Base Station Bearer Control for Dual-Connectivity Core Load Relief
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Solution Overview
Problem
The introduction of 5G communication systems with dual connectivity between 4G and 5G base stations can lead to increased core network load due to frequent bearer switching, particularly in scenarios where user equipment moves frequently between macro and small cells.
Innovation Solution
A base station determines whether a predetermined condition is met before setting a SCG bearer or split bearer, thereby avoiding frequent switching by either not setting or restricting the connection between the second base station and the core network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If SCG bearer switching is performed frequently to support user equipment movement between macro and small cells, then adaptability is improved, but core network load increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a bearer control unit as an intermediary component between the network communication unit and the core network. This bearer control unit acts as a mediator that intelligently decides whether to permit or restrain bearer switching based on predetermined conditions, thereby reducing unnecessary signaling to the core network while still supporting user equipment movement when appropriate.
Solution Approach 2:
The base station performs self-service by implementing local bearer switching control logic within the bearer control unit. Instead of relying solely on core network decisions, the base station autonomously evaluates predetermined conditions (such as user equipment movement status, bearer type, and network load) and makes intelligent decisions about bearer switching, thereby reducing core network load while maintaining adaptability.
2Ease of operation
If bearer switching is allowed without restriction to support user mobility, then ease of operation is improved, but core network load increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operational parameters of bearer switching by introducing conditional restrictions. The bearer control unit monitors and evaluates multiple parameters including user equipment movement status, bearer type (MCG bearer, SCG bearer, or split bearer), and network conditions. By dynamically adjusting bearer switching behavior based on these parameter changes, the system maintains operational flexibility while reducing unnecessary core network signaling.
3Reliability
If frequent bearer switching is performed to maintain connection quality during user equipment movement, then reliability is improved, but signaling amount increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring bearer control logic and predetermined conditions within the bearer control unit. Before actual bearer switching occurs, the system evaluates multiple conditions in advance (user equipment movement detection, bearer type verification, network load assessment). This preliminary evaluation ensures that bearer switching only happens when truly necessary, maintaining connection quality while avoiding unnecessary signaling overhead to the core network.
Data Source
AI summary
A base station used in a communication system comprising a core network, and a first and second base stations both of which are connected to the core network, wherein the base station being used as the first base station, the base station comprising: a network communication unit that receives a bearer setting request from the core network; and a bearer control unit that determines, when performing bearer setting based on the bearer setting request, whether or not a predetermined condition is met, and, when the predetermined condition is met, decides not to set a bearer that connects the second base station and the core network to each other or to restrain from setting the bearer.