UE Proxy QoS Signaling During Wireless Handover
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing QoS mechanisms during handover processes in wireless communication systems require significant involvement from user equipment (UE), exposing inner network mechanisms to potential security risks and compatibility issues, and fail to efficiently manage resource allocation within the access network.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a UE proxy at potential target Points of Attachment (PoAs) that are aware of the inner QoS mechanisms, allowing them to control resource allocation and signaling without involving the UE, using a media-independent handover abstraction layer to manage imminent handovers and ensure QoS without UE awareness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If UE is involved in QoS signaling during handover, then QoS requirements can be communicated to the network, but security risks and compatibility issues arise from exposing inner network mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a Proxy Mobile IPv6 (PMIPv6) architecture where the network entities (PMA, PMoA, CN) act as intermediaries to handle QoS signaling. The UE communicates QoS requirements to the PMA, which then interacts with the PMoA and CN through standardized interfaces, preventing direct exposure of inner QoS mechanisms to the UE while maintaining reliable QoS signaling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the QoS signaling process into distinct functional components: UE QoS profile management at PMA, handover coordination at PMoA, and resource allocation at CN. This segmentation allows each entity to handle specific QoS aspects through standardized interfaces, reducing security risks while maintaining overall QoS reliability.
2Ease of operation
If UE establishes link to second PoA for resource allocation, then handover can be performed, but current link must be maintained for continued communication
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary QoS resource allocation and link establishment at the target PoA (PMoA) before the actual handover occurs. The PMA sends QoS parameters to PMoA in advance, which prepares the target link and resources. This allows seamless handover without requiring the UE to manage multiple active links simultaneously, reducing operational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The network entities (PMA, PMoA, CN) autonomously handle QoS signaling and link management without requiring the UE to establish separate links for resource allocation. The system self-manages the handover process by coordinating between PMA and PMoA, eliminating the need for complex UE-side link management.
3Adaptability or versatility
If QoS mechanisms are exposed to UE, then QoS can be managed, but attackers can block network resources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses PMA and PMoA as intermediaries that shield the inner QoS mechanisms from direct UE access. QoS parameters are exchanged through standardized PMIPv6 interfaces, preventing attackers from directly manipulating or blocking network resources while maintaining flexible QoS management capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements QoS parameter copying and translation between different domains. The UE's QoS requirements are copied to standardized parameters by PMA, which then translates them for network entities. This copying mechanism allows QoS management while preventing direct access to inner network mechanisms that could be exploited by attackers.
4Reliability
If UE is not attached to PoA, then no QoS signaling can be exchanged, but handover preparation requires connectivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary QoS signaling and resource allocation at the PMA and PMoA before the UE detaches from the current PoA. The PMA exchanges QoS parameters with the PMoA in advance, ensuring that QoS signaling is completed while the UE is still attached, enabling seamless handover preparation without connectivity interruptions.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for supporting quality of service (QoS) mechanisms during a handover process or in preparation of a handover process, wherein a user equipment (UE) attaches to an access network (AN) via points of attachment (PoA), wherein said handover process supports changing connection of said UE from one of said points of attachment - current PoA - to another one of said points of attachment - target PoA - while maintaining all ongoing connections of said UE, wherein signalling messages are exchanged between said current PoA and a second PoA during or in preparation of said handover process, said second PoA comprising said target PoA or a candidate for said target PoA, and wherein said AN supports inner QoS mechanisms on a communication path within said AN, said communication path being used for communication between one of said PoA and a core network (CN) or between one of said PoA and a network entity within the AN, is characterized in that a triggering message is sent to said second PoA by said current PoA, said triggering message being received by an UE proxy located on said second PoA, wherein said UE proxy, in reaction to said triggering message, controls said inner QoS mechanisms to ensure QoS on said communication path.