Inter-MeNB Handover Bearer Segmentation in Small Cell Dual-Connectivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing inter-MeNB handover method in small cell systems frequently re-configures bearers, leading to inefficient utilization of dual-connectivity, which hinders the enhancement of system capacity and data transmission speed for user equipment (UE).
Innovation Solution
An inter-MeNB handover method and device that determine whether to maintain the secondary eNB (SeNB) during the handover process, allowing for the correct configuration of bearers and notification of the CN to avoid false bearer release, thereby supporting SGW relocation and optimizing resource allocation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If all bearers are handed over to the target MeNB during inter-MeNB handover, then the handover process is simple, but the dual-connectivity is not effectively utilized and system capacity is not enhanced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the bearers into two categories: split bearers and SCG bearers. Split bearers are handed over to the target MeNB, while SCG bearers are maintained at the source SeNB. This segmentation allows the system to utilize dual-connectivity effectively, enhancing system capacity while managing handover complexity through structured classification and selective handling of different bearer types.
2Ease of operation
If all bearers are handed over to the target MeNB during inter-MeNB handover, then the handover execution is straightforward, but the data transmission speed for UE is not improved
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting bearers into split bearers (handed over) and SCG bearers (maintained at source), the patent enables continued data transmission through the SeNB for SCG bearers during handover, maintaining high data transmission speed while keeping the handover execution process manageable through clear procedural steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent ensures continuity of useful action by maintaining SCG bearers at the source SeNB during the handover process, allowing data transmission to continue uninterrupted through the SeNB for these bearers. This eliminates the need to wait for complete bearer handover, thereby maintaining high data transmission speed throughout the handover process.
3Device complexity
If the SeNB is not maintained during handover, then the handover process is simplified, but the dual-connectivity resource is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments bearers to distinguish between those that should be handed over (split bearers) and those that should be maintained (SCG bearers). This segmentation ensures that SCG bearers continue to utilize the SeNB's resources during handover, preventing waste of dual-connectivity resources while keeping the handover process organized and manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies discarding and recovering by selectively discarding (handing over) split bearers to the target MeNB while recovering and maintaining SCG bearers at the source SeNB. This selective approach ensures that useful dual-connectivity resources are recovered and continued to serve the UE, avoiding complete resource waste during handover.
4Adaptability or versatility
If bearers are frequently re-configured during handover, then the network can adapt to changing conditions, but the system capacity enhancement is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments bearers into split bearers (re-configured at target MeNB) and SCG bearers (maintained at source SeNB). This segmentation reduces the scope of reconfiguration operations to only necessary bearers, minimizing frequent re-configurations while still allowing the network to adapt to changing conditions through selective reconfiguration of split bearers.
Data Source
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AI summary
An embodiment of the present disclosure may provide an inter-master node, MN, handover method to a target MN from a source MN which provides dual-connectivity together with a secondary node, SN, the method comprising: receiving, by the target MN, a handover request message from the source MN, wherein the handover request message comprises an identity, ID, of a user equipment, UE, allocated at the SN and an ID of the SN; sending, by the target MN to the SN, a configuration request message including the ID of the UE allocated at the SN; receiving, by the target MN from the SN, a configuration request acknowledge message; sending, by the target MN to the source MN, a handover request acknowledge message including information indicating that an UE context in the SN is kept; and sending, by the target MN, a configuration completion message to the SN; wherein the ID of the UE allocated at the SN is an ID to identify the UE over an interface between the source MN and the SN. Another embodiment of the present disclosure may further provide corresponding target master node.