Node and method for handing over a sub-set of bearers to enable multiple connectivity of a terminal towards several base stations

摘要

Example embodiments presented herein are directed towards source (401A) and target (401B) base stations, and corresponding methods therein, for providing a handover for a sub-set of bearers associated with a wireless terminal (101) being served by the source base station (401A), wherein at least one bearer of the wireless terminal remains connected to the source base station. The sub-set of bearers is less than or equal to a total number of bearers associated with the wireless terminal.

主权项

1. A method, in a source base station in a wireless communications network, for providing a handover for a sub-set of bearers associated with a wireless terminal being served by the source base station, said sub-set of bearers being less than or equal to all bearers associated with the wireless terminal, the method comprising:
determining a need for a handover procedure; selecting the sub-set of bearers associated with the wireless terminal; and sending, to a target base station, a handover request for the sub-set of bearers, wherein at least one bearer of the wireless terminal remains connected to the source base station;wherein selecting the sub-bearers comprises analyzing predetermined rules for selecting the sub-set of bearers and selecting the sub-set of bearers based on the analyzing, said predetermined rules comprising any one or more of:
selecting non-guaranteed bit rate bearers; selecting guaranteed bit rate bearers; selecting guaranteed bit rate bearers with a maximum bit rate above or below a threshold level; selecting guaranteed bit rate bearers with a guaranteed with rate above or below a threshold level; and selecting bearers with respect to a Quality of Service class identifier.