Inter-network Tunnel Switching for Seamless Handovers
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Solution Overview
Problem
In the context of inter-network handovers between evolved 3GPP and non-3GPP networks, existing technologies face challenges in efficiently switching tunnels, leading to message loss and increased service interruption times due to the inability to switch S101 tunnels in certain scenarios, such as MME or AN relocation, which affects real-time services.
Innovation Solution
An inter-network tunnel switching method and device that sets up a second tunnel between inter-network interconnection devices on different networks and triggers the switching from a first tunnel to the second tunnel, ensuring seamless signaling communication by configuring both tunnels to forward signaling messages between the networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If pre-registration is performed through tunnel from source network to target network, then service interruption time is reduced, but tunnel switching capability is required which does not exist in existing scenarios
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by establishing a second tunnel before the handover occurs. The target network node creates the second tunnel in advance, and the switching decision is prepared beforehand. This allows the tunnel switching to execute quickly during handover, reducing service interruption time while providing the necessary adaptability for dynamic network scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by enabling dynamic tunnel switching based on real-time handover conditions. The system can switch from the first tunnel to the second tunnel when needed, adapting to changing network states. This dynamic capability allows the system to reduce service interruption time while maintaining versatility in various handover scenarios.
2Reliability
If tunnel switching is implemented to reduce handover interruption, then real-time service quality improves, but message loss occurs in certain relocation scenarios
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the intermediary principle by introducing a second tunnel as an intermediate communication path. Instead of directly switching tunnels which causes message loss, the system uses the second tunnel as an intermediary to transfer signaling messages reliably. This intermediary tunnel ensures that messages are not lost during the transition between source and target networks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses preliminary action by pre-establishing the second tunnel before handover occurs. This preliminary setup ensures that when tunnel switching is needed, the alternative path is already in place and ready to receive messages immediately, preventing message loss while maintaining communication reliability during relocation scenarios.
3Device complexity
If existing tunnel switching method is used, then simplicity is maintained, but service interruption time increases and real-time services are affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-establishing the second tunnel before handover is needed. This preliminary setup eliminates the need for complex real-time tunnel creation during handover, actually reducing the overall complexity while significantly decreasing service interruption time. The system maintains simplicity by using a straightforward tunnel switching mechanism backed by advance preparation.
Data Source
AI summary
An inter-network tunnel switching method includes the following steps: a first inter-network interconnection device on a first network sets up a second tunnel between the first inter-network interconnection device and a second inter-network interconnection device on a second network and triggers the switching from a first tunnel to the second tunnel. The first and second tunnels are configured to forward signaling between a mobile station (MS) on the first network and the second network or between an MS on the second network and the first network. A first inter-network interconnection device is also provided.