Single Radio Controller Signaling Segmentation for Multi-RAT Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current communication systems face inefficiencies and high failure probabilities in service setup and running due to the rigid binding of NAS and L3 signaling to specific radio access technologies (RATs), limiting flexible use of air interfaces and leading to long delays and low efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A communication method and system that allows user equipment to establish connections with a single radio controller using different radio access technologies, enabling flexible switching of services by transmitting NAS and L3 signaling across different RATs, thereby managing radio resources and improving system efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If NAS signaling and L3 signaling are bound to specific RATs, then signaling transmission is simplified, but service setup efficiency deteriorates and delay increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the signaling transmission function by separating NAS signaling from L3 signaling. NAS signaling can be transmitted over any RAT (including IP-based networks), while L3 signaling remains bound to specific RATs. This segmentation allows flexible service setup while maintaining simplified transmission structures where appropriate.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universality by allowing NAS signaling to be transmitted over multiple different RATs and network types (GSM, UMTS, LTE, and IP-based networks). This multi-functionality enables the system to utilize the advantages of various air interfaces for service setup, improving efficiency and reducing delay without requiring complete redesign of the signaling architecture.
2Device complexity
If NAS signaling and L3 signaling are bound to specific RATs, then signaling routing is simplified, but transmission delay increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting signaling into NAS and L3 components, the patent enables NAS signaling to be routed independently over the most suitable network (including IP-based networks with lower delay), while L3 signaling follows traditional RAT-specific routing. This reduces overall service setup delay without creating complex routing requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the transmission parameter of NAS signaling from being RAT-bound to being network-type flexible. This allows the system to select optimal transmission paths based on current network conditions, reducing transmission delay while maintaining manageable routing complexity through the SRC controller.
3Device complexity
If NAS signaling and L3 signaling are bound to specific RATs, then signaling processing is simplified, but system adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by separating NAS signaling processing from L3 signaling processing. NAS signaling can be processed and routed according to network conditions and service requirements, enabling flexible service switching between different RATs. L3 signaling processing remains simplified and RAT-specific. This segmentation provides adaptability without excessive processing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a Single Radio Controller (SRC) as an intermediary that manages the complexity of multi-RAT signaling. The SRC coordinates between different RATs and network types, enabling flexible service switching and adaptation while keeping the overall signaling processing architecture manageable and coordinated through a central controller.
4Device complexity
If NAS signaling and L3 signaling are bound to specific RATs, then connection establishment is simplified, but service running efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments connection establishment into NAS-level connection (which can be established over any RAT or IP network) and L3-level connection (which remains RAT-specific). This allows the system to establish connections more efficiently by utilizing the most suitable network for each service type, improving service running efficiency while maintaining simplified connection establishment procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention provide a communication method, a user equipment, and a single radio controller. The method includes: establishing, by a user equipment, a first connection with an SRC by using a first communications network; and sending, by the user equipment, NAS signaling or Layer 3 signaling of a second communications network to the SRC by using the first connection, and/or receiving NAS signaling or Layer 3 signaling of a second communications network from the SRC by using the first connection. Therefore, in the embodiments of the present invention, NAS/L3 signaling of a second communications network is transmitted over the first connection that is established in a first communications network, so that a service can flexibly switch between different RATs, and the system efficiency is improved.