A User-centric Clustering Method for Mobility Management in Ultra-dense Networks

Due to the new characteristics of ultra-dense networks (UDN), such as high dense deployment of wireless access points (APs), complicated handover signaling processes and irregular coverage, how to achieve mobility support and reduce user's interrupt ratio remain a difficult problem. To address these issues, based on the presented user-centric APs clustering (UCC) network architecture in UDN, a UCC method is proposed. In the scheme, with dynamic refreshment of the UCC member, a user equipment (UE) moves as if it is surrounded by the connected APs and the AP-to-AP handover is concealed. In order to provide UE with satisfactory services, the UCC is formulated based on the joint transmission benefit. Additionally, UCC member refreshing algorithm is designed to facilitate seamless connectivity with new APs. Finally, performance analysis is done. Compared to the anchor-based scheme, we simulate our scheme from three aspects, including interrupt ratio, spectral efficiency and user average rate.