Bearer Type Change Without Handover in LTE Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems, particularly in the 4G LTE system, face challenges in efficiently managing bearer type changes for User Equipment (UE) without causing data loss or interruption in services.
Innovation Solution
A method and system are introduced to perform bearer type changes for a plurality of radio bearers configured for a UE in a wireless communication system. This involves deciding to change the bearer type, determining relocation of Layer 2 configuration entities, and indicating operations to the UE for changing the bearer type, which can be done through handover, SN change, or RRC reconfiguration procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If handover procedures are performed for bearer type changes, then service continuity is maintained, but data loss and service interruptions occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the bearer type change process into two distinct paths: one for bearers requiring handover (maintaining service continuity) and one for bearers that can be changed without handover (avoiding data loss). The network device determines which path to use based on bearer characteristics, allowing selective application of handover procedures only when necessary.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic decision-making where the network device adapts the bearer type change approach based on real-time conditions and bearer-specific parameters. The system dynamically selects between handover-based and non-handover-based change methods, optimizing the balance between service continuity and data loss prevention for each bearer.
2Reliability
If handover procedures are performed for bearer type changes, then service continuity is maintained, but service interruptions occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides bearers into categories that require handover and those that don't, allowing non-critical bearers to be reconfigured instantly without waiting for handover completion. This segmentation eliminates unnecessary service interruptions for bearers that can be changed in-place.
Solution Approach 2:
The network device performs preliminary assessment of bearer characteristics before initiating type changes. For bearers suitable for non-handover changes, the reconfiguration is prepared and executed immediately, preventing service interruptions from occurring in the first place.
3Loss of information
If non-handover procedures are used for bearer type changes, then data loss and service interruptions are reduced, but bearer type changes cannot be performed for all bearers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic selection mechanism that adapts the bearer type change method based on individual bearer characteristics and network conditions. The network device evaluates each bearer and selects the most appropriate change approach, maximizing both data loss prevention and change applicability across different bearer types.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the approach parameters based on bearer-specific parameters. By evaluating bearer characteristics (such as QoS requirements, traffic type, and criticality), the system adjusts the type change methodology to achieve optimal results for each bearer while maintaining overall system versatility.
4Ease of operation
If traditional bearer type change methods are used, then all bearers can be managed uniformly, but efficiency is reduced due to mandatory handover procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the bearer management process into uniform evaluation (all bearers are assessed using the same criteria) and differentiated execution (different change methods applied based on assessment results). This maintains ease of operation through standardized evaluation while improving efficiency through optimized execution paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the management approach from static uniform handling to adaptive differentiated handling. The network device automatically determines the optimal management strategy for each bearer based on real-time conditions, improving overall efficiency without requiring complex manual configuration.
Data Source
AI summary
Example embodiments provide a method and system for performing a bearer type change of a plurality of radio bearers configured for a User Equipment (UE) including changing the bearer type of a specific bearer by the network and checking any changes in keys, packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) termination point, or PDCP version change. Furthermore, the UE is notified to change the bearer type either through a reconfiguration procedure without handover, a secondary node (SN) change procedure or reconfiguration procedure with handover, or a SN change procedure. The network indicates one or more operations to the UE for performing the bearer type change.