APN ID Routing for Multi-Core Network Connectivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless telecommunication networks with multiple core networks face challenges in connecting user equipment (UE) due to limitations in supporting multiple Public Land Mobile Network Identifiers (PLMN IDs), leading to inter-network congestion and complex negotiations between service providers.
Innovation Solution
The use of Access Point Name Identifiers (APN IDs) allows UEs to connect to specific core networks within a wireless telecommunication network, enabling efficient routing of traffic based on APN IDs provided by the UE, thereby simplifying the connection process and reducing inter-network congestion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple PLMN IDs are used to connect UEs to different core networks, then connectivity to multiple core networks is enabled, but device complexity and negotiation complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an Access Point Name (APN) as an intermediary identifier that mediates between the UE and multiple core networks. Instead of requiring multiple PLMN IDs at the eNB, the system uses a single PLMN ID combined with APN identifiers to route traffic to different core networks. The APN acts as a mediator that carries network identification information without requiring the eNB to support multiple PLMN IDs directly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a new dimension to network identification by introducing the APN parameter alongside the existing PLMN ID. This creates a two-dimensional identification space (PLMN ID + APN) that allows multiple core networks to be accessed through a single PLMN ID, effectively bypassing the 6 PLMN ID limit at the eNB level.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple PLMN IDs are deployed for different core networks, then UE can access specific core networks, but inter-network congestion occurs due to complex routing
Solution Approach 1:
The APN serves as an intermediary routing parameter that enables direct traffic steering to the appropriate core network without requiring complex inter-network communication and negotiation. By embedding core network identification in the APN parameter, the system achieves efficient traffic routing that reduces congestion and eliminates the need for complex inter-network signaling.
3Adaptability or versatility
If service providers negotiate roaming agreements with multiple parties for multi-core network access, then comprehensive network coverage is achieved, but negotiation complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the APN a universal identifier that can represent different core networks within a single PLMN. This multi-functional approach allows a single roaming agreement to cover access to multiple core networks, eliminating the need for separate negotiations for each core network and significantly reducing the time and complexity of service provider agreements.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques described herein may enable user equipment (e.g., user broadband devices, Internet of Things (IoT) devices, etc.) to connect to different core networks of a wireless telecommunication network. The core networks may support different network services (e.g., Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services, Internet access service, telematics services, Video on Demand (VoD) services, etc.) and a UE may connect be connected to the appropriate core network based on an Access Point Name identifier (APN ID) that the UE may provide to the network (e.g., upon sending a request to connect to the wireless telecommunication network).