UE IP Address Adaptation for Seamless LTE-GERAN Handoff
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Solution Overview
Problem
In telecommunications networks, handoffs between access nodes using different radio access technologies and routing areas often result in compatibility issues due to differences in Internet Protocol (IP) addressing types, leading to disruptions in data sessions when the supporting network nodes do not align with the initially established IP addressing contexts.
Innovation Solution
User Equipment (UE) implements methods to detect and adapt to changes in IP addressing types by deactivating and reactivating Packet Data Protocol (PDP) contexts or Evolved Packet System (EPS) bearers, using mobility messages and system information to determine supported IP versions, and selectively activating IPv4, IPv6, or hybrid IPv4v6 addressing based on application needs and network support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the UE maintains a PDP context or EPS bearer established with a specific IP addressing type during handoff, then data session continuity is preserved, but compatibility issues arise when the target access node supports a different IP addressing type
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adaptation of IP addressing types by detecting the target access node's supported IP version and selectively deactivating or reactivating PDP contexts or EPS bearers with appropriate IP addressing types. This dynamic adjustment allows the UE to maintain data session continuity while adapting to different IP addressing environments during handoff between access nodes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the IP addressing type parameter based on the target access node's capabilities. By monitoring system information and mobility messages for IP version indicators, the UE modifies its PDP context or EPS bearer configuration to match the supported IP addressing type (IPv4, IPv6, or hybrid IPv4v6) of the target access node, resolving the contradiction between maintaining session continuity and ensuring compatibility
2Adaptability or versatility
If the UE deactivates and reactivates PDP contexts or EPS bearers to adapt to different IP addressing types, then IP addressing compatibility is ensured, but additional signaling and processing overhead is introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary detection of the target access node's supported IP addressing type using system information and mobility messages before completing the handoff. By anticipating the IP version requirements in advance, the UE can prepare appropriate PDP context or EPS bearer configurations, reducing the need for reactive deactivation and reactivation operations and thereby minimizing signaling overhead
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the UE monitors system information and mobility messages for IP version indicators from the target access node. This feedback information guides the UE's decisions on whether to deactivate or reactivate specific PDP contexts or EPS bearers, enabling adaptive behavior that balances compatibility requirements with signaling efficiency
3Measurement precision
If the UE continuously monitors system information and mobility messages for IP version detection, then accurate IP addressing type identification is achieved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic monitoring of system information and mobility messages during handoff events rather than continuous monitoring. By synchronizing detection activities with handoff procedures and using periodic updates of system information, the UE achieves accurate IP version identification while minimizing unnecessary monitoring operations that would consume additional battery power
Data Source
AI summary
A user equipment (UE) is provided. The UE comprises at least one component that is configured to detect an event of one of the UE changing routing area and the UE changing radio access technology from a long-term evolution (LTE) network to a global system for mobile communications enhanced data rates for GSM evolution radio access network (GERAN) or to a universal mobile telecommunication system terrestrial radio access network (UTRAN) and, responsive to detecting the event, to deactivate one of a packet data protocol (PDP) context and an evolved packet system (EPS) bearer.