Direct Data Forwarding in Dual Connectivity SN Change
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Solution Overview
Problem
In dual connectivity wireless communications, frequent SN changes due to smaller NR coverage lead to residual data being forwarded through LTE networks, degrading LTE network performance.
Innovation Solution
A data sending method where a source node determines if direct data forwarding is supported between itself and a destination node, sending a message to indicate this, allowing direct data transfer without involving intermediate nodes, thereby avoiding network performance degradation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If indirect data forwarding via LTE network is used for SN change, then data transfer between source gNB and target gNB is enabled, but LTE network performance degrades
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a direct data forwarding path between source gNB and target gNB as an alternative to using the LTE network as an intermediary. By establishing direct communication links (Xn interface) between 5G base stations, the solution eliminates the need for LTE network involvement in SN change data forwarding, thus preventing LTE network performance degradation while maintaining reliable data transfer capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the data forwarding path into two independent channels: direct 5G-based forwarding between gNBs and indirect LTE-based forwarding via eNB. This segmentation allows the system to use the optimal path (direct forwarding) for normal operations, reserving the indirect path as a fallback, thereby preventing LTE network overload from frequent SN changes.
2Reliability
If frequent SN changes occur due to smaller NR coverage, then NR connectivity is maintained, but residual data forwarding load increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the LTE network as an unnecessary intermediary in the data forwarding path by establishing direct Xn interface connections between source and target gNBs. This direct path reduces the amount of residual data that needs to be forwarded through the LTE network, as data can be transferred more efficiently over the dedicated 5G interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the forwarding interface parameter from LTE-based (Uu interface via eNB) to direct 5G-based (Xn interface between gNBs). This parameter change in the communication interface reduces overhead and improves forwarding efficiency, thereby reducing the cumulative residual data volume generated by frequent SN changes.
3Productivity
If direct data forwarding is implemented between gNBs, then LTE network performance is protected, but additional direct connection setup is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes direct Xn interface connections between source and target gNBs in advance, before SN changes occur. This preliminary setup of direct forwarding paths allows the system to quickly switch to the optimized direct forwarding mode when SN changes are needed, avoiding the need for complex runtime connection establishment and reducing the overall complexity of frequent connection setups.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of this application provide a data sending method, apparatus, and system, and relate to the communications field, so that an SN change in dual connectivity does not affect performance of a network in which an MN is located. The data sending method specifically includes: determining, by a source node device, whether direct data forwarding is supported between the source node device and a destination node device; and sending, by the source node device, a first message including a first indication to a first node device, where the first indication is used to indicate whether the direct data forwarding is supported between the source node device and the destination node device. This application is used for data sending.