WO2014205836A1

WO2014205836A1 - Method for switching between base stations, and related apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2014205836A1
Application number: PCT/CN2013/078496
Authority: WO
Inventors: 李俊勇
Original assignee: 华为技术有限公司
Priority date: 2013-06-29
Filing date: 2013-06-29
Publication date: 2014-12-31
Also published as: CN103718608B; CN103718608A

Abstract

A method for switching between base stations, and a related apparatus. The switching method comprises: a source base station receiving updated S1 link state information which is sent by a target base station and exists between the target base station and a mobility management entity (MME) group which serves the target base station, and updating a stored S1 link state information set; when the source base station sends, to the target base station, a switching request message for switching a user equipment which is served by the source base station to a cell under the target base station, in the S1 link state information set, performing X2 link switching or S1 link switching between the source base station and the target base station according to the S1 link state information between the target base station and the MME which serves the source base station and on which the user equipment camps. Also disclosed is a corresponding apparatus. By using the technical solutions comprising a method for switching between base stations and a related apparatus provided in the present invention, the success rate of switching between the base stations is improved.

Description

Method for switching between base stations and related devices

Technical field

The present invention relates to the field of communications technologies, and in particular, to a method and a related device for switching between base stations. Background technique

The 3GPP Long Term Evolution (LTE) system includes an evolved base station (evolved-NodeB, eNB) and an Evolved Packer Core Network (EPC), and the EPC includes a Mobility Management Entity (MME) and a system. The Architecture Evolution Gateway (SAE GateWay, SGW), which is part of the control plane, is responsible for the mobility management of the control plane, including user context, mobility state management, and the like. In the radio link planning, multiple MMEs are divided into the same MME group, but due to limited transmission, the base station under each MME establishes an S1 connection only with the MME serving the base station, and since the X2 self-establishment is turned on An X2 link is established between the base stations at the two MME boundaries.

According to the protocol requirement, if there is an X2 link and the MMEs on both sides belong to one MME group, when the handover is initiated, the X2 link handover is preferably attempted, but since the two base stations are not connected to the S1 link of the same MME, The X2 link switch preparation failure fails, which affects the handover success rate. Summary of the invention

The embodiments of the present invention provide a method for switching between base stations and related devices, which are used to solve the problem of how to improve the success rate of handover between base stations in the prior art.

In a first aspect, the present invention provides a method for switching between base stations, including:

When the at least one S1 link state information between the target base station and the mobility management entity MME group serving the target base station changes, the source base station receives the at least one S1 link state information sent by the target base station and updates Stored S1 link state information set;

When the source base station sends, to the target base station, a handover request message in a cell in which the source base station provides service to the cell under the target base station, in the S1 link state information set, according to the The S1 link state information between the target base station and the MME serving the source base station and the user equipment camps, and the source base station performs X2 link switching or S1 link switching with the target base station.

In a first possible implementation manner, the target base station and the serving base station move The method further includes: the source, before the source base station receives the at least one S1 link state information sent by the target base station, when the source base station receives the at least one S1 link state information that is sent by the target eNB. The base station confirms that the X2 link between the source base station and the target base station is normal.

With reference to the first aspect, or the first possible implementation manner of the first aspect, in the second possible implementation, the receiving, by the source base station, the at least one S1 link state information sent by the target base station includes:

Receiving, by the source base station, a configuration update message or a configuration update acknowledgement message sent by the target base station, where the configuration update message or the configuration update acknowledgement message includes the at least one S1 link state signal combined with the first aspect or the first aspect The first possible implementation manner of the first aspect, or the second possible implementation manner of the first aspect, in a third possible implementation manner, when the source base station sends the target base station to provide the source base station When the serving user equipment switches to the handover request message in the cell under the target base station, in the S1 link state information set, according to the target base station and serving the source base station, and the user equipment resides S1 link state information between the MMEs, the source base station and the target base station performing X2 link switching or S1 link switching, including:

When the S1 link is normal, the source base station performs X2 link switching with the target base station; when the S1 link is abnormal, the source base station performs S1 link switching with the target base station. With reference to the third possible implementation manner of the foregoing aspect, in a fourth possible implementation manner, after the S1 link is abnormal, after the S1 link is switched between the source base station and the target base station, The method further includes:

The source base station performs an S1 link switch with the target base station within a set time. In a second aspect, the present invention provides a method for switching between base stations, including:

The target base station detects that at least one S1 link state information changes with the mobility management entity MME group of the target base station;

And transmitting, by the target base station, the at least one S1 link state information to the source base station, so that the source base station updates the stored S1 link state information set.

In a first possible implementation, the target base station sends the at least one S1 link state information to the source base station, so that the source base station updates the stored S1 link state information set, including: - the target base station sends a configuration update message or a configuration update acknowledgement message to the source base station, the configuration update message or the configuration update acknowledgement message including the at least one S1 link state information.

With reference to the second aspect, or the first possible implementation manner of the second aspect, in a second possible implementation manner, the method further includes:

Between the target base station and an MME serving the source base station and the user equipment camped on

When the S1 link is normal, the target base station performs X2 link switching with the source base station;

And when the S1 link between the target base station and the MME that is served by the source base station and the user equipment camps is abnormal, the target base station performs S1 link switching with the source base station. In a third aspect, the present invention provides a base station, including:

a first receiving unit, configured to: when the target base station and the mobility management entity serving the target base station

Receiving, when the at least one S1 link state information between the MME groups changes, the at least one S1 link state information sent by the target base station;

And an updating unit, configured to update the stored S1 link state information set according to the at least one S1 link state information;

a first switching unit, configured to: when the base station sends, to the target base station, a user equipment that provides service by the base station to a handover request message in a cell under the target base station, where the S1 link state information is Concentrating, according to the S1 link state information between the target base station and the MME serving the base station and the user equipment camping, the base station performs X2 link switching or S1 link switching with the target base station.

In a first possible implementation manner, the base station further includes:

And an acknowledgment unit, configured to confirm that the X2 link between the base station and the target base station is normal.

With reference to the third aspect, or the first possible implementation manner of the third aspect, in the second possible implementation manner, the first receiving unit includes:

And a second receiving unit, configured to receive a configuration update message or a configuration update confirmation message sent by the target base station, where the configuration update message or the configuration update confirmation message includes the at least one S1 link state information.

