RAN-Controlled Selective Handover for 3GPP and Wi-Fi Traffic
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless devices supporting multiple radio access technologies face challenges in intelligent connection management, particularly in coordinating handovers between 3GPP cellular networks and Wi-Fi networks, as they operate as separate entities, lacking coordinated control mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
The network decides when to handover traffic between 3GPP and Wi-Fi by using a 'handover command' that specifies the granularity of traffic to be moved, such as all traffic, traffic belonging to a specific APN, PDN connection, or bearer, enabling RAN-controlled handovers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If the network decides when to handover traffic between 3GPP and Wi-Fi using RAN-controlled handover commands, then connection management intelligence and network performance are improved, but device complexity and coordination requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary handover command mechanism that acts as a mediator between the RAN and the wireless device. This command structure carries specific information elements that instruct the device on which bearers to handover, eliminating the need for complex device-side decision-making algorithms while maintaining centralized network control.
Solution Approach 2:
The handover command is segmented into specific information elements that individually control different bearers. This segmentation allows the network to selectively handover only certain bearers (e.g., non-GBR bearers) while keeping others on the original access, reducing the coordination complexity compared to handovering all bearers simultaneously.
2Productivity
If selective bearer handover is implemented with granular traffic control, then network performance and QoS maintenance are improved, but signaling overhead and processing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating handover treatment for different bearer types. Non-GBR bearers are selected for handover to Wi-Fi based on local network conditions and QoS requirements, while GBR bearers maintain their original 3GPP connection. This selective approach optimizes network performance for specific traffic types without requiring complex global reconfiguration.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple PDN connections are supported during handover, then adaptability and service continuity are improved, but management complexity and resource coordination increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by establishing the handover command structure and bearer selection criteria before actual handover execution. The network prepares the selective handover instructions in advance, identifying which bearers should be transferred and maintaining multiple PDN connections throughout the transition, ensuring service continuity without last-minute complex coordination.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a method, in a mobility function (MF) node. The method comprises receiving (S1) information about a mapping to a property, of each of a plurality of radio bearers of a radio device for carrying data traffic between the radio device and a first radio access network (RAN). The method also comprises determining (S2) based on the received (S1) information, that at least one of the radio bearers can be handed over to a second RAN. The method also comprises initiating (S3) a handover command to the radio device instructing the radio device to hand over the at least one radio bearer to the second RAN.