Target RAN Node Direct Handover Signaling Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current handover procedures between 5G and LTE systems lack direct transfer of handover signaling messages on a direct inter-base-station interface, which is essential for seamless network transitions.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method where a target RAN node receives core network context information directly from the core network and transfers handover signaling messages on a direct interface with the source RAN node, including flow, slice, and security-related information to facilitate smooth handovers between different radio access technologies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If handover procedures follow traditional indirect signaling paths through core network nodes, then network architecture compatibility is maintained, but handover delays increase and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the handover signaling transfer function from the core network path and establishes a direct interface between source and target RAN nodes. This allows handover signaling messages to be transferred directly without passing through core network nodes, thereby reducing handover delay and improving efficiency while maintaining compatibility with existing core network architectures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a direct interface as an intermediary communication path between RAN nodes. This intermediary channel enables efficient handover signaling transfer independently of the core network path, resolving the contradiction between maintaining architectural compatibility and achieving fast handover.
2Speed
If direct interface for handover signaling is implemented, then handover speed improves, but network complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the handover signaling path from the user data path. The direct interface is used exclusively for control plane handover signaling, while user data continues to flow through the core network. This segmentation allows speed improvement in handover without unnecessarily complicating the overall network architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The direct interface between RAN nodes is designed to be multi-functional, supporting both handover signaling transfer and potential future extensions. This universal design reduces the need for separate dedicated interfaces for different functions, thereby limiting the increase in network complexity while achieving fast handover.
3Reliability
If comprehensive core network context information is transferred directly, then handover reliability improves, but information security risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary security processing to core network context information before transfer. Security contexts are prepared and protected in advance, ensuring that sensitive information is secured before being transmitted through the direct interface. This preliminary action maintains handover reliability while mitigating security risks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different security measures to different types of information transferred during handover. Sensitive security contexts receive enhanced protection compared to less sensitive operational parameters. This localized security approach ensures reliable handover while minimizing overall security risks by applying protection only where needed.
Data Source
AI summary
A target RAN node (3) is configured to: receive, directly from a core network (5), core network context information about a handover of a radio terminal (1) from a first network to the second network; and control communication of the radio terminal (1) based on the core network context information. The target RAN node (3) is further configured to transfer a handover signaling message to a source RAN node on a direct interface (101) in response to receiving the core network context information. The core network context information includes at least one of flow information, slice information, and security-related information. It is thus possible, for example, to provide an inter-RAT handover procedure involving transfer of handover signaling messages on a direct inter-base-station interface.