Core Signaling Reduction in Dual Connectivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
In LTE dual connectivity settings, the SCG bearer option faces limitations such as non-dynamic traffic offloading from the Master eNB to the Secondary eNB, which requires Mobile Management Entity (MME) intervention and involves significant core signaling, consuming valuable bandwidth.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a computer-implemented method with CSR logic within a small cell gateway that anchors both control and user planes for Master and Secondary radio access points, allowing E-RAB modification without MME signaling, thereby reducing core signaling and hiding switches from the core network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If SCG bearer option is used for traffic offloading from Master eNB to Secondary eNB, then traffic distribution capability is improved, but core signaling overhead increases and dynamic switching capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the bearer switching function from the core network (MME) and relocates it to the radio access network (Master eNB). This allows the Master eNB to autonomously switch bearers between MCG and SCG based on traffic conditions without involving MME signaling, thereby reducing core signaling overhead while maintaining traffic distribution capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the bearer management functionality by separating control plane (MME) and user plane (eNB) operations. The Master eNB is empowered to independently manage bearer switching for user plane traffic, while the MME retains overall control plane management. This segmentation enables dynamic bearer switching without core network involvement
2Reliability
If MME is involved in bearer switching for SCG bearer setup, then bearer management control is improved, but switching speed deteriorates and core bandwidth consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring the Master eNB with the capability to perform bearer switching autonomously. The Master eNB is pre-authorized to switch bearers between MCG and SCG based on predefined conditions and traffic patterns, eliminating the need for real-time MME intervention and enabling faster switching responses
3Adaptability or versatility
If dynamic bearer switching between Master and Secondary eNB is implemented, then traffic management flexibility is improved, but core signaling bandwidth consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the Master eNB as an intermediary between the UE and the core network for bearer switching operations. The Master eNB mediates bearer management by autonomously deciding when to switch bearers between MCG and SCG based on local traffic conditions, preventing unnecessary core network signaling while maintaining flexible traffic management
Data Source
AI summary
An example method performed at a first network device configured to operate as a small cell gateway anchoring both control and user plane for a Master Radio Access Point (MRAP) and a Secondary Radio Access Point (SRAP) is provided. The method includes receiving, from the MRAP, a first message comprising an indication that a first bearer is to be switched from the MRAP to the SRAP, the first message comprising a Tunnel Endpoint Identifier TEID of a general packet radio service (GPRS) tunneling communications protocol (GTP) tunnel of a long-term evolution (LTE) network associated with the first bearer in that the TEID identifies a GTP tunnel for the first bearer, and a first transport layer address (e.g. IP address) of the SRAP to which downlink data for the TEID associated with the first bearer is to be sent to reach user devices that utilize the first bearer. The method also includes, upon receiving downlink data for the first bearer, sending the received downlink data to the first transport layer address using the TEID provided in the first message.