User Plane Anchor Node Handover via SDNC Steering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 5G network infrastructure faces challenges in minimizing service interruption during user plane traffic handovers, particularly in dynamic cloud-based OTT applications and user mobility scenarios, where existing solutions fail to efficiently relocate user plane anchor points without impacting user experience.
Innovation Solution
A method and network element for handover of user equipment (UE) from a serving anchor node to a target anchor node for user plane traffic, involving a user addition request, traffic steering requests, and relocation processes managed by a Software Defined Networking Controller (SDNC) and Mobility Management Entity (MME), with determinations based on UE location, mobility history, and service requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If user plane anchor node is relocated closer to RAN to reduce latency, then service interruption time increases and network configuration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the P-GW functionality into control plane (P-GW-C) and user plane (P-GW-U) components. The P-GW-C remains centralized for control functions while P-GW-U can be relocated closer to RAN for user data traffic, allowing independent optimization of each plane without increasing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a user plane path optimization function that acts as an intermediary between the MME and P-GW-U. This intermediary manages the user plane path dynamically, enabling anchor node relocation without requiring complex reconfiguration of existing network elements like MME and P-GW-C
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple anchor nodes are deployed to support diverse 5G use cases, then network flexibility improves but network configuration and management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal user plane path optimization function that can serve multiple diverse 5G use cases (eMBB, URLLC, mMTC) through a single standardized mechanism. This multi-functional approach allows the same optimization framework to handle different service requirements without requiring separate configuration systems for each use case
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic user plane anchor node selection and path optimization that adapts to different 5G use cases in real-time. The system can dynamically adjust the user plane path based on service requirements, user location, and network conditions, providing flexibility without permanent complex configurations
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure proposes a method performed in a communication network (1) for handing over a user equipment (UE) (100) from a serving anchor node (202) to a target anchor node (212) for user plane traffic and a corresponding network element. The method comprises: transmitting to the target anchor node (212) a user addition request comprising at least an identifier of the UE (100); receiving from the target anchor node (212) a user addition response indicating that the target anchor node (212) is ready for handling the user plane traffic for the UE (100); and transmitting, to a Software Defined Networking Controller (SDNC) (301) which serves the UE (100), a downlink (DL) traffic steering request for steering DL user plane traffic for the UE (100) from the serving anchor node (202) to the target anchor node (212).