Per-Node Tunnel Handover Optimization in Wireless Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems face challenges in efficiently managing access network handovers, particularly in determining whether to generate a new tunnel for user equipment (UE) during mobility events, which can lead to overload and delay issues due to ambiguity in tunnel model changes.
Innovation Solution
A method is proposed to determine whether to generate a new per-node level tunnel or change the tunnel model for UE during handovers based on factors such as the existence of pre-generated tunnels, packet data unit session characteristics, and location, optimizing the handover process by minimizing complexity and delay.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a new per-node level tunnel is generated for each user equipment during handover, then service continuity is ensured, but network complexity and signaling overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple user equipment tunnels into a shared tunnel structure where multiple UEs can be accommodated within a single per-node level tunnel. This reduces the total number of tunnels required in the network, lowering management complexity while maintaining service continuity through the shared tunnel infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal per-node level tunnel that can serve multiple user equipments simultaneously. This multi-functional tunnel structure allows the same tunnel to handle traffic for different UEs, reducing the need for dedicated tunnels per UE and thereby simplifying tunnel management while ensuring reliable service delivery.
2Adaptability or versatility
If tunnel model changes are made during handover to accommodate mobility events, then user mobility is supported, but handover delay increases due to ambiguity in tunnel model selection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary tunnel model determination during the handover preparation phase rather than during execution. By pre-determining the appropriate tunnel model based on service requirements and network conditions before the actual handover occurs, the system avoids delays during the critical handover execution phase while still supporting user mobility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a dynamic tunnel model selection mechanism that adapts the tunnel configuration based on real-time handover conditions and service requirements. This dynamic approach allows the system to optimize tunnel model choices during handover, reducing ambiguity and associated delays while maintaining flexibility to support various mobility scenarios.
3Productivity
If per-node level tunnels are used for all user equipment, then resource utilization is improved, but service differentiation and quality of service guarantee become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the per-node level tunnel into multiple virtual channels or sub-tunnels, each dedicated to specific service types or quality of service requirements. This segmentation allows efficient resource utilization through the shared tunnel infrastructure while simultaneously providing service differentiation and QoS guarantees through the segmented virtual channels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality differentiation within the per-node level tunnel by assigning different service characteristics to different segments or virtual channels of the tunnel. This allows the tunnel to provide both high resource utilization through sharing and service differentiation through localized quality attributes assigned to specific traffic flows or user equipments.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided method includes receiving, from the source AN, a handover request requesting a handover of an AN of the user equipment, wherein the user equipment is configured with a per node level tunnel for connection to a target user plane function node, and wherein the per node level tunnel is a common connection tunnel which is generated in the node unit for all traffics between the target AN and the target user plane function node, determining whether a service provision through the per node level tunnel is possible, determining whether generation of a new per node level tunnel for the user equipment is necessary when it is determined that service provision is impossible, and generating the new per node level tunnel for the user equipment based on a result of the determination or changing the tunnel model of the user equipment to a different tunnel model.