Dual-Connectivity Service Node Update for Seamless User Plane Handover
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Solution Overview
Problem
In mobile communications systems, service node updating causes user plane data interruption during handovers, affecting user experience, particularly in 5G systems where dual-connectivity architectures are used to improve radio resource utilization and reduce system handover delay.
Innovation Solution
A method for service node updating in 5G systems that involves configuring a terminal device to maintain connections with both the source and target nodes using first connectivity configuration information, then transitioning to a single connection with the target node using second configuration information, ensuring continuous user plane data without interruption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If service node updating is performed by disconnecting from source node first then establishing new connection to target node, then service node can be updated, but user plane data interruption occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by establishing the connection to the target node before disconnecting from the source node. The terminal device receives first configuration information to establish a connection to the target node, and only after this preliminary connection is established does it receive second configuration information to disconnect from the source node. This ensures the target node is ready to receive data before the source node connection is terminated, preventing data interruption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent ensures continuity of useful action by maintaining the data transmission process uninterrupted during the service node update. The dual-connectivity architecture allows the terminal device to simultaneously connect to both source and target nodes, and the protocol entity processing ensures that data transmission continues seamlessly as the connection transitions from source node to target node without breaking the data flow.
2Loss of time
If dual-connectivity architecture is used to maintain connections to both source and target nodes, then user plane data continuity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the connection management into distinct phases and types. It separates the connection establishment phase (receiving first configuration information to establish target node connection) from the connection release phase (receiving second configuration information to disconnect from source node). It also segments the protocol entity processing into source node split bearer and target node bearer configurations, making the complex dual-connectivity management more structured and manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the connection configuration changeable and adaptable. The terminal device dynamically transitions from a single connection state to a dual connection state and then back to a single connection state based on the received configuration information. The protocol entity can be reconfigured to reflect the changing connectivity state, allowing the system to adapt to different network conditions and update scenarios.
3Productivity
If service node updating is performed quickly to reduce handover delay, then system performance is improved, but connection stability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-establishing the target node connection before the source node connection is terminated. The terminal device receives and processes the first configuration information to establish the target node connection in advance, ensuring that when the source node connection needs to be released, the target node is already ready to receive and process data, thus achieving both speed and stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the target node as an intermediary during the transition period. The target node acts as a mediator that receives data from the source node via the source node split bearer and then forwards it to the terminal device through the established connection. This intermediary role ensures smooth transition and maintains connection stability during the handover process.
Data Source
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AI summary
This disclosure discloses a service node updating method. The method is performed by a terminal device and includes: receiving configuration information, where the configuration information includes first connectivity configuration information used to maintain both a connection to a source node and a connection to a target node in a service node updating procedure and second connectivity configuration information used to release the connection to the source node and connect to the target node; processing, by applying the first connectivity configuration information, a layer 2 protocol entity corresponding to a bearer between the terminal device and the source node, to reconfigure the bearer as a source node split bearer; and processing, by applying the second connectivity configuration information, a layer 2 protocol entity corresponding to the bearer, to reconfigure the source node split bearer as a target node bearer.