Remote Unit Data Connection Transfer to Alternative Radio Access Network

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Solution Overview

Problem

In certain wireless communications networks, data connections cannot be transferred to a radio access network, rendering them unusable if not transferred.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus for transferring a data connection to a radio access network, where a remote unit determines if a data connection can be transferred to a second radio access network and, if not, transfers it to a third radio access network within a specified time duration, using a processor to evaluate policies and send data connection requests.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a data connection is attempted to be transferred to a second radio access network, then handover capability is improved, but the connection may fail to transfer and become unusable

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata connection transfer reliabilityVSAvoidradio access network compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of attempting to transfer the data connection to the second radio access network and risking failure, the system inverts the approach by directly transferring the data connection to a third radio access network that is known to be compatible. This reverse engineering approach ensures successful transfer by selecting the target network based on compatibility confirmation rather than attempting transfer and hoping for success.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces an intermediary evaluation process that assesses whether a data connection can be successfully transferred to a radio access network before attempting the transfer. This intermediary step acts as a mediator that identifies suitable target networks (third radio access network) based on compatibility criteria, thereby ensuring the transfer will succeed rather than failing at the second network.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If data connections are suspended for a period of time, then service continuity is maintained during transfer, but time loss occurs during the suspension period

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice continuityVSAvoidconnection suspension time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary evaluation to identify a suitable third radio access network for data connection transfer before suspending the connection. By pre-confirming the compatibility and readiness of the target network, the actual transfer can occur quickly after suspension, minimizing the suspension period while ensuring service continuity through proper handover.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3827616B1Transferring a data connection to a radio access network
Publication Date: 2024.04.17 LENOVO (SINGAPORE) PTE LTD
  • EP3827616B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3827616B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3827616B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Apparatuses, methods, and systems are disclosed for transferring a data connection to a radio access network. One method includes receiving, at a remote unit, an indication to handover from a first radio access network to a second radio access network. The method includes determining, after receiving the indication, that at least one data connection of the remote unit is unable to be transferred to the second radio access network. The method includes determining that the at least one data connection of the remote unit is able to be transferred to a third radio access network within a first time duration. The method includes transmitting, within the first time duration, a data connection request to reestablish the at least one data connection over the third radio access network.