Backup PGW Assignment for Roaming WCD Connectivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
When a wireless communication device (WCD) roams outside its home wireless service provider's coverage, bearer traffic may be backhauled through international links, and if the link carrying bearer traffic is impaired, communication services are disrupted due to the inability to establish an inter-provider bearer path between the roaming and home wireless service providers.
Innovation Solution
A method is implemented to identify a backup Packet Gateway (PGW) operated by the WCD's home wireless service provider, allowing the Serving Gateway (SGW) to establish intra-provider bearer paths using the backup PGW, ensuring continuous communication services even if the primary PGW is unresponsive.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the home PGW is used for inter-provider bearer paths when a WCD roams, then the home wireless service provider can generate billing records and provide custom services, but communication services are disrupted when the inter-provider link is impaired
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-configures backup PGWs in the home wireless service provider's network before link failures occur. When a WCD roams and the primary inter-provider link is impaired, the SGW can immediately switch to a pre-configured backup PGW, eliminating service disruption without requiring complex real-time configuration changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The SGW acts as an intermediary that monitors the status of the inter-provider link and can redirect bearer traffic through alternative paths. When the primary PGW becomes unreachable, the SGW mediates the switch to backup PGWs, maintaining service continuity while managing the complexity of multiple potential paths.
2Reliability
If backup PGWs are pre-configured in the home wireless service provider's network, then service continuity is maintained when the primary PGW is unresponsive, but network configuration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Backup PGWs are pre-configured and registered with the SGW before any failure occurs. This preliminary setup allows the system to maintain reliability by having ready-to-use alternative paths, while the configuration complexity is managed through automated discovery and registration mechanisms rather than manual setup.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the SGW monitors the operational status of PGWs and can dynamically update its knowledge of available backup paths. This feedback loop allows the network to adapt to changing conditions while maintaining a manageable configuration through automated status reporting.
3Reliability
If the SGW monitors PGW responsiveness and switches to backup PGWs, then communication services continue during link outages, but signaling traffic and bearer path management become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The SGW performs self-service by autonomously monitoring PGW responsiveness and automatically switching to backup PGWs without requiring manual intervention. This self-service capability maintains service continuity while simplifying operation, as the system manages its own failover without external control.
Solution Approach 2:
The SGW continuously receives feedback about PGW status and automatically adjusts bearer paths based on this information. This feedback-driven automation reduces the operational complexity of managing multiple paths, as the system adapts dynamically based on real-time conditions without requiring complex manual management.
Data Source
AI summary
A first service request, on behalf of a wireless communication device (WCD) may be received. The first WCD may be served by a first base station of a first wireless network provider, and may be subscribed to a second wireless network provider. A home packet gateway (PGW) device, with which to establish an inter-provider bearer path for the first WCD, may be identified. The inter-provider bearer path may include the first base station, a first serving gateway (SGW) device, and the home PGW device. The home PGW device may be operated by the second wireless network provider. In response to determining that the home PGW device is unresponsive, a backup PGW device may be identified. The backup PGW device may be operated by the first wireless network provider. The first SGW device may be instructed to establish intra-provider bearer paths that include the backup PGW device.