Electronic device for data communication in wireless communication system and method for operating same

An electronic device comprising:

• communication circuitry;
• at least one processor including processing circuitry;
• and
• memory storing instructions,
• wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, individually and/or collectively, cause the electronic device to:
• establish a protocol data unit (PDU) session;
• perform data communication through a first data path corresponding to & Internet protocol (IP) address 1 allocated to the PDU session by a network;
• identify IP address 2 allocated to the PDU session by the network, the IP address 2 being different from the IP address 1;
• identify a round trip time 1 (RTT 1) in which the IP address 1 is used and an RTT 2 in which the IP address 2 is used, in a state in which the IP address 1 and the IP address 2 are allocated to the PDU session;
• switch from the first data path to a second data path corresponding to the IP address 2, based on a difference between the RTT 2 and the RTT 1 being equal to or less than a designated reference value, prior to expiration of a valid lifetime of the IP address 1;
• reduce, in response to switching to the second data path, the valid lifetime of the IP address 1 using a designated interval;
• and
• release the IP address 1 based on expiration of the reduced valid lifetime of the IP address 1.