Inter-system Handover Bearer Mapping for QoS Preservation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless communications, there is a challenge in ensuring seamless handover between different network systems, such as from 4G to 5G, to maintain quality of service (QoS) during inter-system handovers, as existing technologies struggle to effectively map and route data packets between dissimilar network bearers.
Innovation Solution
A processing circuit with an inter-system HO signal processing module and a mapping module is used to obtain and establish a mapping relationship between source and target bearers based on QoS characteristics, allowing for the routing of data packets from source bearers in one network system to target bearers in another, utilizing mapping signals or pre-defined rules to ensure continuous service during handovers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing handover technologies are used for inter-system handovers, then device mobility is supported, but QoS cannot be maintained due to inability to effectively map dissimilar network bearers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mapping relationship as an intermediary mechanism between source bearers in the 4G network and target bearers in the 5G network. This mapping relationship acts as a mediator that translates and connects dissimilar bearer types across different network systems, enabling QoS characteristics to be preserved during handover without requiring direct compatibility between the bearer structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter representation of bearers by introducing QoS characteristics as key parameters for mapping. Instead of attempting to map bearers based on their structural similarities, the system maps bearers based on their QoS parameters (such as QCI to QFI mapping), allowing dissimilar bearers to be connected through parameter equivalence rather than structural equivalence.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If bearer mapping is established between dissimilar network systems, then service continuity is maintained, but system complexity increases due to mapping relationships
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes the bearer mapping relationship in advance, before the handover actually occurs. The mapping relationship is configured and stored in the device, so that when handover is needed, the device can immediately apply the pre-established mapping without complex real-time calculations. This preliminary preparation reduces the complexity during the actual handover execution.
3Reliability
If data packets are routed across different network systems during handover, then seamless connectivity is achieved, but packet loss may occur due to bearer mismatches
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the device monitors the handover process and bearer mapping effectiveness. Based on this feedback, the device can adjust the mapping relationships to ensure proper packet routing. This feedback loop helps prevent packet loss by continuously optimizing the mapping between source and target bearers based on actual network conditions and packet transmission results.
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the disclosure provide a processing circuit in an electronic apparatus and a method to switch the electronic apparatus during an inter-system handover (HO) process from a source network system to a target network system. The processing circuit can include an inter-system HO signal processing module and a mapping module. The inter-system HO signal processing module can be configured to obtain a mapping relationship between a set of source bearers associated with the source network system and a first set of target bearers associated with the target network system based on quality of service (QoS) characteristics associated with the set of source bearers and the first set of target bearers. The mapping module can be configured to obtain a second set of target bearers based on resources allocated to the first set of target bearers by the target network system and to obtain a third set of target bearers that is based on the first and second set of target bearers.