With reference to the third aspect, or the first possible implementation manner of the third aspect, or the second possible implementation manner of the third aspect, in a third possible implementation manner, the first switching unit includes: a unit, configured to: when the S1 link is normal, the base station and the target base station - - Line X2 link switching;

And a third switching unit, configured to: when the S1 link is abnormal, the base station performs an S1 link switch with the target base station.

In conjunction with the third possible implementation of the third aspect, in a fourth possible implementation, the base station further includes:

And a fourth switching unit, configured to perform S1 link switching between the base station and the target base station within a set time. In a fourth aspect, the present invention provides a base station, including:

a detecting unit, configured to detect that at least one S1 link state information changes between a group of mobility management entities serving the base station;

And a first sending unit, configured to send the at least one S1 link state information to the source base station, so that the source base station updates the stored S1 link state information set.

In a first possible implementation manner, the first sending unit includes:

And a second sending unit, configured to send a configuration update message or a configuration update acknowledgement message to the source base station, where the configuration update message or the configuration update acknowledgement message includes the at least one S1 link state information.

With reference to the second aspect, or the first possible implementation manner of the second aspect, in a second possible implementation manner, the base station further includes:

a fifth switching unit, configured to perform an X2 link switching between the base station and the source base station when the S1 link between the base station and the MME serving the source base station and the user equipment camps is normal; And a sixth switching unit, configured to: when the S1 link between the base station and the MME serving the source base station and the user equipment camps is abnormal, the base station performs S1 link switching with the source base station. In a fifth aspect, the present invention provides a communication system, characterized in that it comprises a third aspect or a first possible implementation of the third aspect or a second possible implementation of the third aspect or the third aspect A third possible implementation manner, or a fourth possible implementation manner of the fourth aspect or the fourth possible implementation manner of the fourth aspect or the second possible implementation of the fourth aspect The base station described. In a sixth aspect, the present invention provides a base station apparatus, including: an input device, an output device, a memory, and a processor, wherein the memory stores a set of program codes, and the processor is configured to call the memory The program code stored in, used to do the following:

When the at least one S1 link state information between the target base station device and the mobility management entity MME group serving the target base station device changes, the source base station device receives the at least one S1 link sent by the target base station device And updating the stored S1 link state information set; the source base station device transmitting, to the target base station device, a handover of the user equipment serving the source base station device to a cell in the cell under the target base station device And in the S1 link state information set, according to the S1 link state information between the target base station device and the MME serving the source base station device and the user equipment camping, the source base station The device determines to perform an X2 link switch or an S1 link switch with the target base station device.

In a first possible implementation manner, the processor performs, when the at least one S1 link state information between the target base station device and the mobility management entity MME group serving the target base station device changes, the source Before the step of receiving, by the base station device, the at least one S1 link state information sent by the target base station device, performing the following steps:

The source base station device confirms that the X2 link between the source base station device and the target base station device is normal.

With reference to the sixth aspect, or the first possible implementation manner of the sixth aspect, in a second possible implementation manner, the processor is configured to perform, by the source base station device, the at least one S1 sent by the target base station device The steps of link status information include:

The source base station device receives a configuration update message or a configuration update acknowledgement message sent by the target base station device, where the configuration update message or the configuration update acknowledgement message includes the at least one S1 link state information.

With reference to the sixth aspect, or the first possible implementation manner of the sixth aspect, or the second possible implementation manner of the sixth aspect, in a third possible implementation manner, the processor performs the When the base station device sends, to the target base station device, a handover request message in the cell under the target base station device, the user equipment that is served by the source base station device is switched, in the S1 link state information set, according to the S1 link state information between the target base station device and the MME serving the source base station device and the user equipment camp, the source base station device determines to perform an X2 link switch or an S1 link with the target base station device The steps to switch include: - - when the SI link is normal, the source base station device performs X2 link switching with the target base station device;

When the S1 link is abnormal, the source base station device performs S1 link switching with the target base station device.

With reference to the third possible implementation manner of the sixth aspect, in a fourth possible implementation manner, the processor performs, when the S1 link is abnormal, the source base station device and the target base station device After the step of switching the S1 link, the following steps are also performed:

The source base station device performs S1 link switching with the target base station device within a set time. According to a seventh aspect, the present invention provides a base station device, including: an input device, an output device, a memory, and a processor, wherein the memory stores a set of program codes, and the processor is configured to invoke the memory in the memory Program code for doing the following:

The target base station device detects that at least one S1 link state information changes between the mobility management entity MME group serving the target base station device;

And transmitting, by the target base station device, the at least one S1 link state information to the source base station device, so that the source base station device updates the stored S1 link state information set.

In a first possible implementation manner, the processor is configured to send, by the target base station device, the at least one S1 link state information to a source base station device, so that the source base station device pairs the stored S1 link state information. Set the steps to update, including:

And the configuration base station device sends a configuration update message or a configuration update acknowledgement message to the source base station device, where the configuration update message or the configuration update acknowledgement message includes the at least one S1 link state information.

With reference to the seventh aspect, or the first possible implementation manner of the seventh aspect, in a second possible implementation manner, the processor further performs the following steps:

And when the target base station device serves the source base station device and the user equipment resides

When the S1 link between the MMEs is normal, the target base station device performs X2 link switching with the source base station device;

And when the S1 link between the target base station device and the MME that is served by the source base station device and the user equipment camps is abnormal, the target base station device performs S1 link switching with the source base station device. In an eighth aspect, the present invention provides a communication system comprising the first possible implementation of the sixth or sixth aspect or the second possible implementation of the sixth aspect or the third possible aspect of the sixth aspect The implementation of the base station device and the seventh possible implementation manner of the seventh aspect or the seventh aspect, or the second possible implementation manner of the seventh aspect, Base station equipment.

The method for switching between the base stations and the technical solution of the related device provided by the present invention can determine that the S1 link is switched according to the S1 link state information between the target base station and the MME serving the source base station and the user equipment camping. Or X2 link switching, improving the success rate of handover between base stations. DRAWINGS

In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings to be used in the embodiments will be briefly described below. Obviously, the drawings in the following description are only the present invention. In some embodiments, other drawings may be obtained from those of ordinary skill in the art in light of the inventive work.

