EPS–5GS Handover Data Forwarding for Vendor Interoperability
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Solution Overview
Problem
The coexistence and interoperability of different data forwarding methods in the network are not addressed when a User Equipment (UE) moves between the Evolved Packet System (EPS) and the 5G System (5GS), leading to potential data loss and service disruption.
Innovation Solution
A method is provided that involves informing the source and target core networks about the availability of direct or indirect data forwarding paths, allowing the target base station to allocate appropriate data forwarding tunnels based on the determined method.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If direct data forwarding is used during handover between EPS and 5GS, then data transmission efficiency is improved, but interoperability between different vendor equipment is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces configurable parameters including a handover parameter that controls whether direct or indirect data forwarding is used, and a flag parameter that indicates support for direct data forwarding. These parameters allow the system to adapt the data forwarding method based on vendor capabilities and network conditions, resolving the contradiction between transmission efficiency and interoperability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically selects between direct and indirect data forwarding methods based on real-time conditions. The target base station determines whether to use direct data forwarding by evaluating the handover parameter and flag, allowing the system to optimize for efficiency when possible while maintaining compatibility when dealing with equipment from different vendors.
2Adaptability or versatility
If indirect data forwarding is used during handover between EPS and 5GS, then interoperability between different vendor equipment is improved, but data transmission efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses configurable parameters to control the data forwarding method. When interoperability is the priority (e.g., handover between equipment from different vendors), the system can be configured to use indirect data forwarding through the SGW, ensuring compatibility while sacrificing some transmission efficiency.
3Device complexity
If data forwarding method is not determined during handover between EPS and 5GS, then system complexity is reduced, but data loss occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary determination of the data forwarding method during the handover preparation phase. The source base station includes handover parameters and flags in the handover request message, allowing the target base station to determine the appropriate data forwarding method before actual data transmission begins. This preliminary action prevents data loss by ensuring the correct forwarding path is established in advance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback mechanisms where the target base station determines the data forwarding method based on information received from the source base station (handover parameter and flag), and this determination is then used to configure the data forwarding path. This feedback loop ensures reliable data transmission without requiring complex additional protocols.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a communication method and system for converging a 5th-Generation (5G) communication system for supporting higher data rates beyond a 4th-Generation (4G) system with a technology for Internet of Things (IoT). The present disclosure may be applied to intelligent services based on the 5G communication technology and the IoT-related technology, such as smart home, smart building, smart city, smart car, connected car, health care, digital education, smart retail, security and safety services. A method and equipment for handover are provided. The method includes informing, by a source base station, a source core network whether a direct data forwarding path is available, determining, by the source core network, whether to use direct data forwarding or indirect data forwarding, informing, by the source core network, a target core network of information of direct data forwarding, indirect data forwarding or data forwarding being not possible, informing, by the target core network, a target base station of the information of direct data forwarding, indirect data forwarding or data forwarding being not possible, and allocating, by the target base station, tunnel information for data forwarding.