Dual Connectivity Signaling Reduction via Path Update Bypass
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Solution Overview
Problem
The frequent movement of users in and out of 5G coverage in dual connectivity networks leads to high signaling loads among master nodes, secondary nodes, user equipment, and core network components, resulting in increased upkeep costs for cellular service providers.
Innovation Solution
Configuring 4G base stations to bypass the path update routine when adding or releasing 5G base stations as secondary nodes, especially when they are collocated, to reduce signaling load by maintaining existing user plane paths and avoiding additional data exchanges with the core network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the path update routine is performed when adding or releasing secondary nodes, then the user plane path is properly switched between MN and SN, but the signaling load increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the path update routine from the secondary node addition/release procedures. By separating the path update operation from the SN add/release signaling flow, the system can choose to perform or skip the path update based on configuration, thereby reducing signaling load while maintaining necessary path switching functionality when required
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic configuration of the path update routine. The MN can be configured to perform or bypass the path update routine based on operational conditions and network state. This dynamic approach allows the system to adapt signaling behavior to actual needs, reducing unnecessary signaling while preserving path switching capability when required
2Productivity
If the path update routine is performed frequently due to user movement in and out of 5G coverage, then the user plane path is continuously optimized, but the upkeep costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by performing the path update routine only when necessary rather than on every SN add/release event. The configured approach allows the system to perform path updates selectively based on whether the SN is collocated with the MN or not, reducing unnecessary operations while maintaining data transmission efficiency when path switching is actually beneficial
Data Source
AI summary
A base station of a dual connectivity cellular network is provided. The base station provides a first wireless connectivity of a first regulated wireless communication standard to a user equipment (UE) of a cellular network via a master node of the base station. User plane data is forwarded to the UE through the master node according to a first user plane path. The base station requests a secondary node to provide a second wireless connectivity of a second regulated wireless communication standard to the UE. When the master node is configured by a first configuration, the user plane data is forwarded to the UE through the secondary node according to the second user plane path that is established with the cellular network. When the master node is configured by a second configuration, the user plane data is forwarded to the UE through the secondary node according to the first user plane path.