UPF Indirect Data Forwarding for 5G to LTE Handover
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems lack a detailed method for performing data forwarding during handovers between Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (E-UTRAN) and 5G Radio Access Network (5G-RAN), leading to potential data loss and service disruption.
Innovation Solution
A method for indirect data forwarding is implemented, involving the User Plane Function (UPF) to support handovers from Non-standalone (NSA) or standalone (SA) 5G systems to Evolved Packet System (EPS), using a series of steps involving the Mobile Management Entity (MME), Session Management Function (SMF), and Policy and Charging Rules Function (PCRF) to manage Quality of Service (QoS) and tunnel information, ensuring seamless data transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If data forwarding is not implemented during handover between E-UTRAN and 5G-RAN, then the system complexity remains low, but data loss and service disruption occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by establishing data forwarding paths before the handover is completed. The source base station forwards data to the target base station in advance during the handover process, ensuring that data transmission continues without interruption when the user equipment switches networks, thus preventing data loss while managing complexity through structured pre-forwarding mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the core network entities (SMF, UPF) as intermediaries to facilitate data forwarding between the E-UTRAN and 5G-RAN systems. These intermediary components manage the data path switching and coordinate the handover process, reducing the complexity burden on the base stations themselves while ensuring reliable data transfer through centralized control
2Reliability
If indirect data forwarding is implemented through multiple network functions, then data loss is avoided, but the signaling overhead and processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-establishing the indirect data forwarding path through SMF and UPF before the handover is finalized. The network functions prepare the data forwarding configuration in advance, so that when handover occurs, the data can be immediately routed through the pre-configured path, minimizing additional processing time while ensuring communication continuity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent ensures continuity of useful action by maintaining active data forwarding through the core network functions throughout the handover process. The SMF and UPF continue to manage data paths without interruption, ensuring that data transmission remains continuous and uninterrupted during the transition between E-UTRAN and 5G-RAN, thereby preventing communication gaps
Data Source
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AI summary
A radio access network handover method of a base station in a 5G radio access network (5G-RAN) is are disclosed. The method comprising: determining handing over a user equipment (UE) to an Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (E-UTRAN); transmitting a handover requirement message to an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF); receiving a handover command message from the AMF and transmitting the handover command message to the UE, the handover message such that the UE is handed over from the 5G-RAN to the E-UTRAN; and performing indirect data forwarding to a base station in the E-UTRAN.