Uplink and downlink data path enhancements for cu-up change

Abstract

Enhanced CU-UP change associated with a device can be performed and managed. CU-CP can trigger transition from source CU-UP to target CU-UP. Before bearer context modification request is communicated from CU-CP to source CU-UP, CU-CP can effectuate communication path update to transition from first uplink path, associated with source CU-UP, DU, and UPF, to second uplink path, associated with target CU-UP, DU, and UPF. Target CU-UP can buffer uplink data until CU-CP receives uplink PDCP count from source CU-UP and forwards that count to target CU-CP. CU-CP or UPF can transition or facilitate transitioning from first downlink path associated with source CU-UP, DU, and UPF, to second downlink path, associated with target CU-UP, DU, and UPF. Target CU-UP can buffer downlink data until CU-CP receives downlink PDCP count from source CU-UP and forwards that count to target CU-CP. Source CU-UP can transfer remaining downlink data it has to DU.