Access Node Network Layer Packet Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current telecommunications network architectures, such as UMTS and LTE/SAE, do not allow for the switching or routing of network layer packets from a user node to a local transmission network, as the access node lacks a network layer and cannot process these packets, leading to constraints in data transmission rates and increased costs due to reliance on higher bit rate conventional transmission networks.
Innovation Solution
The access node is equipped with the capability to inspect and route network layer packets to either a first or second transmission network, establishing a data radio channel with the user node and negotiating with control nodes to facilitate the transmission of these packets, allowing for redirection and improved data transmission efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the access node follows conventional architecture without network layer processing capability, then the network architecture remains simple and standardized, but the data transmission rate is constrained and costs increase due to reliance on conventional transmission networks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the transmission path by introducing a local transmission network as an intermediate segment between the access node and the conventional transmission network. This allows packet segmentation at the access node level, where packets can be routed to either the conventional network or the local network based on destination, thereby improving transmission rates without requiring complete architectural overhaul of the access node.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a new dimensional option for packet routing by introducing the local transmission network as an alternative path. Instead of a single hierarchical path through the conventional transmission network, packets now have a second dimension of routing choice through the local network, enabling faster transmission for local destinations while maintaining compatibility with the existing conventional network architecture.
2Productivity
If the access node is equipped with network layer processing capability to route packets to local transmission network, then data transmission efficiency improves and costs reduce, but the device complexity and processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The access node implements partial network layer processing capability - specifically inspecting packet headers to determine routing destination - rather than full processing capability. This partial action approach enables the node to perform the essential routing function without requiring complete network layer processing, thus improving network efficiency while limiting the increase in device complexity to only what is necessary for header inspection and routing decisions.
3Loss of energy
If all packets are transmitted through the conventional transmission network, then network management and control remain centralized and simple, but transmission costs increase and local optimization is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic routing capability at the access node, where the routing path is determined in real-time based on packet destination and network conditions. Packets can dynamically switch between the conventional transmission network path and the local transmission network path, enabling cost optimization for local traffic while maintaining the ability to use the conventional network for remote destinations, thus reducing transmission costs while increasing routing flexibility.
4Productivity
If the access node inspects and routes packets to local transmission network, then local services are accessed more efficiently, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring packet contents increases due to encryption
Solution Approach 1:
The access node extracts only the necessary routing information from packet headers without needing to decrypt or inspect the encrypted payload. By taking out only the destination address and routing parameters from the packet header, the node can make routing decisions to send packets to the local transmission network while leaving the encrypted content intact, thus improving local transmission efficiency while avoiding the complexity of packet decryption and content inspection.
Data Source
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AI summary
An access node (NA) such as a base station, is able to communicate with a first transmission network and through a data radio channel (CRD) with a user node (NU). When a second transmission network is connected to the access node, to manage a network layer packet (PRS, PRD) transmitted between the user node and a node (NC1, NEn) of one of the transmission networks, the access node comprises a unit (UI) which inspects at least a part of the network layer packet, and a unit (UA/UR) which steers the network layer packet inspected to a node of one of the transmission networks or to the user node.