Predictive and core-network efficient RRC signalling for active state handover in RANs with control/data separation

Mohamed, A., Oniretii, O. , Imran, M. A. , Imran, A. and Tafazolli, R. (2017) Predictive and core-network efficient RRC signalling for active state handover in RANs with control/data separation. IEEE Transactions on Wireless Communications, 16(3), pp. 1423-1436. (doi: 10.1109/TWC.2016.2644608)

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Abstract

Frequent handovers (HOs) in dense small cell deployment scenarios could lead to a dramatic increase in signalling overhead. This suggests a paradigm shift towards a signalling conscious cellular architecture with intelligent mobility management. In this direction, a futuristic radio access network with a logical separation between control and data planes has been proposed in research community. It aims to overcome limitations of the conventional architecture by providing high data rate services under the umbrella of a coverage layer in a dual connection mode. This approach enables signalling efficient HO procedures, since the control plane remains unchanged when the users move within the footprint of the same umbrella. Considering this configuration, we propose a core-network efficient radio resource control (RRC) signalling scheme for active state HO and develop an analytical framework to evaluate its signalling load as a function of network density, user mobility and session characteristics. In addition, we propose an intelligent HO prediction scheme with advance resource preparation in order to minimise the HO signalling latency. Numerical and simulation results show promising gains in terms of reduction in HO latency and signalling load as compared with conventional approaches.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Imran, Professor Muhammad and Onireti, Oluwakayode
Authors: Mohamed, A., Oniretii, O., Imran, M. A., Imran, A., and Tafazolli, R.
College/School:College of Science and Engineering > School of Engineering
College of Science and Engineering > School of Engineering > Electronics and Nanoscale Engineering
Journal Name:IEEE Transactions on Wireless Communications
Publisher:IEEE
ISSN:1536-1276
ISSN (Online):1558-2248
Published Online:23 December 2016
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2016 IEEE
First Published:First published in IEEE Transactions on Wireless Communications 16(3): 1423-1436
Publisher Policy:Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher

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