3GPP Traffic Offload via Local Packet Gateway
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing demand for IP traffic and the need for higher bandwidth in 3GPP networks, coupled with the inefficiency of current Evolved Packet Core (EPC) systems in tightly coupling 3GPP and non-3GPP access networks, necessitate new architecture and procedures for effective traffic offloading, particularly for WiFi and WiMAX networks.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of methods and apparatuses for offloading traffic from 3GPP access networks to non-3GPP access points, involving enhanced network architecture and signaling procedures that allow for tighter integration between 3GPP radio access networks and non-3GPP access networks, including the use of local packet gateways and modified subscription information to facilitate traffic offloading based on user permissions and quality of service requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traffic offloading to non-3GPP networks is implemented, then system capacity and bandwidth utilization are improved, but network architecture complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a gateway as an intermediary component that bridges the 3GPP access network and non-3GPP access networks. This gateway handles the complexity of inter-network communication, protocol translation, and traffic management, thereby enabling traffic offloading to non-3GPP networks (such as WiFi and WiMAX) without requiring complex modifications throughout the entire network architecture. The gateway absorbs the architectural complexity while providing simplified interfaces to both 3GPP and non-3GPP networks.
2Productivity
If tighter coupling between 3GPP RAN and non-3GPP access networks is established, then traffic offloading efficiency is improved, but control signaling complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control signaling functions by introducing a gateway that separates the control plane from the user plane. The gateway handles control signaling with both the 3GPP RAN and non-3GPP access networks independently, allowing tight coupling and efficient traffic offloading while containing signaling complexity within the gateway module. This segmentation enables the MME to offload UE traffic to local networks when subscription information permits, without the core network needing to directly manage complex signaling with non-3GPP networks.
Solution Approach 2:
The gateway acts as a mediator between the 3GPP RAN and non-3GPP access networks, handling the complexity of inter-network signaling. It translates and manages control messages between different network protocols, enabling efficient traffic offloading while preventing signaling complexity from propagating through the entire network. The gateway mediates authentication, bearer management, and traffic routing between the two network types.
3Use of energy by moving object
If local packet gateways are deployed for SIPTO, then bandwidth utilization is improved, but network infrastructure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by deploying local packet gateways (LPGs) in advance at strategic network locations before traffic offloading is needed. These pre-deployed gateways are connected to local IP networks (such as WiFi networks) and are ready to immediately handle traffic offloading when required. The MME can offload UE traffic to these pre-configured local gateways based on subscription information and network conditions, improving bandwidth utilization without requiring complex real-time gateway deployment or configuration.
Data Source
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AI summary
Methods and apparatuses for offloading traffic from a third generation partnership project (3GPP) access network to a non-3GPP access point (AP) are disclosed. A 3GPP access network entity may receive subscription information associated with a wireless transmit receive 11nit (WTRU). The 3GPP access network entity may further receive traffic associated with the WTRU. The 3GPP access network entity may further determine whether to offload the traffic to the non-3GPP AP based on the subscription information. The 3GPP access network entity may also forward the traffic to the non-3GPP AP based on its determination.