1 is a flowchart of an embodiment of a method for switching between base stations according to the present invention; FIG. 3 is a flowchart of another embodiment of a method for switching between base stations according to the present invention; A flowchart of still another embodiment of a method for switching between base stations; FIG. 4 is a flowchart of still another embodiment of a method for handover between base stations according to the present invention; FIG. Schematic diagram of an embodiment of the invention;

6 is a schematic structural diagram of another embodiment of a base station according to the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a schematic structural diagram of still another embodiment of a base station according to the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a schematic structural diagram of still another embodiment of a base station according to the present invention; FIG.

FIG. 9 is a schematic structural diagram of an embodiment of a base station device according to the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a schematic structural diagram of another embodiment of a base station device according to the present invention. detailed description

The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention are clearly and completely described in the following with reference to the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present invention. It is obvious that the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, but not all of the embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without creative efforts are within the scope of the present invention. - In various embodiments of the invention, X2 link switching refers to mobility management that does not involve EPC relocation. For example, when the user equipment (User Equipment, UE) moves in a MME group or the handover is performed in the same MME, the handover process does not involve the MME and the SGW, and the source base station interacts with the target base station directly through the X2 interface to perform X2. Link switching. S1 link switching refers to mobility management involving EPC relocation. When the UE moves in two MME groups, or there is no X2 interface between the source base station and the target base station, or the target base station does not have an S1 interface between the MME serving the source base station and the UE camping, the MME relocation needs to be performed. Perform S 1 link switching.

1 is a flow chart of an embodiment of a method for handover between base stations according to the present invention. As shown in Figure 1, the method includes the following steps:

Step S101: When the at least one S1 link state information between the target base station and the mobility management entity MME group serving the target base station changes, the source base station receives the at least one S1 link state sent by the target base station. Information and update the stored S1 link state information set.

In order to utilize radio resources reasonably, the operator usually divides multiple MMEs serving the source base station and the target base station into the same MME group. However, due to limited transmission, the base station under each MME establishes an S1 connection only with the MME of the base station. When the S1 link state information of the target base station and one or more MMEs in the MME group changes, for example, a new MME is added to the MME group, and the target base station establishes an S1 link with the new MME, or The MME is reduced in the MME group, and the link between the target base station and the reduced MME is abnormal, and the target base station actively notifies the source base station of the S1 link state information. The source base station previously stores the S1 link state information of the plurality of target base stations with the X2 link, and constitutes the S1 link state information set. After receiving the updated S1 link state information, the source base station updates the S1 chain. Road state information set.

It can be understood by those skilled in the art that, in this embodiment, the source base station may not only perform information interaction with one target base station, and therefore, the source base station may receive S1 link state information of multiple target base stations to form an S1 link state information set. .

Step S102: When the source base station sends, to the target base station, a handover request message in a cell that is served by the source base station to be switched to a cell in the target base station, the S1 link state information is centralized. And the source base station performs X2 link switching or S1 link switching with the target base station according to the S1 link state information between the target base station and the MME serving the source base station and the user equipment camping.

When the terminal moves from a cell under one eNB to a cell under another eNB during a call, - - or when the quality of the call is degraded due to external interference, the original voice channel of the terminal needs to be changed and transferred to a new idle voice channel. Here, the terminal is a device that provides voice and/or data to the user, A case where a user equipment is handed over from a cell of one base station to a cell of another base station often occurs.

Since the X2 self-establishment is turned on, an X2 link is established between the base stations at the borders of the two MMEs. According to the protocol, if there is an X2 link and the MMEs on both sides belong to one MME group, when the handover is initiated, the priority is selected. The X2 link switch is attempted. However, the source base station and the target base station only know that the MMEs of both parties belong to the same MME group, and the source base station does not know that the target base station and the moon base station are at the source base station and the user equipment resides. Whether the S1 link is established between the MMEs, and if the X2 link switchover is initiated directly, if the X2 link switch preparation fails, the switch success rate will be affected. Therefore, the source base station needs to know that the target base station serves the source base station and the user equipment is stationed according to the S1 link state information between the target base station in the S1 link state information set and the MME serving the source base station and the user equipment camped on. Whether the S1 link between the remaining MMEs is normal. If it is normal, the X2 link can be switched between the source base station and the target base station. Otherwise, the S1 link switchover is performed between the source base station and the target base station.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a method for switching between base stations may be performed according to S1 link state information between a target base station and an MME serving a source base station and a user equipment camped on the S1 link switch or the X2 link. Switching to improve the success rate of handover between base stations.

FIG. 1 is a flowchart of another embodiment of a method for switching between base stations according to the present invention. As shown in the figure, the method includes the following steps:

Step S201: The source base station confirms that the X2 link between the source base station and the target base station is normal.

Before the source base station sends a handover request to the target base station, it is necessary to confirm whether there is an X2 link between the source base station and the target base station, that is, whether the X2 link is normal.

Step S202: When the at least one S1 link state information between the target base station and the mobility management entity MME group serving the target base station changes, the source base station receives a configuration update message or a configuration update sent by the target base station. And a confirmation message, the configuration update message or the configuration update confirmation message includes the at least one S1 link state information.

Step S203: The source base station updates the stored S1 link state information set.

An MME is uniquely identified by an MME Group ID and an MME Code. The source base station receives the configuration update message or the configuration update acknowledgement sent by the target base station, because the S1 link state information between the target base station and the mobility management entity MME group serving the target base station changes. - - The SI link state information may be included in the configuration update message or the configuration update confirmation message. It can be understood by those skilled in the art that, in the process of establishing a connection between the source base station and the target base station, when the source base station first initiates a reconfiguration request, the source base station sends a configuration update message to the target base station, and the target base station sends a configuration update confirmation to the source base station. a message to confirm the reconfiguration connection; when the target base station first initiates a reconfiguration request, the target base station sends a configuration update message to the source base station, and the source base station sends a configuration update confirmation message to the target base station to confirm the reconfiguration connection.

