Multi-Connectivity Handover with Dynamic User Plane Split Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

In multi-connectivity networks, particularly in border areas where 4G and 5G networks are co-constructed and shared by different operators, there is a need for flexible control over the sharing degree of user plane channels to optimize network usage and reduce construction costs.

Innovation Solution

A handover method that determines the user type of a terminal during the handover procedure, setting a user plane split policy based on the user's operator status and occupancy rate of air interface resources, allowing for flexible control of user plane channel sharing by switching between 4G and 5G networks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If 5G networks are co-constructed and shared by multiple operators to reduce construction costs, then construction costs are reduced, but control over user plane channel sharing becomes complex and inflexible

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconstruction costVSAvoiduser plane sharing control flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic user plane split policy that can be adjusted in real-time based on terminal movement and network conditions. The network device determines whether to enable or disable user plane split for each terminal dynamically, allowing flexible control over 5G network sharing while maintaining cost efficiency. This resolves the contradiction by making the sharing control adaptive rather than static.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies different user plane split policies to different terminals based on their specific conditions (whether they are in border areas, their movement status, etc.). Instead of a uniform sharing policy, each terminal receives customized control, allowing some terminals to use shared 5G resources while others maintain independent control. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between cost reduction and control flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Productivity

If user plane split is enabled for all terminals in border areas, then network sharing efficiency is improved, but control over independent operator networks is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork sharing efficiencyVSAvoidindependent network control

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically determines user plane split policy for each terminal based on real-time conditions. When a terminal enters a border area, the network device evaluates whether to enable user plane split on a per-terminal basis, rather than applying a blanket policy. This allows the system to optimize sharing efficiency for eligible terminals while maintaining independent control for others, resolving the contradiction between productivity and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Different user plane split policies are applied to different terminals in border areas based on their specific characteristics and network conditions. Some terminals receive split-enabled policies to improve sharing efficiency, while others receive split-disabled policies to maintain independent control. This localized differentiation resolves the contradiction by allowing both modes to coexist where appropriate.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Measurement precision

If manual configuration of user plane split policy is used, then control precision is high, but operation complexity and time consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepolicy control precisionVSAvoidoperation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically determines user plane split policies without requiring manual configuration. The network device autonomously evaluates terminal conditions (such as whether the terminal is in a border area) and makes policy decisions independently. This self-service approach maintains precise control while eliminating manual operation complexity and time consumption, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback from terminal location and network condition information to automatically adjust user plane split policies. The network device receives information about terminal status and autonomously determines the appropriate policy based on this feedback. This automated feedback loop maintains precise control decisions while removing the need for manual configuration, resolving the contradiction between precision and operational ease.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS12507130B2Handover method, device and system in multi-connection network

Publication Date: 2025.12.23 CHINA TELECOM CORP LTD

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a handover method, a network device and a system in a multi-connectivity network. The method includes: determining a type of a user of a terminal during a handover procedure of the terminal to a multi-connectivity network of the construction operator; determining a user plane split policy corresponding to the terminal according to the type of the user of the terminal; and switching a user plane channel of the terminal to a user plane channel of a first standard network of the construction operator, in a case that the user plane split policy is split-disabled, and switching the user plane channel of the terminal to the user plane channel of the first standard network and a user plane channel of a second standard network of the construction operator, in a case that the user plane split policy is split-enabled.