Dual Connectivity Data Path Switching for Traffic Offloading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radio communication systems with dual connectivity support face challenges in efficiently managing traffic offloading between macro cells and small cells, particularly due to the lack of direct connection between small cells and the MME, and the complexity of bearer management decisions across different network nodes.
Innovation Solution
A method is introduced to switch data paths between primary and secondary nodes by transmitting message data to establish a direct user plane path between the secondary node and the serving gateway, using new signaling messages to facilitate traffic offloading and bearer management, including adapting the legacy handover procedure and introducing new messages for path switching and RRC entity communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If dual connectivity support is provided for traffic offloading, then network capacity in high traffic areas is improved, but data path switching complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The data path switching process is segmented into distinct phases: initial connection establishment between UE and primary node, secondary node connection establishment, and conditional data path switching. This segmentation allows complex offloading operations to be broken down into manageable steps with clear decision points for path switching based on radio measurements and load conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements dynamic data path switching between primary and secondary nodes based on real-time radio measurements and network load conditions. The path switching is not fixed but adapts dynamically to changing network conditions, allowing flexible traffic offloading while maintaining optimization based on current system state.
2Productivity
If direct user plane path is established between secondary node and serving gateway, then traffic offloading efficiency is improved, but signaling message complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The primary node acts as an intermediary in the signaling process between the secondary node and the serving gateway. The primary node receives signaling messages from the secondary node, processes them, and facilitates path switching through the serving gateway. This intermediary approach simplifies the signaling architecture by leveraging the existing primary node's role in coordinate dual connectivity operations.
3Ease of operation
If bearer management decisions are centralized, then control simplicity is improved, but response time for traffic offloading increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-establishing the secondary node connection and configuring bearer parameters before actual traffic offloading is needed. Radio measurements are continuously collected and processed in advance, so when offloading decisions are required, the necessary information and configurations are already ready, enabling rapid response without centralized delays.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where radio measurements from the UE are continuously monitored and fed back to the network nodes. This feedback enables real-time adjustments in bearer management and traffic routing decisions, allowing the system to respond dynamically to changing conditions while maintaining coordinated control between primary and secondary nodes.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, in a radio communication system, for setup or modification of data flows between user equipment (UE) in dual connectivity with a primary node and a secondary node of the system, comprising switching a data path between the primary node and the secondary node by transmitting message data between the primary node and secondary node to establish a direct user plane path between the secondary node and a serving gateway (S-GW) of the system.