4G/5G Dual-Registration Data Synchronization via SMF Forwarding Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication systems face challenges in providing seamless data synchronization during terminal mobility between 4G and 5G networks without using a handover signal procedure, leading to potential data loss during dual-registration interworking.
Innovation Solution
A data synchronization scheme is proposed that configures a data forwarding path between network entities and base stations, allowing seamless data transfer without changing existing 4G and 5G base station implementations, using new entities like SMF and UPF devices to manage QoS and forwarding paths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a handover signal procedure is used for data synchronization during terminal mobility between 4G and 5G networks, then data loss can be prevented, but the device complexity and operational overhead increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the data forwarding path configuration function from the traditional handover signal procedure. Instead of using complex handover signaling between base stations, the invention separates the data forwarding setup into independent configuration messages exchanged between the SMF and base stations, eliminating the need for inter-base-station handover signals while maintaining data synchronization reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The SMF acts as an intermediary entity that coordinates data forwarding path configuration between the 4G and 5G base stations. Rather than requiring direct handover signaling between base stations, the SMF receives data forwarding requests, configures the appropriate forwarding paths, and manages the synchronization process, thereby reducing device complexity while ensuring reliable data transfer
2Device complexity
If dual-registration interworking is implemented without handover signals to reduce complexity, then device complexity decreases, but data loss occurs during terminal mobility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary configuration of data forwarding paths before terminal mobility occurs. When the SMF receives a data forwarding request, it proactively configures the forwarding path between base stations in advance, ensuring that data synchronization mechanisms are already in place before handover occurs, thus preventing data loss while maintaining low device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the mechanical handover signal exchange between base stations with a standardized configuration message system managed by the SMF. Instead of complex inter-base-station signaling protocols, the system uses simplified configuration messages to establish data forwarding paths, reducing device complexity while maintaining data synchronization reliability through the intermediary SMF coordination
3Reliability
If data forwarding paths are configured for each terminal movement to prevent data loss, then data synchronization reliability improves, but the operational overhead and processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the data forwarding path configuration with existing session management procedures. Instead of creating separate complex handover signaling processes, the invention integrates data forwarding setup into the existing session establishment and modification workflows, allowing path configuration to occur as a natural part of session management rather than as a separate time-consuming process
Solution Approach 2:
The SMF performs multiple functions including session management, mobility management, and data forwarding path configuration within a single entity. This multi-functionality allows the system to handle data synchronization requirements using existing session management infrastructure, eliminating the need for separate specialized handover signaling processes and reducing overall operational overhead
4Reliability
If existing 4G and 5G base station implementations are modified to support data forwarding, then data synchronization capability improves, but additional implementation costs and complexity are incurred
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the data forwarding path configuration to work with existing 4G and 5G base station implementations without requiring fundamental modifications. The base stations maintain their existing functions while gaining additional data forwarding capabilities through standardized configuration messages from the SMF, allowing them to serve multiple purposes (original functions plus data forwarding) without increasing implementation complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The invention enables data forwarding capability by changing configuration parameters within the existing base station software rather than requiring hardware modifications or fundamental architecture changes. The base stations receive configuration messages that adjust their operational parameters to enable data forwarding paths, allowing existing implementations to support new functionality through parameter adjustment rather than structural modification
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a method performed by a packet data network gateway-control plane + session management function, PGW-C+SMF, in a mobile communication system, the method comprising: transmitting, to a packet data network gateway-user plane + user plane function, PGW-U+UPF, a request message including first information for allocating a tunnel for data forwarding to the PGW-U+UPF, in case that a terminal is handed over from a first network system to a second network system; as a response to the request message, receiving, from the PGW-U+UPF, a response message including second information on the tunnel for the data forwarding to the PGW-U+UPF; and transmitting, to a first base station associated with the first network system, the second information, wherein the second information is used to forward at least one data packet from the first base station to a second base station associated with the second network system through the PGW-U+UPF, and wherein the second information includes a tunnel endpoint identifier, TEID, for a protocol data unit, PDU, session for the data forwarding to the PGW-U+UPF.