Base Station Handover Sequence Number Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless communication systems, especially during handovers between different core networks like 4G and 5G, data packets can be lost or received out of order due to differences in protocols used by base stations connected to different core networks, leading to sequence disruptions and packet loss.
Innovation Solution
A method where the source base station determines and sends the radio air interface protocol sequence number of unacknowledged data packets to the target base station during handovers, ensuring that these packets are re-sequenced and correctly received by the terminal, even when switching between different core networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a terminal is handed over between different core networks (EPC to 5GC or 5GC to EPC), then the terminal can access different network services and achieve network evolution, but data packets may be lost or received out of order due to protocol differences between base stations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a sequence number alignment mechanism as an intermediary between base stations connected to different core networks. The target base station receives sequence number information from the source base station and uses it to resequence data packets, acting as a mediator that bridges the protocol differences between EPC and 5GC networks, thereby preventing data loss and out-of-order delivery during handover
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary actions by having the source base station determine and forward sequence number information to the target base station before the terminal completes the handover. This advance preparation ensures that the target base station is ready to correctly resequence data packets immediately upon receiving them, preventing the out-of-order delivery problem that would otherwise occur during the handover transition
2Adaptability or versatility
If base stations use different wireless protocol standards when connected to different core networks, then each base station can optimize for its specific network, but sequence numbers cannot be aligned causing data packets to be submitted out of order
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal sequence number handling mechanism that works across both EPC and 5GC core networks. The target base station is designed to universally accept sequence number information regardless of which core network the source base station is connected to, and applies the same resequencing logic in both cases, making the solution multi-functional and applicable to different network architectures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes a feedback loop where the source base station sends sequence number information to the target base station, which then uses this feedback to adjust its data packet ressequencing operations. This feedback mechanism ensures that the target base station has accurate information about the original sequence, enabling it to correctly reorder packets even when protocol differences exist between the two core networks
Data Source
AI summary
A data transmission method and apparatus are disclosed. The method includes: determining, by a source base station of a terminal in a handover process, first data and a radio air interface protocol sequence number of a data unit used to carry the first data, where the first data includes data that is not acknowledged by a terminal for correct reception during data transmission between the source base station and the terminal. The method further includes sending, by the source base station, the first data and the radio air interface protocol sequence number to a target base station; where the core network connected to the target base station is different from the core network connected to the source base station.