Inter-RAT Handover via MME Proxy and Route Optimization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inter-RAT handover technologies lack a complete mechanism for optimized handover between evolved networks, leading to potential disruptions in service continuity during the handover process.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for optimized inter-RAT handover that involves obtaining a target network ID, setting up bearers, and managing data paths to ensure seamless handover, including resource reservation and data path switching, to minimize impact on both networks and user experience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional routing based on common IP network prefix is used during handover, then routing simplicity is maintained, but service continuity cannot be guaranteed when UE moves to target access network with different network prefix
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mobility management entity (MME) and home link mobile proxy as intermediary components that mediate between the UE and the home network. These intermediaries handle the complexity of route optimization and tunnel management, allowing simple routing at the UE level while ensuring service continuity through network-side route optimization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the routing function into multiple components: default route for basic connectivity, and route optimization rules for specific destinations. This segmentation allows the system to maintain simple default routing while adding complexity only where necessary for service continuity, resolving the contradiction between routing simplicity and reliability.
2Reliability
If UE updates its IP address during handover process, then network prefix consistency is maintained, but continuity of ongoing services becomes impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary actions by establishing route optimization rules and tunnels before the handover is complete. The MME proactively sets up the necessary routing paths and notifies the UE of route optimization rules in advance, allowing the UE to maintain its IP address while the network prepares the routing infrastructure for seamless service continuity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent ensures continuity of useful action by maintaining the UE's IP address throughout the handover process and using route optimization to continuously forward packets to the UE's current location. The tunnel established between the foreign access link mobile proxy and home link mobile proxy ensures uninterrupted data flow, preserving both IP address stability and service continuity.
3Productivity
If handover process between evolved networks is implemented without optimized mechanism, then network simplicity is maintained, but handover performance and user experience deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service mechanisms where the UE autonomously applies route optimization rules received from the network, and the mobility management entity automatically manages tunnel establishment and route optimization without requiring complex coordinated handover procedures. This self-service approach improves handover performance by reducing coordination overhead while managing complexity at the network management layer.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring route optimization rules and tunnel endpoints before handover execution. The MME prepares the routing infrastructure in advance, allowing the actual handover to proceed quickly with minimal processing, thus improving handover performance while concentrating complexity in the preparation phase rather than the execution phase.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, device and system for implementing optimized inter-RAT handover are disclosed. In the method, a user equipment or a source network decides to prepare for a handover to a target network. A corresponding target network ID is obtained from a configured mapping between cell IDs and target IDs according to a received cell ID. Target network bearers are set up after determining an access node of the target network. The user equipment is connected to the target network after handover preparation is complete.