Access-Network Data Forwarding for Small-Data Mobility
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Solution Overview
Problem
The need to notify a core network device to perform path switching when a terminal moves to a new base station and transmits small data results in signaling overheads in existing mobile communication systems.
Innovation Solution
A method where a first access network device obtains an identifier of a second access network device that configures the terminal to enter an inactive state, sends a retrieve terminal context request message to retrieve the terminal's context and tunnel address, allowing direct data transmission without notifying the core network device to switch paths, thereby reducing signaling overheads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the new base station notifies the core network device to perform path switching when the terminal transmits uplink data, then the data transmission can be established, but signaling overheads increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a data forwarding address as an intermediary mechanism. The second base station provides this address to the first base station, enabling direct data forwarding without involving the core network device in the path switching decision. This intermediary approach resolves the contradiction by maintaining reliable data transmission while avoiding the signaling overheads associated with traditional core network-involved path switching.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the data transmission function from the core network device by introducing a dedicated data forwarding mechanism at the access network level. The second base station handles data forwarding independently by providing the first base station with the necessary tunnel information, separating the data plane functionality from the control plane path switching procedure, thus reducing signaling overheads while maintaining transmission reliability.
2Loss of energy
If the terminal enters inactive state to save resources, then energy consumption decreases, but data transmission capability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-establishing the data forwarding mechanism before the terminal actually needs to transmit data. The second base station proactively provides the data forwarding address to the first base station when the terminal enters inactive state, so that when data transmission is needed, the path is already prepared and no additional signaling is required. This enables the terminal to safely enter inactive state while maintaining data transmission capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the access network devices to autonomously handle the data forwarding function without requiring core network device involvement. The second base station independently provides the data forwarding address to the first base station, allowing the access network to self-manage the data transmission path while the terminal remains in inactive state, thus balancing energy savings with data transmission capability.
Data Source
AI summary
Examples in this application disclose a communications system and apparatus. One example system includes a first access network device and a second access network device, and the first access network device sends, to the second access network device, indication information indicating a requirement of transmitting small data, receives, from the second access network device, a context of the terminal and an address of a tunnel used to transmit uplink data, indicates, based on the context, the terminal to enter a connected state, and sends uplink data of the terminal to the second access network device based on the address of the tunnel, then the second access network device sends the uplink data to a core network device.