Gateway Node Data Path Mapping for Wireless Handovers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems face inefficiencies in managing data path resources during handovers between base stations, particularly due to the lack of linkage between user data path creation and removal processes, leading to unnecessary overhead and resource wastage in GW nodes.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that enable a network node to handle both signaling and user data for an existing data path, obtain unique data associated with the path resource, map this data, and modify the path accordingly, allowing for the reuse of existing data paths during handovers between base stations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a GW node is used to aggregate connections from multiple base stations, then the network can handle more users and provide better coverage, but the signaling load on the GW node increases significantly and resource management becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by establishing a mapping between S1AP message parameters and data path resource parameters in advance, before handover occurs. The GW node pre-processes and stores the correspondence between signaling parameters (like eNB-User-S1-TEID) and data path resources (like tunnel endpoint identifiers), enabling rapid lookup and modification during handover without complex real-time processing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism in the form of a parameter mapping table that acts as a bridge between the S1AP signaling layer and the data path resource layer. This intermediary mapping structure allows the GW node to translate signaling messages into data path modifications without requiring complex direct processing, thereby reducing signaling load while maintaining network capacity
2Adaptability or versatility
If independent user data path creation and removal processes are implemented in GW nodes, then the system is more flexible and modular, but the processes cannot link or identify previously created data paths, leading to resource wastage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by having the data path creation process write information about created paths into a mapping table, which is then read by the data path removal process. This feedback mechanism allows independent processes to share information about previously created data paths through the mapping table, enabling the removal process to identify and properly clean up resources without direct process linkage
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying by creating a mapping representation of data path resources in the mapping table. Instead of requiring direct process communication, each process works with its own copy of the relevant path information from the mapping table, allowing independent operation while maintaining consistency through shared reference to the same mapping structure
3Ease of manufacture
If the S1AP protocol is used for data path management, then standardization and interoperability are improved, but the protocol lacks mechanisms to link data path creation and removal processes or provide permanent UE identification
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the nested doll principle by embedding additional mapping information within the existing S1AP protocol structure. The mapping table nests correspondence relationships between S1AP parameters and data path resources inside the standardized protocol framework, allowing the protocol to maintain its standardization while carrying additional linkage information through the nested mapping structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds another dimension to the S1AP protocol by introducing a mapping table that exists alongside the standard protocol messages. This additional dimensional layer provides the missing linkage information between creation and removal processes without modifying the core standardized protocol, thereby preserving interoperability while enriching the information available for path management
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a method of modifying a data path between a user equipment (UE) and a core network node (CNN) in a wireless communication network. The method comprises the steps of: at a network node handling both signalling messages and user data for an existing data path between said UE and said CNN, obtaining data uniquely associated with a data path resource for said UE and/or uniquely identifying said UE and mapping said data to said existing data path; and modifying said existing data path based on said mapping. The network node handling both signal messaging and user data for an existing data path may comprise a gateway (GW) connecting a source base station (SBS) and a target base station (TBS) to a Mobility Management Entity (MME) of the core network, said GW being configured to handle both user plane data and control plane data for a plurality of UEs. The data uniquely associated with a data path resource for said UE and/or uniquely identifying said UE may be obtained from a Source to Target Transparent Container Information Element (IE) of a Handover Required message issued by the SBS.