UE Mobility Preparation for 5G to 2G/3G Handover
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Solution Overview
Problem
When a User Equipment (UE) moves from a 5G network to a 2G/3G network via a 4G network, IP address preservation is not possible, leading to session breaks and increased network load due to the need for re-initiating sessions and full authentication upon each network transition.
Innovation Solution
A method is introduced where network nodes trigger an update bearer procedure to provide 2G/3G Quality of Service (QoS) parameters to the UE, allowing seamless handover of bearers from the 4G network to the 2G/3G network by mapping PDN addresses and Access Point Names, enabling IP address preservation and avoiding session re-initialization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a UE moves from 5G network to 2G/3G network via 4G network without IP address preservation, then mobility between networks is possible, but session breaks occur and network load increases due to re-initiating sessions and full authentication
Solution Approach 1:
The network node triggers an update bearer procedure to provide 2G/3G QoS parameters to the UE in advance, before the actual mobility to 2G/3G network occurs. This preliminary provision of parameters enables seamless handover and prevents session breaks, while avoiding the need for re-authentication and reducing network load during the mobility event
2Adaptability or versatility
If direct mobility between 5G networks and 2G/3G networks is implemented, then network flexibility is improved, but compatibility issues arise due to lack of standardized interfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a 4G network as an intermediary between 5G and 2G/3G networks. The 4G network acts as a bridge that provides standardized interfaces and protocols, enabling mobility between 5G and 2G/3G networks without requiring direct incompatible interfaces. This intermediary approach maintains mobility flexibility while solving compatibility issues through established 4G network protocols
3Reliability
If full authentication is performed upon each network transition, then security is maintained, but authentication time and network load increase
Solution Approach 1:
The network node prepares and provides 2G/3G QoS parameters to the UE in advance during the update bearer procedure in 4G network. This preliminary action enables the UE to present valid credentials and session information when transitioning to 2G/3G network, allowing for faster authentication or credential validation rather than requiring full authentication, thus reducing authentication time while maintaining security
Data Source
AI summary
A technique for preparing User Equipment, UE, mobility from a 4G network to a 2G/3G network for a UE moving from a 5G network to the 2G/3G network via the 4G network is disclosed. A method implementation of the technique is performed by a network node after the UE has moved from the 5G network to the 4G network and includes triggering, for each of one or more bearers handed over from the 5G network to the 4G network for the UE, an update bearer procedure to provide one or more 2G/3G Quality of Service, QoS, parameters to the UE required to hand over the respective bearer to the 2G/3G network when the UE moves from the 4G network to the 2G/3G network.