprises:

One type of message hurdle, it is used to discern this message;

The block of information of each contiguous BS, it comprises:

One contiguous BS identification hurdle;

One operating techniques hurdle, it is used to discern the operating techniques of this vicinity BS;

One BS carrier wave adds the news of making an uproar than CINR mean value hurdle to interference, and it is used to discern the CINR value of this vicinity BS; And

One service level prediction hurdle, it is used to the service level of pointing out that this vicinity BS provides;

One estimates the handing-over begin column, and it is used to discern the handing-over time started of this vicinity BS; And

One hash message authentication code, it is used to verify the content of this message.

19. one kind is used for the base station BS handing-over response message relevant with the handing-over of a wireless communication system one interaction technique, this wireless communication system comprises at least one contiguous BS, and this message comprises:

One type of message hurdle, it is used to discern this message;

One estimates the handing-over begin column, and it is used to discern the handing-over time started of this vicinity BS;

The block of information of each contiguous BS, it comprises:

One contiguous BS identification hurdle;

One operating techniques hurdle, it is used to discern the operating techniques of this vicinity BS;

One service level prediction hurdle, it is used to the service level of pointing out that this vicinity BS provides; And

One hash message authentication code, it is used to verify the content of this message.

20. a handing-over Indication message that is used in about the interaction technique handing-over of the wireless communication system that comprises at least one neighbor base station (BS), this message comprises:

One type of message hurdle, it is used to discern this message;

One handing-over indication type column, it is used to point out hand-off state;

One target BS identification hurdle, it is used to discern the target BS that will accept to join;

One operating techniques hurdle, it is used to discern the operating techniques of contiguous BS; And

One hash message authentication code, it is used to verify the content of this message.

21. a mobile subscriber station MSS, it is configured as and is used for carrying out the interaction technique handing-over that is handed off to the target BS of a use one second operating techniques from the serving BS BS of a use one first operating techniques, and this MSS comprises:

One emitter/receiver;

One processor, itself and this emitter/receiver is got in touch with, and this processor comprises a type of skill judgment means;

One first operating techniques part, itself and this type of skill judgment means is got in touch with; And

One second operating techniques part, itself and this type of skill judgment means is got in touch with, and this second operating techniques partly is configured as and uses one to differ from this first operating techniques different operating techniques partly;

Wherein this type of skill judgment means is configured as from this serving BS broadcasts and this target BS and receives message, and this type of skill judgment means is handed to suitable operating techniques part with those message.

22. MSS as claim 21, it is characterized in that, this processor more comprises a signal processor, this signal processor and this emitter/receiver and the contact of this type of skill judgment means, this signal processor is configured as and will hands to this type of skill judgment means from the message of this emitter/receiver.

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