SDN Controller Handover for Packet Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current software defined networking (SDN) technologies, such as OpenFlow and ForCES, lack the capability to support handover processes in 3GPP networks, specifically failing to transmit DL and UL count values between source and target eNBs, which are crucial for correct packet synchronization during handovers in SDN environments.
Innovation Solution
The method involves requesting and forwarding parameter reports, such as UL and DL count values, between control and user planes using modified OpenFlow or ForCES protocols, enabling seamless handover by redirecting and synchronizing data packets between source and target eNBs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If SDN protocols (OpenFlow, ForCES) are used to separate control and user planes, then network flexibility and adaptability are improved, but the capability to support handover processes and transmit count values between eNBs is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an SDN controller as an intermediary entity that mediates between the user plane entities (eNB-U) and the control plane protocols. The controller receives handover requests, extracts count values from the request, and forwards them to the target eNB-U through SDN protocols, thus enabling handover support in the separated architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the eNB functionality into control plane (eNB-C) and user plane (eNB-U) components, with the SDN controller acting as the intermediary. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each plane while maintaining handover capability through the controller's coordination.
2Measurement precision
If count values are not transmitted during handover in SDN environment, then packet synchronization between source and target eNBs deteriorates, but adding traditional handover signaling increases system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The SDN controller performs multiple functions: it acts as the SDN protocol intermediary, extracts count values from handover requests, and forwards them to the target eNB-U. This multi-functionality avoids adding separate dedicated signaling mechanisms while maintaining packet synchronization.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by having the source eNB-U send the handover request with count values to the SDN controller, which then forwards this information to the target eNB-U. This feedback loop ensures the target eNB receives accurate count values for packet synchronization without complex direct signaling.
Data Source
AI summary
Handover in software defined networking. The present invention provides apparatuses, methods, computer programs, computer program products and computer-readable media usable for handover in software defined networking, for example X2 and/or S1-MME handover at source eNB and target eNB. The method includes requesting, by a first entity in a first plane, a first entity in a second plane to report a parameter to the first entity in the first plane, receiving, at the first entity in the first plane, the reported parameter, and forwarding, by the first entity in the first plane, the parameter to a second entity in the first plane.