Source gNB PDU Set Prioritization During Handover
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current handover procedures in cellular wireless communication networks are inefficient, leading to potential performance degradation and increased likelihood of handover failures due to the lack of effective prioritization and management of traffic flows during the handover process, especially in high mobility scenarios.
Innovation Solution
A method and system where a source next generation node B (gNB) receives signaling with priority values for protocol data unit (PDU) sets and transmits these values to a target gNB, enabling prioritization and efficient management of traffic flows during handover, ensuring essential flows are maintained while non-essential flows are minimized.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional handover procedures are used without traffic flow prioritization, then the handover process is simpler, but service quality degrades and packet loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The source gNB performs preliminary actions by receiving QoS flow to PDU session mapping information from the core network before handover occurs. The prioritization of PDU sets is determined in advance based on QoS parameters, allowing the target gNB to prepare appropriate resource allocation and handling procedures before the actual handover execution, thereby maintaining service quality without increasing operational complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where the source gNB acts as a mediator between the core network and target gNB. It receives QoS flow mapping information from the core network, determines PDU set prioritization, and conveys this information to the target gNB through handover signaling. This intermediary role enables centralized QoS management while simplifying the handover execution at the radio access network
2Loss of time
If traffic flows are not prioritized during handover, then resource allocation is simpler, but latency increases and packet loss occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by utilizing QoS parameters (5QI values) to determine PDU set prioritization. The source gNB maps QoS flows to PDU sessions and assigns priority levels based on these parameters. This allows the system to dynamically adjust traffic handling characteristics during handover without complex per-flow processing, reducing latency while maintaining manageable complexity through parameter-based decision making
3Reliability
If all traffic flows are treated equally during handover, then the procedure is simpler, but essential flows may be dropped and service continuity is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments traffic flows into different PDU sets based on QoS requirements. By dividing traffic into prioritized groups (essential vs. non-essential flows), the system can apply different handling strategies to each segment during handover. This segmentation enables reliable service continuity for critical flows while maintaining operational simplicity through group-based management rather than individual flow processing
Data Source
AI summary
A method performed by a source base station (e.g., a next generation node B (gNB)) for managing traffic flows during a handover procedure are provided. The method receives, from a core network (CN), first signaling including a value associated with a protocol data unit (PDU) set. The method prioritizes the PDU set based on the value. The method transmits, to a target gNB, second signaling including the value.