UE Connection Resumption via Full Configuration Flag
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Solution Overview
Problem
In LTE networks, when a UE resumes a connection after suspension, compatibility issues between the source and target eNBs, especially regarding different radio access technologies or versions, can lead to delays and signaling overhead, as the target eNB may not understand the UE's configuration, forcing the UE to revert to IDLE mode for service continuity.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a full configuration procedure during the resume process, where the target eNB generates new configuration parameters and sends a resume message with a fullConfig flag, allowing the UE to discard old configurations and apply new ones, even if the target eNB cannot read the UE's AS context, ensuring seamless resumption without relying on IDLE mode.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the target eNB uses a different or earlier RAT version than the source eNB, then the target eNB cannot understand the UE's AS context, but forcing the UE to revert to IDLE mode causes delays and signaling overhead
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the configuration parameters from the UE's AS context and transfers them directly to the target eNB via X2 interface, bypassing the need for the target eNB to interpret the original AS context. This separation allows the target eNB to receive and apply configuration parameters without needing to understand the source eNB's AS context format, thus resolving the version compatibility issue while maintaining fast resumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces the X2 interface as an intermediary mechanism between source and target eNBs. Through this intermediary, configuration parameters are transferred directly without requiring the target eNB to interpret the source eNB's AS context. This mediator enables seamless configuration transfer across different RAT versions while avoiding the time loss associated with IDLE mode transitions.
2Reliability
If the target eNB cannot read the UE's AS context, then configuration compatibility fails, but implementing full configuration increases signaling overhead
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the necessary configuration parameters from the UE's AS context and transfers them via X2 interface, rather than transferring the entire AS context or implementing full reconfiguration. This selective extraction maintains configuration compatibility while minimizing signaling overhead by transmitting only the essential parameters needed for successful connection resumption.
3Adaptability or versatility
If operators upgrade network nodes to newer RAT versions, then network capability improves, but legacy nodes with earlier versions cannot support fast resumption for upgraded nodes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal configuration transfer mechanism that works across all RAT versions through the X2 interface. The source eNB (regardless of its version) can extract and transfer configuration parameters to the target eNB (of any version), enabling fast resumption in heterogeneous networks. This universal approach allows operators to upgrade individual nodes without requiring network-wide simultaneous upgrades, thus providing flexibility in network evolution.
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless device for resuming a connection in a communication network. The wireless device comprises a communication interface; and one or more processing circuits communicatively connected to the communication interface, the one or more processing circuits comprising at least one processor and memory, the memory containing instructions that, when executed, cause the at least one processor to: send to a network node a request to resume a connection in a communication network; receive a resume response message from the network node, the message comprising an indication to perform a full configuration; and apply the full configuration.