For example, in the configuration update message or the configuration update confirmation message, some fields are added, including the increase and decrease of the MME in the MME group serving the target base station, that is, the S1 link state change information of the target base station, and the specific protocol is combined below. The structure is described. The protocol structure is as shown in Table 1: Table 1 Schematic diagram of the added field information in the configuration update message or configuration update confirmation message

It can be seen from the change of the MME group of the target base station exemplified in Table 1, the target base station is increased - - Two MME groups are added, which are G1 and G2 respectively. The MME keys under G1 are Mi l and M12 respectively. The MME keys under G2 are M21 and M22 respectively, and one MME group is reduced, that is, G3. The MME key of the G3 is M31 and M32. The source base station obtains the MME change information of the MME group of the target base station from the received configuration update message or the configuration update acknowledgement message, and obtains the change of the S1 link state information. It is noted here that the increase and decrease of the MME in Table 1 is only a distance, and the specific situation may vary according to actual conditions.

Step S204, when the source base station sends, to the target base station, a handover request message in a cell in which the source base station provides service to the cell under the target base station, in the S1 link state information set, Determining, according to the S1 link state information between the target base station and the MME serving the source base station and the user equipment camping, whether the S1 link is normal, if yes, proceeding to step S205; otherwise, Go to step S206.

Step S205: The source base station performs X2 link switching with the target base station.

Step S206: The source base station performs an S1 link switch with the target base station.

The source base station needs to know, according to the S1 link state information between the target base station in the S1 link state information set and the MME serving the source base station and the user equipment camping, the target base station and the serving source base station and the user equipment resides. Whether the S1 link between the MME and the target base station can perform X2 link switching. Otherwise, the S1 link is switched between the source base station and the target base station.

Step S207: The source base station performs S1 link switching with the target base station within a set time.

When the source base station determines that the S1 link is abnormal, the timer can be started. Before the time set by the timer expires, the subsequent handover to the target cell directly performs the S1 link switching, and the X2 link switching is no longer attempted. Save signaling overhead.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a source base station stores an S1 link state information set between a target base station and an MME group serving the target base station, and when the S1 link state information changes. Receiving an update of the S1 link state information sent by the target base station, and when an inter-base station handover occurs, may be updated in the S1 link state information set according to the target base station and the MME serving the source base station and the user equipment camping. The S1 link state information determines whether to perform an S1 link switch or an X2 link switch, and improves the success rate of handover between the base stations.

3 is a flow chart of still another embodiment of a method of handover between base stations. As shown in Figure 3, the - - The method includes the following steps:

Step S301: The target base station detects that at least one S1 link state information changes between the mobility management entity MME group serving the target base station.

Step S302: The target base station sends the at least one S1 link state information to the source base station, so that the source base station updates the stored S1 link state information set.

In order to utilize radio resources reasonably, the operator usually divides multiple MMEs serving the source base station and the target base station into the same MME group. However, due to limited transmission, the base station under each MME establishes an S1 connection only with the MME of the base station. When the S1 link state information of the target base station and one or more MMEs in the MME group changes, for example, a new MME is added to the MME group, and the target base station establishes an S1 link with the new MME, or The MME is reduced in the MME group, and the link between the target base station and the reduced MME is abnormal, and the target base station actively notifies the source base station of the S1 link state information. The source base station previously stores the S1 link state information of the plurality of target base stations with the X2 link, and constitutes the S1 link state information set. After receiving the updated S1 link state information, the source base station updates the S1 link state. Information set.

Since the X2 link is established between the base stations at the boundary of the two MMEs, according to the protocol requirements,

In the case where the X2 link and the MMEs on both sides belong to the same MME group, when the handover is initiated, the X2 link handover is preferably attempted. However, the source base station and the target base station only know that the MMEs serving the two parties belong to the same MME group. If the source base station does not know whether the S1 link is established between the target base station and the MME that serves the source base station and the user equipment resides, and if the X2 link switchover is directly initiated, if the X2 link switch preparation fails, the handover success rate is affected. . Therefore, the source base station updates the stored S1 link state information set according to the updated S1 link state information that is actively sent by the target base station, in the S1 link state information set, according to the target base station and the serving source base station, and The S1 link state information between the MMEs in which the user equipment resides can know whether the S1 link between the target base station and the MME serving the source base station and the user equipment camps is normal. If normal, the source base station and the target base station The X2 link switchover can be performed. Otherwise, the S1 link switchover is performed between the source base station and the target base station.

4 is a flow chart of still another embodiment of a method of handover between base stations. As shown in FIG. 4, the method includes the following steps: - Step S401, the target base station detects that at least one S1 link state information between the mobility management entity MME group serving the target base station changes.

Step S402: The target base station sends a configuration update message or a configuration update confirmation message to the source base station, where the configuration update message or the configuration update confirmation message includes the at least one S1 link state information.

In order to utilize radio resources reasonably, the operator usually divides multiple MMEs serving the source base station and the target base station into the same MME group. However, due to limited transmission, the base station under each MME establishes an S1 connection only with the MME serving the base station. When the target base station detects that the S1 link state information of the target base station and one or more MMEs in the MME group changes, for example, a new MME is added to the MME group, and the target base station establishes S with the new MME. 1 link, or, the MME is reduced in the MME group, the link between the target base station and the reduced MME is abnormal, and the target base station actively notifies the source base station of the S1 link state information. The source base station previously stores the S1 link state information of the plurality of target base stations with the X2 link, and constitutes the S1 link state information set. After receiving the updated S1 link state information, the source base station updates the S1 link state. Information set.

The S1 link state information may be included by the target base station sending a configuration update message or a configuration update acknowledgement message to the source base station, because the S1 link state information between the target base station and the mobility management entity MME group serving the target base station changes. In the configuration update message or configuration update confirmation message. It can be understood by those skilled in the art that, in the process of establishing a connection between the source base station and the target base station, when the source base station first initiates a reconfiguration request, the source base station sends a configuration update message to the target base station, and the target base station sends a configuration update confirmation to the source base station. a message to confirm the reconfiguration connection; when the target base station first initiates a reconfiguration request, the target base station sends a configuration update message to the source base station, and the source base station sends a configuration update confirmation message to the target base station to confirm the reconfiguration connection.

Step S403: When the S1 link between the target base station and the MME that is served by the source base station and the user equipment camps is normal, the target base station performs X2 link switching with the source base station.

