Network Element Handover Trigger for Traffic Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current network handover methods between 5G and 4G networks result in additional network overheads and loss of traffic control, as terminals continue to use the original network beyond traffic limits, leading to inefficient resource allocation and management.

Innovation Solution

A method where a network element, such as a Policy Control Function (PCF) or Policy and Charging Rules Function (PCRF), sends a handover request message to the base station when predetermined conditions are met, triggering a network handover or session modification to optimize traffic management and reduce overheads.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the terminal continues to use the original network after traffic reaches the upper limit, then the terminal can maintain continuous internet access, but additional network overheads are generated and traffic control precision is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontinuous internet accessVSAvoidadditional network overheads
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The network element proactively triggers a handover request message to the base station before the terminal can continue using the original network beyond traffic limits. This preliminary action prevents the generation of additional network overheads by initiating the handover process in advance, ensuring smooth transition to the 4G network while maintaining terminal connectivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Measurement precision

If the network element triggers handover immediately when traffic threshold is exceeded, then traffic control precision is improved, but network switching speed must be increased

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetraffic control precisionVSAvoidnetwork switching speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The base station serves as an intermediary between the network element and the terminal. When the network element triggers the handover request message, the base station receives and processes this message, then executes the handover to the 4G network. This intermediary approach allows precise traffic control while managing the switching speed through coordinated communication between multiple network components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Stability of the object's composition

If the terminal resides on the current network after traffic event, then the terminal maintains stable connection, but precise traffic control is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidtraffic control precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The network element continuously monitors traffic conditions and uses this feedback to determine when handover is necessary. When traffic reaches the upper limit, the network element sends a handover request message to the base station, creating a closed-loop feedback system that maintains connection stability while achieving precise traffic control through proactive handover triggering.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3709714B1Method and device for triggering network switching, and computer storage medium
Publication Date: 2022.05.04 GUANGDONG OPPO MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATIONS CORP LTD
  • EP3709714B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3709714B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP3709714B1 patent drawingFigure 6~7

AI summary

Disclosed in the present invention are a method and a device for triggering network switching, and a computer storage medium, said method comprising: when a first core network element determines that a switching condition is satisfied, sending a switching request message to a base station, the switching request message being used to trigger the base station to execute the network switching process or the session modification process of a terminal.