Mobile Base Station Backhaul QoS Prioritization via IPsec Tunneling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current LTE networks face challenges in maintaining end-to-end quality of service (QoS) for wireless backhaul links, particularly when passing through multiple operator networks, as existing methods fail to propagate QCI and ARP parameters effectively, leading to inadequate prioritization of critical traffic such as conversational voice and mission-critical data.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves establishing an N-to-M mapping of individual flows to LTE bearers using QCI, ARP, and traffic filter templates (TFTs) to make QoS visible across different network sections, enabling differential treatment of traffic by configuring multiple dedicated and default bearers with specific QCI and ARP parameters, and using IPsec tunnels for secure communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single priority parameter (QCI) is used for the backhaul bearer, then the backhaul connection can be established with the first core network, but end-to-end QoS prioritization cannot be maintained across multiple operator networks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the backhaul connection into multiple bearers (first backhaul bearer for prioritized traffic, second backhaul bearer for non-prioritized traffic), each with different QCI parameters. This segmentation allows differentiated QoS treatment while maintaining overall connection reliability across operator networks.
Solution Approach 2:
The coordinating gateway acts as an intermediary that maps multiple UE data bearers with different priority parameters to the backhaul bearers. It receives prioritized data from multiple UEs, performs N-to-M mapping, and transmits through the appropriate backhaul bearer to maintain end-to-end QoS.
2Ease of operation
If multiple UE data bearers with individual priority parameters are established, then prioritized traffic control can be achieved at the second core network, but the complexity of managing N-to-M mapping increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coordinating gateway serves as an intermediary that handles the complex N-to-M mapping between multiple UE data bearers and backhaul bearers. It performs traffic classification, priority mapping, and bearer selection, simplifying the overall system by centralizing mapping management rather than distributing complexity across multiple network elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes QoS parameters (QCI, ARP) dynamically based on traffic priority requirements. The coordinating gateway maps priority parameters from UE data bearers to appropriate backhaul bearers, enabling flexible traffic prioritization without requiring permanent complex configurations.
3Reliability
If encrypted IP tunnels are used for secure communication, then data security is improved, but QoS parameters cannot be effectively propagated through the tunnel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements nested tunneling where the encrypted IP tunnel is nested within the LTE bearer structure. The QoS parameters are propagated at the LTE bearer level (outer layer) while the encrypted IP tunnel (inner layer) carries the user data. This nesting allows QoS information to be preserved and propagated through the encrypted channel without compromising security.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution moves QoS parameter propagation to a different dimension - instead of trying to pass QoS parameters through the encrypted IP payload, the system propagates QoS at the bearer level (control plane) while the user plane remains encrypted. This dimensional separation allows both security and QoS propagation to coexist.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for utilizing quality of service information in a network with tunneled backhaul is disclosed, comprising: establishing a backhaul bearer at a base station with a first core network, the backhaul bearer established by a backhaul user equipment (UE) at the base station, the backhaul bearer having a single priority parameter, the backhaul bearer terminating at a first packet data network gateway in the first core network; establishing an encrypted internet protocol (IP) tunnel between the base station and a coordinating gateway in communication with the first core network and a second core network; facilitating, for at least one UE attached at the base station, establishment of a plurality of UE data bearers encapsulated in the secure IP tunnel, each with their own QCI; and transmitting prioritized data of the plurality of UE data bearers via the backhaul bearer and the coordinating gateway to the second core network.