Step S404: When the S1 link between the target base station and the MME that is served by the source base station and the user equipment camps is abnormal, the target base station performs S1 link switching with the source base station.

When the source base station determines that the S1 link between the target base station and the MME serving the source base station and the user equipment camps is normal, the target base station receives the X2 link handover request of the source base station, and performs an X2 link with the source base station. Switching; when the source base station determines that the S1 link between the target base station and the MME serving the source base station and the user equipment camps is abnormal, the target base station receives the S1 link switch of the source base station - - Request, SI link switching with the source base station.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, when the S1 link state information between the target base station and the MME group serving the target base station changes, the updated S1 link state information is generated to the source base station, The source base station is configured to update the stored S1 link state information set, which helps the source base station to set the S1 link state information set when the handover occurs with the target base station, according to the target base station and the MME serving the source base station and the user equipment camping. The updated S1 link state information determines whether to perform S1 link switching or X2 link switching, and improves the success rate of handover between base stations.

FIG. 5 is a schematic structural diagram of an embodiment of a base station. As shown in FIG. 5, the base station 1000 includes:

The first receiving unit 11 is configured to receive, when the at least one S1 link state information between the target base station and the mobility management entity MME group serving the target base station changes, the at least one S1 sent by the target base station Link status information.

The updating unit 12 is configured to update the stored S1 link state information set according to the at least one S1 link state information.

In order to utilize radio resources reasonably, the operator usually divides multiple MMEs serving the source base station and the target base station into the same MME group. However, due to limited transmission, the base station under each MME establishes an S1 connection only with the MME of the base station. When the S1 link state information of the target base station and one or more MMEs in the MME group changes, for example, a new MME is added to the MME group, and the target base station establishes an S1 link with the new MME, or The MME is reduced in the MME group, and the link between the target base station and the reduced MME is abnormal, and the target base station actively notifies the source base station of the S1 link state information. The source base station previously stores the S1 link state information of the plurality of target base stations with the X2 link, and constitutes the S1 link state information set. After the first receiving unit 11 receives the updated S1 link state information, the update unit 12 Update the S1 link state information set.

The first switching unit 13 is configured to: when the base station sends, to the target base station, a handover request message in a cell that is served by the base station to a cell under the target base station, in the S1 link state. The information set, according to the S1 link state information between the target base station and the MME serving the base station and the user equipment camping, the base station and the target base station perform an X2 chain - - Road switching or SI link switching.

When the terminal moves from the cell under one eNB to the cell under another eNB during the call, or the call quality of the terminal is degraded due to external interference, the original voice channel of the terminal needs to be changed and transferred to a new idle voice. On the channel, here, the terminal is a device that provides voice and/or data to the user, and therefore, a case where the user equipment is handed over from the cell of one base station to the cell of another base station often occurs.

Since the X2 self-establishment is turned on, an X2 link is established between the base stations at the borders of the two MMEs. According to the protocol, if there is an X2 link and the MMEs on both sides belong to one MME group, when the handover is initiated, the priority is selected. The X2 link switch is attempted. However, the source base station and the target base station only know that the MMEs serving the two parties belong to the same MME group, and the source base station does not know whether the target base station and the MME serving the source base station and the user equipment resides. The S1 link is established. If the X2 link switchover is initiated directly, if the X2 link switch preparation fails, the switch success rate will be affected. Therefore, the first switching unit 13 needs to know that the target base station and the source base station are served according to the S1 link state information between the target base station in the S1 link state information set and the MME serving the source base station and the user equipment camped on. Whether the S1 link between the MMEs where the user equipment resides is normal. If it is normal, the X2 link can be switched between the source base station and the target base station. Otherwise, the S1 link switchover is performed between the source base station and the target base station.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a base station may determine, according to S1 link state information between a target base station and an MME serving a source base station and a user equipment camp, performing an S1 link switch or an X2 link switch. Improve the success rate of handover between base stations.

FIG. 6 is a schematic structural diagram of another embodiment of a base station according to the present invention. As shown in Figure 6, the base station 2000 includes:

The confirming unit 21 is configured to confirm that the X2 link between the source base station and the target base station is normal.

Before the source base station sends a handover request to the target base station, the acknowledgment unit 21 needs to confirm whether there is an X2 link between the source base station and the target base station, that is, whether the X2 link is normal.

The first receiving unit 22 is configured to receive, when the at least one S1 link state information between the target base station and the mobility management entity MME group serving the target base station changes, the at least one S1 sent by the target base station Link status information.

In the present embodiment, the first receiving unit 22 includes a second receiving unit 221.

a second receiving unit 221, configured to: when the target base station and the mobile station serving the target base station Receiving a configuration update message or a configuration update confirmation message sent by the target base station when the at least one SI link state information between the group of MMEs changes, the configuration update message or the configuration update confirmation message includes the At least one S1 link state information.

The updating unit 23 is configured to update the stored S1 link state information set according to the at least one S1 link state information.

An MME is uniquely identified by the MME Group ID and the MME Code. The S1 link state information may be changed by the source base station receiving the configuration update message or the configuration update acknowledgement message sent by the target base station, and the S1 link state information may be changed between the target base station and the mobility management entity MME group serving the target base station. Included in this configuration update message or configuration update confirmation message. It can be understood by those skilled in the art that, in the process of establishing a connection between the source base station and the target base station, when the source base station first initiates a reconfiguration request, the source base station sends a configuration update message to the target base station, and the target base station sends a configuration update confirmation to the source base station. a message to confirm the reconfiguration connection; when the target base station first initiates a reconfiguration request, the target base station sends a configuration update message to the source base station, and the source base station sends a configuration update confirmation message to the target base station to confirm the reconfiguration connection.

For example, some fields are added in the configuration update message or the configuration update acknowledgement message, including the increase and decrease of the MME in the MME group serving the target base station, that is, the S1 link state change information of the target base station.

a first switching unit 24, configured to: when the base station sends, to the target base station, a handover request message in a cell that is served by the base station to a cell under the target base station, in the S1 link state In the information set, according to the S1 link state information between the target base station and the MME serving the base station and the user equipment camping, the base station performs X2 link switching or S1 link switching with the target base station. .

