Communication Relay for 5G Handover Data Redirection
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Solution Overview
Problem
In mobile communication networks, handovers can be delayed or fail due to the lack of direct interfaces between source and target base stations, leading to inefficiencies in downlink data forwarding, particularly in 5G systems where N2-based handovers require signaling through the core network, causing delays and potential loss of radio coverage.
Innovation Solution
A communication relay system that includes a transmitter, receiver, and controller to intercept and forward downlink data packets from a source base station to a target base station via a user plane function, using tunnel endpoint identifiers and the GTP-U protocol to establish indirect forwarding tunnels, thereby bypassing the need for direct data forwarding and reducing dependency on Session Management Function involvement during handover preparation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If N2-based handover signaling is used in 5G core network, then handover can be performed without direct Xn interfaces, but handover delays increase and radio coverage loss may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The source base station performs preliminary data buffering and forwarding preparation before the handover is complete. Downlink data packets are buffered in advance and forwarding tunnels are pre-established with the target base station, so that data transmission can resume immediately after handover without waiting for the signaling process to complete.
Solution Approach 2:
The core network's user plane function acts as an intermediary to establish indirect data forwarding paths between source and target base stations. When direct Xn interfaces are unavailable, the intermediary core network component facilitates data packet routing through N2-based signaling, enabling handover without direct peer-to-peer connectivity.
2Productivity
If direct data forwarding between base stations is implemented, then handover efficiency improves, but direct interfaces (Xn) are required which may not be available
Solution Approach 1:
The base station is designed with multi-functional capability to support both direct Xn-based forwarding and indirect N2-based forwarding through the core network. The data forwarding mechanism is made universal by implementing multiple path options, allowing the system to adapt to different network configurations without requiring dedicated hardware for each interface type.
Solution Approach 2:
When direct base station interfaces are unavailable, the core network user plane function serves as an intermediary mediator that establishes indirect forwarding paths. This intermediary component enables data packet routing between source and target base stations through the core network, eliminating the strict requirement for direct Xn interfaces while maintaining handover functionality.
3Reliability
If Session Management Function involvement is required during handover preparation, then handover control is centralized, but handover preparation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
Data forwarding arrangements are made in advance during the handover preparation phase. The source base station pre-establishes forwarding tunnels and buffers data packets before the handover execution, reducing the need for time-consuming SMF involvement during the actual handover process. This preliminary action separates control functions from execution timing.
Solution Approach 2:
The handover process is segmented into distinct phases: control plane signaling for handover authorization and user plane data forwarding for actual data transmission. This segmentation allows the SMF to handle only the necessary control functions while data forwarding is managed independently through pre-established user plane tunnels, reducing overall preparation time.
Data Source
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AI summary
According to one embodiment, a communication relay is described comprising a transmitter for transmitting data packets, which comprise user data to be transmitted to a mobile communication terminal, to a first network component of a mobile communication network, a receiver configured to receive a data packet from the first network component with an indication that the user data of the data packet is to be forwarded to a second network component and a controller configured to, in response to the reception of the data packet, stop the transmitter from transmitting data packets to the first network component and to control the transmitter to forward the user data of the data packet received to the second network component and to control the transmitter to start transmitting data packets to the second network component.