BNG-UP Node Bypassing IPSec Tunneling for Local Traffic Offloading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current techniques for fixed broadband access network-mobile network integration, particularly for local offloading of traffic to a local area data network, are inefficient due to reliance on IPSec tunneling which slows down traffic and complicates the routing of User Plane (UP) traffic.
Innovation Solution
An enhanced integration system is introduced, where a network node with a Broadband Network Gateway (BNG) User Plane (UP) function operates as a Branching Point User Plane Function (UPF), processing UP traffic based on rules from the Control Plane, allowing direct forwarding of traffic to both Data Networks and Local Area Data Networks without IPSec tunneling, utilizing a BNG Control Plane (BNG-CP) for session management and rule provisioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If IPSec tunneling is used for traffic offloading, then security and network integration are improved, but traffic processing speed deteriorates and latency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the IPSec tunneling mechanism from the traffic processing path, allowing local area data network traffic to be forwarded directly without encapsulation and decapsulation operations. This removes the security overhead for local traffic while maintaining it for external traffic, thereby improving processing speed without completely sacrificing security.
Solution Approach 2:
The broadband network gateway user plane function acts as an intermediary that intelligently routes traffic - directing local area data network traffic through a direct path while maintaining IPSec tunneling for external traffic. This mediator approach allows the system to optimize performance for specific traffic types while preserving security for others.
2Adaptability or versatility
If IPSec tunneling is used for traffic offloading, then network integration is improved, but routing complexity and device configuration deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network traffic into different categories - local area data network traffic and external traffic - and applies different processing paths to each. This segmentation allows the system to maintain network integration capabilities while simplifying the routing logic for local traffic by excluding it from the complex IPSec tunneling process.
Solution Approach 2:
The broadband network gateway user plane function is designed to perform multiple functions - it can process both IPSec tunneling traffic and direct local area data network traffic through a single device. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized devices, thereby reducing overall routing complexity while maintaining integration versatility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional fixed broadband access network-mobile network integration is used, then compatibility with existing standards is improved, but local offloading efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic traffic classification and routing capabilities that allow the system to adapt its behavior based on traffic type. While maintaining compatibility with existing 3GPP standards for general operation, the system dynamically identifies local area data network traffic and routes it through an optimized direct path, thereby improving local offloading efficiency without sacrificing standard compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different quality characteristics to different parts of the traffic flow - standard IPSec tunneling processing is applied to external traffic while a simplified direct forwarding path is applied to local area data network traffic. This local quality approach allows the system to maintain standard compatibility for general operations while optimizing performance for specific local offloading scenarios.
Data Source
AI summary
An enhanced, fixed broadband access network—mobile network integration for integrating fixed broadband access networks and mobile networks may include a network node having a Broadband Network Gateway (BNG) User Plane (UP) (BNG-UP) function operative to serve as a Branching Point (BP) User Plane Function (UPF). The network node may include a network interface to interface with a Control Plane (CP) for session management and a network interface to interface with a BNG Control Plane (BNG-CP) function. The network node may be configured to process UP traffic based on one or more sets of rules, to forward first UP traffic towards a first UPF to a Data Network (DN) and to forward second UP traffic towards a second UPF to a Local Area Data Network (LADN). Sessions with the CP for session management and the BNG-CP may be identified as related sessions for appropriate processing of the UP traffic.