In this embodiment, the first switching unit 24 includes a second switching unit 241 and a third switching unit.

242.

a second switching unit 241, configured to perform an X2 link switching between the base station and the target base station when the S1 link is normal;

The third switching unit 242 is configured to perform S1 link switching between the base station and the target base station when the S1 link is abnormal.

The source base station needs to know the target base station and serve the source base according to the S1 link state information between the target base station in the S1 link state information set and the MME serving the source base station and the user equipment camped on. - Whether the S1 link between the MME and the MME where the user equipment resides is normal. If it is normal, the X2 link can be switched between the source base station and the target base station. Otherwise, the S1 link switch between the source base station and the target base station is performed. .

The fourth switching unit 25 is configured to perform S1 link switching between the base station and the target base station within a set time.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a base station stores an S 1 link state information set between a target base station and an MME group serving the target base station, and receives when the S 1 link state information changes. The update of the S1 link state information sent by the target base station may be in the S1 link state information set according to the updated S1 between the target base station and the MME serving the base station and the user equipment camping when the inter-base station handover occurs. Link state information, determining whether to perform S1 link switching or X2 link switching, and improving the success rate of handover between base stations.

FIG. 7 is a schematic structural diagram of still another embodiment of a base station. As shown in FIG. 7, the base station 3000 includes:

The detecting unit 31 is configured to detect that at least one S1 link state information changes between the mobility management entity MME group serving the base station.

The first sending unit 32 is configured to send the at least one S1 link state information to the source base station, so that the source base station updates the stored S1 link state information set.

In order to utilize radio resources reasonably, the operator usually divides multiple MMEs serving the source base station and the target base station into the same MME group. However, due to limited transmission, the base station under each MME establishes an S1 connection only with the MME serving the base station. When the detecting unit 31 detects that the S1 link state information of the target base station and one or more MMEs in the MME group changes, for example, a new MME is added to the MME group, and the target base station establishes with the new MME. The S1 link, or the MME is reduced in the MME group, the link between the target base station and the reduced MME is abnormal, and the first sending unit 32 actively notifies the source base station of the S1 link state information. The source base station previously stores the S1 link state information of the plurality of target base stations with the X2 link, and constitutes the S1 link state information set. After receiving the updated S1 link state information, the source base station updates the S1 link state. Information set. - - Since an X2 link is established between the base stations at the two MME boundaries, if there is an X2 link and the MMEs on both sides belong to one MME group according to the protocol requirements, when the handover is initiated, the X2 link is preferably tried. However, the source base station and the target base station only know that the MMEs serving the two parties belong to the same MME group, and if the source base station does not know whether the S1 link is established between the target base station and the MME serving the source base station and the user equipment camps. If the X2 link switchover is initiated directly, if the X2 link switch preparation fails, the switch success rate will be affected. Therefore, the source base station updates the stored S1 link state information set according to the updated S1 link state information that is actively sent by the target base station, in the S1 link state information set, according to the target base station and the serving source base station, and The S1 link state information between the MMEs in which the user equipment resides can know whether the S1 link between the target base station and the MME serving the source base station and the user equipment camps is normal. If normal, the source base station and the target base station The X2 link switchover can be performed. Otherwise, the S1 link switchover is performed between the source base station and the target base station.

FIG. 8 is a schematic structural diagram of still another embodiment of a base station. As shown in FIG. 8, the base station 4000 includes:

The detecting unit 41 is configured to detect that at least one S1 link state information changes between the mobility management entity MME group serving the base station.

The first sending unit 42 is configured to send the at least one S1 link state information to the source base station, so that the source base station updates the stored S1 link state information set.

In the embodiment, the first transmitting unit 42 includes a second transmitting unit 421.

The second sending unit 421 is configured to send a configuration update message or a configuration update acknowledgement message to the source base station, where the configuration update message or the configuration update acknowledgement message includes the at least one S1 link state information.

In order to utilize radio resources reasonably, the operator usually divides multiple MMEs serving the source base station and the target base station into the same MME group. However, due to limited transmission, the base station under each MME establishes an S1 connection only with the MME serving the base station. When the detecting unit 41 detects that the S1 link state information of the target base station and one or more MMEs in the MME group changes, for example, a new MME is added to the MME group, and the target base station establishes with the new MME. S1 link, or the MME is reduced in the MME group, and the link between the target base station and the reduced MME is out. - - Now abnormal, the target base station actively notifies the source base station of these SI link state information. The source base station previously stores the S1 link state information of the plurality of target base stations with the X2 link, and constitutes the S1 link state information set. After receiving the updated S1 link state information, the source base station updates the S1 link state. Information set.

Since the S1 link state information between the target base station and the mobility management entity MME group serving the target base station changes, the second sending unit 421 sends a configuration update message or a configuration update acknowledgement message to the source base station, and the S1 link state. Information can be included in the configuration update message or the configuration update confirmation message. It can be understood by those skilled in the art that, in the process of establishing a connection between the source base station and the target base station, when the source base station first initiates a reconfiguration request, the source base station sends a configuration update message to the target base station, and the target base station sends a configuration update confirmation to the source base station. a message to confirm the reconfiguration connection; when the target base station first initiates a reconfiguration request, the target base station sends a configuration update message to the source base station, and the source base station sends a configuration update confirmation message to the target base station to confirm the reconfiguration connection.

a fifth switching unit 43, configured to perform an X2 link switch between the base station and the source base station when the S1 link between the base station and the MME serving the source base station and the user equipment camps is normal ;

a sixth switching unit 44, configured to perform S1 link switching between the base station and the source base station when the S1 link between the base station and the MME serving the source base station and the user equipment camps is abnormal .

When the source base station determines that the S1 link between the target base station and the MME serving the source base station and the user equipment camps is normal, the fifth handover unit 43 receives the X2 link handover request of the source base station, and performs with the source base station. X2 link switching; when the source base station determines that the S1 link between the target base station and the MME serving the source base station and the user equipment camps is abnormal, the sixth switching unit 44 receives the S1 link switch of the source base station. Request, perform S1 link switching with the source base station.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, when the S1 link state information between the target base station and the MME group serving the target base station changes, the updated S1 link state information is generated to the source base station to update the source base station. The stored S1 link state information set helps the source base station to update between the target base station and the MME serving the source base station and the user equipment camped when the handover occurs with the target base station in the S1 link state information set. The S1 link state information determines whether to perform an S1 link switch or an X2 link switch, thereby improving the success rate of handover between the base stations.

