C/U-Plane Split Handover Signaling Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
In the C/U-plane split scenario of LTE networks, normal handover procedures result in wasted signaling due to the need to change data bearers when a UE moves between MeNB cells, as the U-Plane is established in an LPN cell, leading to unnecessary signaling for path switch changes.
Innovation Solution
A radio communication system is implemented with base stations configured to establish signaling bearers and data bearers between cells, allowing for the efficient transfer of configuration information to maintain continuous data bearer establishment without requiring path switch procedures during handovers, thereby reducing wasted signaling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If normal handover procedure is applied in C/U-plane split scenario, then control plane connection is maintained, but wasted signaling occurs for path switch
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the handover procedure into two independent parts: control plane handover (which is necessary) and user plane path switch (which is unnecessary in C/U-plane split scenario). By separating these functions, the invention eliminates wasted signaling for path switch while maintaining control plane connection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the path switch signaling component from the handover procedure in C/U-plane split scenarios. Since the user plane is anchored at the serving gateway and does not change during handover between MeNBs, the invention takes out the unnecessary path switch signaling, keeping only the essential control plane handover signaling.
2Productivity
If data bearer is established in LPN cell for U-plane, then local high throughput is achieved, but unnecessary path switch signaling occurs during MeNB handover
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by establishing the data bearer in the LPN cell before handover occurs. The user plane path is pre-configured to be anchored at the serving gateway through the LPN cell, so when handover between MeNBs occurs, no path switch signaling is needed, eliminating handover signaling time waste.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent inverts the traditional handover approach by keeping the user plane path fixed (anchored at serving gateway through LPN) while allowing control plane to change (MeNB change). This inversion eliminates the need for path switch signaling during handover, reducing signaling time while maintaining high throughput.
3Productivity
If C/U-plane split is implemented, then efficient use of high-frequency band is achieved, but complex handover management is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the user plane path management from the handover management complexity. By separating control plane handover from user plane path switch, the invention reduces handover management complexity to only control plane operations, while user plane continues to use high-frequency band efficiently through LPN cell.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal handover mechanism that works for both traditional and C/U-plane split scenarios. The control plane handover procedure is made multi-functional, handling both control plane connection transfer and user plane continuity, thereby simplifying handover management while supporting high-frequency band utilization.
Data Source
AI summary
A first base station (1) is configured to send, to a second base station (2), first configuration information that is necessary to establish a data bearer and a data radio bearer in the second base station (2) for a C/U-plane split scenario. Further, the first base station (1) is configured to send, to a third base station (3), configuration information (e.g., LPN information) regarding the data bearer established in the second base station (2) when a mobile station (4) moves from a first cell (10) to a third cell (30) (S103 and S104). It is thus, for example, possible to contribute to a reduction in wasted signaling when a UE moves between cells in the C/U-plane split scenario.