Bearer Translation Function for EPS GPRS Protocol Mapping
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions fail to efficiently handle mixed protocol networks, particularly in transitioning between EPS and GPRS architectures, leading to complexity and increased costs for operators due to compatibility issues and differing QoS architectures.
Innovation Solution
A communication node with a processing unit and memory, equipped with a Bearer Translation Function (BTF) that performs database lookup operations to map and translate signaling parameters between EPS and GPRS protocols, eliminating the need for NAS mapping in UE or SGSN and hiding protocol differences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If mapping function is implemented between PDP Contexts and EPS bearers in both Core NW and UE, then connectivity between 2G/3G and LTE is enabled, but compatibility problems and functionality loss occur due to non-1-to-1 mapping requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a Bearer Translation Function (BTF) as an intermediary component that translates between EPS bearer protocols and PDP context protocols. This mediator enables communication between the two different protocol systems without requiring direct mapping, thereby maintaining functionality completeness while achieving protocol compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the translation function into separate components: the BTF in the network side and corresponding translation mechanisms in the UE. This segmentation allows each side to handle its native protocol independently while the BTF bridges the gap, avoiding the complexity and compatibility issues of unified mapping in both sides.
2Adaptability or versatility
If legacy GPRS functionality is supported in the Evolved Packet Core network, then backward compatibility is achieved, but network complexity and operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The BTF acts as an intermediary that allows the EPC to support legacy GPRS devices without actually implementing legacy GPRS functionality in the core network. The BTF translates legacy protocols into modern EPC protocols, enabling legacy support while keeping the core network simple and modern.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of implementing actual legacy GPRS functionality in the EPC, the patent creates a virtual copy through protocol translation. The BTF replicates the necessary protocol behaviors needed for legacy device compatibility without requiring the actual legacy system infrastructure, thereby reducing network complexity.
3Ease of manufacture
If separate QoS architectures are maintained for EPS and GPRS, then each architecture can be optimized independently, but complexity increases and seamless handoff between access technologies becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The BTF serves as a mediator for QoS parameters between EPS and GPRS architectures. It translates and harmonizes QoS parameters from different architectures, enabling seamless handoff while maintaining the ability to optimize each architecture independently. This reduces QoS management complexity by providing a unified translation layer.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention relates to a solution for handling protocol translation issues in a mixed communication protocol network (220). The solution may be implemented as a node (210), a network, a system, and computer program code. The solution involves a translation function between EPS and GPRS functionality and part of the solution uses a database holding a lookup table for updated and quick response to translation operations.