Patent ID: 10194480

Abstract:
An example method performed at a first network device configured to operate as a small cell gateway anchoring both control and user plane for a Master Radio Access Point (MRAP) and a Secondary Radio Access Point (SRAP) is provided. The method includes receiving, from the MRAP, a first message comprising an indication that a first bearer is to be switched from the MRAP to the SRAP, the first message comprising a Tunnel Endpoint Identifier TEID of a general packet radio service (GPRS) tunneling communications protocol (GTP) tunnel of a long-term evolution (LTE) network associated with the first bearer in that the TEID identifies a GTP tunnel for the first bearer, and a first transport layer address (e.g. IP address) of the SRAP to which downlink data for the TEID associated with the first bearer is to be sent to reach user devices that utilize the first bearer. The method also includes, upon receiving downlink data for the first bearer, sending the received downlink data to the first transport layer address using the TEID provided in the first message.