FIG. 9 is a schematic structural diagram of an embodiment of a base station device according to the present invention. As shown in Figure 9, the device 5000 includes:

Input device 501, output device 502, memory 503, and processor 504 (where in the monitoring device) The number of processors 504 may be one or more, and one processor is taken as an example in FIG. In some embodiments of the present invention, the input device 501, the output device 502, the memory 503, and the processor 504 may be connected by a bus or other means, wherein the bus connection is taken as an example in FIG.

The memory 503 stores a set of program codes, and the processor 504 is configured to call the program code stored in the memory 503 for performing the following operations:

In some embodiments of the present invention, the processor 504 performs the source base station device when the at least one S1 link state information between the target base station device and the mobility management entity MME group serving the target base station device changes. Before receiving the at least one S1 link state information sent by the target base station device, performing the following steps:

In some embodiments of the present invention, the processor 504, the step of the source base station device receiving the at least one S1 link state information sent by the target base station device, includes:

In some embodiments of the present invention, the processor 504 performs, when the source base station device sends a user equipment that provides the source base station device service to the target base station device, to a cell under the target base station device. In the S1 link state information set, according to the S1 link state information between the target base station device and the MME serving the source base station device and the user equipment camping, And the step of determining, by the source base station device, the X2 link switch or the S1 link switch with the target base station device, including: - - when the SI link is normal, the source base station device performs X2 link switching with the target base station device;

In some embodiments of the present invention, the processor 504 performs the following steps after the step of performing the S1 link switching between the source base station device and the target base station device when the S1 link is abnormal:

The source base station device performs S1 link switching with the target base station device within a set time. According to an embodiment of the present invention, a base station device may determine, according to S1 link state information between a target base station device and an MME serving a source base station device and a user equipment camp, performing S1 link switching or X2 link switching. , improve the success rate of switching between base station equipment.

FIG. 10 is a schematic structural diagram of another embodiment of a base station device according to the present invention. As shown in FIG. 10, the device 6000 includes:

The input device 601, the output device 602, the memory 603, and the processor 604 (the number of processors 604 in the monitoring device may be one or more, and one processor in Fig. 10 is taken as an example). In some embodiments of the present invention, the input device 601, the output device 602, the memory 603, and the processor 604 may be connected by a bus or other means, wherein FIG. 10 is exemplified by a bus connection.

The memory 603 stores a set of program codes, and the processor 604 is configured to call the program code stored in the memory 603 to perform the following operations:

In some embodiments of the present invention, the processor 604 performs the sending, by the target base station device, the at least one S1 link state information to the source base station device, so that the source base station device performs the stored S1 link state information set. Updated steps, including:

The target base station device sends a configuration update message or a configuration update acknowledgement message to the source base station device, where the configuration update message or the configuration update acknowledgement message includes the at least one S1 link state information. - In some embodiments of the invention, processor 604 also performs the following steps:

When the S1 link between the MMEs is abnormal, the target base station device performs S1 link switching with the source base station device.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a base station device may determine, according to S1 link state information between a target base station device and an MME serving a source base station device and a user equipment camp, performing S1 link switching or X2 link switching. , improve the success rate of switching between base station equipment.

The present invention also provides a communication system including the source base station device and the target base station device involved in the above embodiments.

A person skilled in the art can understand that all or part of the steps of implementing the above method embodiments may be completed by using hardware related to the program instructions. The foregoing program may be stored in a computer readable storage medium, and the program is executed when executed. The foregoing steps include the steps of the foregoing method embodiments; and the foregoing storage medium includes: a medium that can store program codes, such as a ROM, a RAM, a magnetic disk, or an optical disk.

The above description of the method for switching between base stations and related devices provided by the embodiments of the present invention is only for assisting in understanding the method and core idea of the present invention. Meanwhile, for those skilled in the art, based on The present invention is not limited by the scope of the present invention.

Claims

Rights request

1. A handover method between base stations, characterized by including:

When at least one S1 link state information between the target base station and the mobility management entity MME group serving the target base station changes, the source base station receives the at least one S1 link state information sent by the target base station and updates it. Stored S1 link status information set;

When the source base station sends a handover request message to the target base station to switch the user equipment served by the source base station to a cell under the target base station, in the S1 link status information set, according to the S1 link status information between the target base station and the MME serving the source base station and where the user equipment resides. The source base station and the target base station perform X2 link switching or S1 link switching.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein when at least one S1 link status information between the target base station and the mobility management entity MME group serving the target base station changes, the source base station receives Before the at least one S1 link status information sent by the target base station, it also includes:

The source base station confirms that the X2 link between the source base station and the target base station is normal.

3. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein the source base station receives the at least one S1 link status information sent by the target base station, including:

The source base station receives a configuration update message or a configuration update confirmation message sent by the target base station, and the configuration update message or the configuration update confirmation message includes the at least one S1 link status information.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, when the source base station sends to the target base station, the user equipment provided by the source base station is switched to the target base station. When a handover request message is issued in a cell, in the S1 link state information set, according to the S1 link state information between the target base station and the MME serving the source base station and where the user equipment resides, The source base station performs X2 link switching or S1 link switching with the target base station, including: When the SI link is normal, the source base station and the target base station perform X2 link switching; when the S1 link is abnormal, the source base station and the target base station perform S1 link switching.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein when the S1 link is abnormal, after the source base station and the target base station perform S1 link switching, it further includes:

Within the set time, the source base station and the target base station perform S1 link switching.

6. A handover method between base stations, characterized by including:

The target base station detects a change in at least one S1 link status information between the mobility management entity MME group serving the target base station;

The target base station sends the at least one S1 link status information to the source base station, so that the source base station updates the stored S1 link status information set.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein the target base station sends the at least one S1 link status information to the source base station, so that the source base station updates the stored S1 link status information set. , include:

The target base station sends a configuration update message or a configuration update confirmation message to the source base station, where the configuration update message or the configuration update confirmation message includes the at least one S1 link status information.

