Bypassing IMS Core for Bearer Path Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
In fourth generation communication systems, routing bearer traffic through the IMS core network for all calls results in increased delay, data loss, jitter, and enhanced backhaul capacity requirements, even when IMS core services are not needed.
Innovation Solution
A method that routes the bearer path between originating and terminating Node Bs via an X2 interface, bypassing the IMS core network, while maintaining the signaling path within the IMS network, thereby avoiding unnecessary delays and capacity issues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If all bearer traffic is routed through the IMS core network, then the IMS network can provide centralized control and services, but this increases call delay, data loss, jitter, and backhaul capacity requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control plane and user plane by separating signaling paths from bearer paths. Signaling traffic is routed through the IMS core network for centralized control, while bearer traffic is routed directly between access networks via Ix interfaces, bypassing the IMS core. This segmentation allows the system to maintain centralized control for signaling while reducing delay for actual data transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where the system determines whether IMS core services are required for a call, and based on that determination, dynamically routes bearer traffic either through the IMS core or directly between access networks. This intermediary decision-making process enables selective bypassing of the IMS core to reduce delay while maintaining service control when needed.
2Reliability
If all bearer traffic is routed through the IMS core network, then service control is maintained, but backhaul capacity requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments traffic into signaling and bearer components, routing only signaling through the IMS core network while allowing bearer traffic to flow directly between access networks. This segmentation reduces the volume of traffic that must traverse the backhaul to the IMS core, thereby reducing backhaul capacity requirements while maintaining service control through signaling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the bearer traffic from the IMS core network path and routes it separately through direct Ix interfaces between access networks. This extraction removes the burden of carrying large volumes of bearer traffic through the IMS core, reducing backhaul capacity requirements while the IMS core retains control through signaling paths.
3Loss of time
If bearer traffic is routed directly between access networks bypassing the IMS core, then delay and backhaul capacity issues are reduced, but the IMS network loses control over the bearer path
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the system continuously determines whether IMS core services are required for active calls. Based on this determination, it dynamically adjusts the bearer path routing - either through the IMS core or directly between access networks via Ix interfaces. This feedback ensures the IMS network maintains control by being able to redirect bearer traffic through the core when services are needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the bearer path routing dynamic rather than static. The system can switch between routing bearer traffic through the IMS core or directly between access networks based on real-time service requirements. This dynamic capability allows the IMS network to maintain control by adjusting the path as needed while generally allowing direct routing to reduce delay.
4Reliability
If bearer traffic is routed through the IMS core network, then service control is maintained, but data loss and jitter increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments signaling and bearer traffic into separate paths. Signaling traffic requiring service control is routed through the IMS core, while bearer traffic is routed directly between access networks via Ix interfaces. This segmentation protects bearer traffic from the delays and potential data loss that occur when traversing the IMS core network, while maintaining service control through the signaling path.
Data Source
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Figure 4A
AI summary
A communication system (100) routes a bearer path of a communication session between an originating Node B (112) and a terminating Node B (e.g., Node B 122) via an X2 interface (116), bypassing an IMS core network (152), while continuing to route the signaling path to an IMS network (150), thereby allowing the IMS network to retain control of the bearer path while avoiding delay, potential for bearer stream data loss and jitter, and additional backhaul capacity requirements that result from routing the bearer path between the originating and terminating Node Bs via the IMS core network. In determining whether the bearer path may bypass the IMS core network, the communication system determines whether IMS core network bearer associated services are required for the communication session such that a bearer path of the call will need to be routed to the IMS core network in order to provide such services.