User Device Bearer Mapping for 4G to 5G Handover
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for inter-system handover between 4G and 5G networks face challenges such as increased signaling delays and the need for frequent notification of mapping information, which can lead to inefficiencies and require costly repairs in the 4G system.
Innovation Solution
A user device and radio communication system that retain association information between EPS bearers and QoS flows, allowing for prompt handover execution without the need for frequent notification of mapping information, thereby reducing signaling overhead and avoiding unnecessary repairs in the 4G system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mapping information is notified every time UE executes handover via HO command, then the handover can be executed with current mapping information, but the signaling amount increases and notification delay occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The UE stores mapping information in advance before handover execution. The mapping information between EPS bearers and QoS flows is retained in the UE's memory, so when handover occurs, the UE can directly use the pre-stored mapping information without waiting for network notification, thus reducing signaling delay while ensuring accurate handover execution.
Solution Approach 2:
The UE obtains a copy of the mapping information from the network in advance and stores it locally. This copy is then used during handover execution, eliminating the need for real-time network notification and reducing signaling overhead while maintaining handover accuracy.
2Loss of information
If mapping information is notified via HO command from EPC to UE, then the UE can acquire mapping information, but repairs in 4G system become necessary
Solution Approach 1:
The UE autonomously retrieves and stores mapping information from the network in advance, and then uses this stored information for handover execution. This self-service approach eliminates the need for the EPC to notify the UE of mapping information during handover, avoiding the need for repairs or modifications to the 4G EPC system.
Solution Approach 2:
The UE obtains mapping information from the network in advance and stores it locally before handover. This preliminary acquisition of mapping information removes the dependency on EPC notification mechanisms during handover, thus avoiding the need for 4G system repairs while ensuring complete mapping information delivery.
3Reliability
If mapping information is frequently notified to ensure accurate handover, then handover accuracy is maintained, but signaling overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The UE obtains and stores mapping information in advance before handover execution. This pre-fetching of mapping information ensures that the UE has accurate mapping data ready when handover occurs, maintaining handover accuracy while eliminating the need for frequent signaling notifications during handover operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The UE creates a local copy of the mapping information from the network and stores it in its memory. This copy is reused across multiple handover operations, ensuring consistent and accurate handover execution while significantly reducing the signaling overhead that would result from frequent network notifications.
Data Source
AI summary
UE (50) includes a mapping information retaining unit (57) that retains association information in which a type of EPS bearer configured in 4G and a type of QoS flow that corresponds to the service quality and is configured in 5G are associated, and a handover executing unit (59) that acquires, by using the association information, association between the EPS bearer configured by the UE (50) and the QoS flow configured by the UE (50), and executes handover between the EPS bearer and the QoS flow associated with each other.