Target MME Bearer Allocation for Handover Continuity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for handover in communications networks, such as rSRVCC, do not optimize network utilization and can result in service interruptions when there are insufficient resources in the target system, as they only check for allocation of existing bearers and not extra bearers needed for resource demands.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for a target base station to pre-allocate both existing and extra bearers in the target network before handover, allowing for better decision-making on whether to perform the handover and ensuring resources are available, thereby optimizing network utilization and maintaining service continuity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing methods for handover (e.g., rSRVCC) are used, then handover can be performed, but service interruptions occur when insufficient resources are available in the target system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing bearer resource allocation in the target system before the handover is executed. The source base station receives information about required bearers from the target base station and allocates radio resources accordingly in advance, ensuring that resources are available when handover occurs, thus preventing service interruptions while optimizing network utilization.
2Device complexity
If bearer allocation is checked only for existing bearers, then allocation process is simple, but extra bearers needed for resource demands are not allocated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the bearer allocation process into two distinct parts: allocation of existing bearers and allocation of extra bearers. The allocation request message includes separate information elements for existing bearer contexts and extra bearer requirements, allowing the target system to handle each type appropriately and ensure both are satisfied before handover.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary allocation of both existing and extra bearers before handover execution. The target base station receives allocation requests containing information about both existing bearers to be handed over and extra bearers needed for resource demands, and allocates resources for both categories in advance.
Data Source
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AI summary
The embodiments herein relates to a method in a target Mobility Management Entity, MME (105b), for allocating bearers in a target network (100b), which target MME (105b) is comprised in the target network (100b) and which target network (100b) comprises a first number of existing bearers. When a second number of required bearers is larger than the first number of existing bearers in the target network (100b), the target MME (105b) transmits an allocation request message to a target base station (103b). The allocation request message comprises a request for allocation of the first number of existing bearers and a request for allocation of a third number of extra bearers in the target network (100b).