8. The method of claim 6 or 7, further comprising:

When the communication between the target base station and the MME serving the source base station and where the user equipment resides

When the S1 link is normal, the target base station and the source base station perform X2 link switching;

When the S1 link is abnormal, the target base station and the source base station perform S1 link switching.

9. A base station, characterized by including:

A first receiving unit configured to receive the at least one S1 link sent by the target base station when at least one S1 link status information between the target base station and the mobility management entity MME group serving the target base station changes. Road status information;

An update unit, configured to update the stored S1 link according to the at least one S1 link status information. status information set;

A first switching unit configured to, when the base station sends a switching request message to the target base station to switch the user equipment served by the base station to a cell under the target base station, in the S1 link status information Centrally, based on the S1 link status information between the target base station and the MME serving the base station and where the user equipment is camped, the base station and the target base station perform X2 link switching or S1 link switching.

10. The base station according to claim 9, further comprising:

A confirmation unit, used to confirm that the X2 link between the base station and the target base station is normal.

11. The base station according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the first receiving unit includes:

The second receiving unit is configured to receive a configuration update message or a configuration update confirmation message sent by the target base station, where the configuration update message or the configuration update confirmation message includes the at least one S1 link status information.

12. The base station according to any one of claims 9-11, characterized in that the first switching unit includes:

The second switching unit is used to perform X2 link switching between the base station and the target base station when the S1 link is normal;

The third switching unit is used to perform S1 link switching between the base station and the target base station when the S1 link is abnormal.

13. The base station according to claim 12, further comprising:

The fourth switching unit is used to perform S1 link switching between the base station and the target base station within a set time.

14. A base station, characterized by including:

A detection unit configured to detect changes in at least one S1 link status information with the mobility management entity MME group serving the base station; The first sending unit is configured to send the at least one SI link state information to the source base station, so that the source base station updates the stored S1 link state information set.

15. The base station according to claim 14, wherein the first sending unit includes: a second sending unit, configured to send a configuration update message or a configuration update confirmation message to the source base station, the configuration update message Or the configuration update confirmation message includes the at least one S1 link status information.

16. The base station according to claim 14 or 15, further comprising:

The fifth switching unit is configured to perform X2 link switching between the base station and the source base station when the S1 link between the base station and the MME serving the source base station and where the user equipment resides is normal; The sixth switching unit is configured to perform S1 link switching between the base station and the source base station when the S1 link between the base station and the MME serving the source base station and where the user equipment resides is abnormal.

17. A communication system, characterized by comprising a base station according to any one of claims 9-13 and a base station according to any one of claims 14-16.

18. A base station equipment, characterized in that it includes: an input device, an output device, a memory and a processor, wherein a set of program codes is stored in the memory, and the processor is used to call the program stored in the memory Code to do the following:

When at least one S1 link status information between the target base station equipment and the mobility management entity MME group serving the target base station equipment changes, the source base station equipment receives the at least one S1 link sent by the target base station equipment. status information and updates the stored S1 link status information set; when the source base station device sends to the target base station device a handover of switching the user equipment served by the source base station device to a cell under the target base station device When requesting a message, in the S1 link status information set, according to the S1 link status information between the target base station equipment and the MME serving the source base station equipment and where the user equipment resides, the source base station The device determines to perform X2 link switching or S1 link switching with the target base station device.

19. The base station equipment according to claim 18, characterized in that the processor executes the When at least one S1 link status information between the target base station equipment and the mobility management entity MME group serving the target base station equipment changes, the source base station equipment receives the at least one S1 link sent by the target base station equipment. Before the status information step, also perform the following steps:

The source base station equipment confirms that the X2 link between the source base station equipment and the target base station equipment is normal.

20. The base station device according to claim 18 or 19, wherein the processor performs the step of the source base station device receiving the at least one S1 link status information sent by the target base station device, including:

The source base station device receives a configuration update message or a configuration update confirmation message sent by the target base station device, and the configuration update message or the configuration update confirmation message includes the at least one S1 link status information.

21. The base station device according to any one of claims 18 to 20, characterized in that, the processor executes the step of sending the source base station device to provide services to the target base station device. When the user equipment switches to the handover request message in the cell under the target base station equipment, in the S1 link state information set, according to the target base station equipment and the source base station equipment serving the source base station equipment, and the user equipment is stationed The remaining S1 link status information between MMEs, the source base station device determines the steps of performing X2 link switching or S1 link switching with the target base station device, including:

When the S1 link is normal, the source base station equipment and the target base station equipment perform X2 link switching;

When the S1 link is abnormal, the source base station equipment and the target base station equipment perform S1 link switching.

22. The base station equipment according to claim 21, wherein the processor performs the step of switching the S1 link between the source base station equipment and the target base station equipment when the S1 link is abnormal. After that, also perform the following steps:

Within a set time, the source base station equipment and the target base station equipment perform S1 link switching.

23. A base station equipment, characterized in that it includes: an input device, an output device, a memory and A processor, wherein a set of program codes is stored in the memory, and the processor is used to call the program codes stored in the memory to perform the following operations:

The target base station equipment detects a change in at least one S1 link state information with the mobility management entity MME group serving the target base station equipment;

The target base station device sends the at least one S1 link status information to the source base station device, so that the source base station device updates the stored S1 link status information set.

24. The base station device according to claim 23, wherein the processor executes the target base station device to send the at least one S1 link status information to the source base station device, so that the source base station device stores The steps to update the S1 link status information set include:

The target base station device sends a configuration update message or a configuration update confirmation message to the source base station device, and the configuration update message or the configuration update confirmation message includes the at least one S1 link status information.

25. The base station equipment according to claim 23 or 24, characterized in that the processor also performs the following steps:

When the S1 link between the target base station equipment and the MME serving the source base station equipment and where the user equipment resides is normal, the target base station equipment and the source base station equipment perform X2 link switching;

When the target base station equipment and the source base station equipment are served and the user equipment resides

When the S1 link between MMEs is abnormal, the target base station equipment and the source base station equipment perform S1 link switching.

26. A communication system, characterized in that it includes the base station equipment according to any one of claims 18-22 and the base station equipment according to any one of claims 23-25.