Terminal Device Protocol Layer Configuration for Core Network Handover
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Solution Overview
Problem
In 5G network transitions, terminal devices face significant signaling overhead during core network handovers between different types of core networks, such as LTE and 5G systems, leading to inefficiencies in resource management and service support.
Innovation Solution
A network handover method where the terminal device determines the need for handover based on service requirements or trigger instructions, configures the protocol layers accordingly, and switches between different core network types by updating PDCP and RRC layers without altering the RLC, MAC, or PHY layers, thereby reducing signaling overhead.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the terminal device performs handover between different core network types (EPC to 5GC or vice versa), then service continuity is maintained, but signaling overhead increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal device performs protocol layer configuration in advance based on the target core network type before actual handover occurs. This preliminary configuration includes setting up PDCP, RRC, and other protocol layers according to the target network's requirements, so that when handover happens, the terminal can quickly switch without extensive reconfiguration, thereby reducing signaling overhead while maintaining service continuity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic protocol layer configuration where the terminal device can adaptively adjust its protocol stack based on the target core network type. The terminal maintains flexibility by being able to switch between different protocol configurations (EPC-style or 5GC-style) depending on handover requirements, enabling efficient resource utilization and reduced signaling during transitions
2Adaptability or versatility
If the terminal device reconfigures protocol layers during handover, then compatibility with the new core network is achieved, but handover time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal device configures protocol layers in advance based on the target core network type before the handover is executed. This includes pre-setting PDCP, RRC, and other protocol parameters according to whether the target is EPC or 5GC. By preparing the protocol configuration beforehand, the terminal minimizes the time required for reconfiguration during actual handover, thus reducing handover time while ensuring compatibility
Solution Approach 2:
The terminal device creates and maintains protocol layer configurations that can be quickly copied or switched to match the target core network type. Instead of building protocol configurations from scratch during handover, the terminal uses pre-prepared template configurations that can be rapidly deployed, significantly reducing the time required to achieve compatibility with the new core network
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments of the present application provide a network handover method, a terminal device, and a network device, thus signaling overhead can be reduced during core network handover. The method includes: a terminal device determines that handover from a first core network to a second core network needs to be performed; the terminal device configures a protocol layer according to core network types of the first core network and the second core network.