GERAN Access Network Data Service Handover
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Solution Overview
Problem
2G and EPS networks using GERAN as an access network face resource shortages due to high air interface resource occupancy by data domain services, leading to network congestion and impaired user experience.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for determining data domain services that involve receiving user-plane data packets with handover instructions or service type information, allowing for the strategic handover of data domain services from resource-constrained networks to networks with stronger bearer capabilities, such as UTRAN or E-UTRAN, to optimize resource usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If data domain services are provided on 2G/EPS networks using GERAN as access network, then service types and user numbers increase, but air interface resources are excessively occupied causing network congestion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts data domain services from 2G/EPS networks using GERAN and relocates them to 3G/EPS networks using UTRAN/E-UTRAN. The source access network element identifies data domain service packets and initiates handover to target networks with stronger data bearer capabilities, thereby removing the resource-consuming services from the constrained GERAN network while maintaining service availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a network dimension for service distribution by leveraging multi-network architecture. Instead of concentrating all data domain services on GERAN, the solution distributes services across multiple network dimensions (GERAN for voice/SMS, UTRAN/E-UTRAN for data), allowing simultaneous support of diverse service types without overloading any single network's air interface resources.
2Ease of operation
If dedicated channel allocation manner is used on GERAN network, then channel allocation is simplified, but resource shortage problem becomes more prominent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mobility management network element as an intermediary that mediates resource allocation between GERAN and UTRAN/E-UTRAN networks. This intermediary evaluates service types and user conditions, then orchestrates handovers to appropriate networks, effectively distributing resource demand across multiple networks while maintaining the simplicity of dedicated channel allocation on GERAN for basic services.
3Quantity of substance
If handover of data domain services is implemented from GERAN to UTRAN/E-UTRAN, then resource shortage on source network is alleviated, but network complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service mechanisms where the source access network element autonomously identifies data domain service packets based on service type information and automatically initiates handover procedures. The mobility management network element also autonomously makes handover decisions based on service types and user conditions, reducing the need for complex centralized control while effectively managing resource distribution across networks.
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention relate to the communications field and disclose a method, an apparatus, and a system for processing a data domain service, which mitigate a resource shortage problem of an EPS network or a 2G network that uses a GERAN network as an access network. A specific solution is: receiving, by a source access network element, a user-plane data packet sent by a source mobility management network element, where the user-plane data packet includes a handover instruction or service type information; and sending a handover request to the source mobility management network element according to the handover instruction or the service type information, so as to hand over a data domain service of the user terminal to a target network. The present invention is used to process data domain services.