Network Handover Target Selection for 4G-5G Interworking
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Solution Overview
Problem
In the context of network handover between 4G and 5G systems, the source network often fails to determine the target network accessed by a user equipment (UE) after handover due to the target base station being connected to both types of networks, leading to network handover failures and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A network handover method where the mobility management function receives a handover request from a source base station, determines the target network accessed by the UE through the target base station, and initiates the handover accordingly, using information about the target network or handover preference types to ensure accurate network selection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the target base station is connected to both 4G and 5G core networks, then the base station can provide versatile network access options, but the source network cannot determine which target network the UE will access after handover
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the source base station determine the target network type (4G or 5G core network) before initiating the handover process. The source base station sends this determination information to the mobility management function in advance, enabling the target network to be pre-configured and prepared, thus resolving the ambiguity of target network selection while maintaining versatile access options
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where the source base station acts as a mediator that determines and communicates the target network type to the mobility management function. This intermediary role resolves the information loss by establishing a clear communication channel about the intended target network, while the base station maintains its capability to connect to multiple network types
2Device complexity
If the mobility management function does not determine the target network before handover, then the handover process is simpler, but network handover failures occur due to incorrect network selection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by determining the target network type before the handover execution. The source base station identifies whether the target should be a 4G or 5G core network and communicates this to the mobility management function in advance, ensuring reliable network selection while keeping the actual handover execution process simple and efficient
3Adaptability or versatility
If the target base station supports both 4G and 5G networks, then network coverage and access flexibility are improved, but handover efficiency decreases due to determination delays
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the efficiency issue by performing the target network determination in advance, before the handover is triggered. The source base station has already identified the appropriate target network type and communicated it to the mobility management function, so when handover is needed, the decision is already made and can be executed immediately without delay
Solution Approach 2:
The source base station performs self-service by autonomously determining the target network type based on its own knowledge of the target base station's capabilities and the UE's requirements. This self-determination eliminates the need for complex negotiation or querying during the handover process, maintaining high efficiency while supporting versatile network access
Data Source
AI summary
A network handover method includes: receiving a first handover request sent by a source base station connected to the core network of the first network, wherein the first handover request is used for requesting a handover of a user equipment from the source base station to a target base station, and the target base station is connected to at least one of the core network of the first network or a core network of a second network; determining, according to the first handover request, a core network of a target network accessed by the UE through the target base station, wherein the core network of the target network is the core network of the first network or the core network of the second network; and initiating the handover of the UE between the source base station and the target base station according to the core network of the target network.