eNB Switching Preserving Secondary eNB Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
In heterogeneous mobile communication networks, switching from a master eNB to a target eNB interrupts user plane data transmission between the UE and the secondary eNB, leading to reduced data throughput and network performance due to vacated radio resources.
Innovation Solution
The method involves the target eNB determining and maintaining the UE's connection and configuration with the secondary eNB during the eNB switching process, allowing seamless data transmission by establishing an interface connection and scheduling user plane data after the UE accesses the target cell, while the master eNB continues to deliver data packets to the secondary eNB until a new configuration is enabled.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the master eNB is switched to a target eNB during dual connectivity operation, then the UE can maintain connection with the secondary eNB for continued data transmission, but the switching procedure becomes more complex requiring coordination between multiple eNBs
Solution Approach 1:
The target eNB is pre-configured with the UE's secondary eNB connection information before the MeNB switching is completed. The source eNB provides the target eNB with the UE's secondary eNB configuration in advance, so that when switching occurs, the target eNB can immediately establish data transmission paths without interrupting the UE-secondary eNB connection, thus maintaining reliability while managing complexity through advance preparation
Solution Approach 2:
The source eNB acts as an intermediary that coordinates the transfer of UE context information to the target eNB. It provides the target eNB with the UE's secondary eNB configuration details, enabling the target eNB to seamlessly take over MeNB functions while preserving the existing UE-SeNB data paths, thereby resolving the contradiction between maintaining continuity and managing switching complexity
2Device complexity
If the secondary eNB connection is released before MeNB switching, then the switching procedure is simplified, but data transmission between the UE and secondary eNB is interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains the UE-secondary eNB data transmission path continuous throughout the MeNB switching process. The source eNB provides the target eNB with the UE's secondary eNB configuration information, enabling the target eNB to immediately establish data forwarding paths to the secondary eNB, thus ensuring uninterrupted data throughput while managing the switching procedure through coordinated information exchange
3Reliability
If the target eNB establishes new data paths to the secondary eNB after MeNB switching, then data transmission continuity is maintained, but the switching time is extended
Solution Approach 1:
The source eNB provides the target eNB with the UE's secondary eNB configuration information in advance, before the MeNB switching is executed. This preliminary action enables the target eNB to immediately establish data transmission paths to the secondary eNB upon taking over, minimizing the time required for path establishment while ensuring continuity of data transmission
Solution Approach 2:
The target eNB is pre-configured with the UE's secondary eNB connection information before the MeNB switching is completed. The source eNB provides the target eNB with the UE's secondary eNB configuration in advance, so that when switching occurs, the target eNB can immediately establish data transmission paths without interrupting the UE-secondary eNB connection, thus maintaining reliability while managing complexity through advance preparation
Data Source
AI summary
Methods for switching an eNB by a user equipment, eNBs and user equipments relate to a mobile communication system deployed in a heterogeneous network. The embodiments of the present disclose a method for switching an eNB by a UE, including: when a master eNB of the UE in dual connectivity is switched, a target eNB determining that the UE keeps a connection and configuration with a secondary eNB; and the target eNB establishing a connection with the UE when the UE keeps the connection and configuration with the secondary eNB. The embodiments of the present disclosure further disclose other three methods for switching the eNB by the UE and corresponding eNBs and user equipments.