Uplink Interface Switching for Continuous NCCF Service

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Solution Overview

Problem

The challenge in next-generation mobile communication networks is how to seamlessly switch network computing converged function (NCCF) nodes without disrupting service continuity for user equipment (UE) when the processing capability of the NCCF node deteriorates.

Innovation Solution

A switching method is implemented by an access network device to transition from a source NCCF node to a target NCCF node by updating data radio bearers and maintaining mapping relationships, using information from terminal devices to ensure service continuity and reduce user plane path switching delays.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If the access network device switches from the first interface to the second interface without receiving switching indication information, then the switching speed is improved, but service interruption occurs and service experience deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveswitching speedVSAvoidservice continuity
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The access network device performs preliminary actions by maintaining mapping relationships between data radio bearers and both the first and second interfaces simultaneously. When switching indication information is received, the device has already prepared the mapping configuration, allowing for rapid switching without service interruption. This preliminary preparation resolves the contradiction by enabling both fast switching and continuous service.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If the access network device maintains mapping relationships for multiple interfaces, then service continuity is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice continuityVSAvoidmapping relationship management
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mapping relationships between data radio bearers and interfaces are designed to be dynamic rather than static. The access network device can flexibly adjust and switch mappings based on received switching indication information, enabling seamless transition between interfaces while maintaining service continuity. This dynamic approach manages complexity by allowing the system to adapt rather than requiring complex static configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If the access network device waits for switching indication information before switching, then service continuity is maintained, but switching delay increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice continuityVSAvoidswitching delay
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements a feedback mechanism where the access network device monitors for switching indication information from the terminal device or network controller. This feedback allows the device to determine the optimal switching moment, maintaining service continuity while minimizing delay by switching only when necessary and when the indication is received, rather than switching proactively or waiting excessively.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP4723732A1Switching method and communication apparatus
Publication Date: 2026.04.08 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP4723732A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4723732A1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4723732A1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

Embodiments of this application provide a switching method and a communication apparatus. According to the method in this application, an access network device may determine, based on first information received from a first device, to switch from a first interface to a second interface to transmit an uplink data packet from a terminal device, so as to avoid service interruption of the terminal device caused because the access network device blindly switches from the first interface to the second interface to transmit the uplink data packet from the terminal device when the access network device cannot identify a data packet transmitted between the terminal device and a source network computing converged function node, thereby helping ensure service experience of a user. The first interface is an interface between the access network device and the source network computing converged function node, the second interface is an interface between the access network device and a target network computing converged function node, and the first device is the terminal device or the source network computing converged function node.