Cell Site Proxy Redirects Traffic to Core Intercept Function
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Solution Overview
Problem
The integration of a web cache at the cell site in cellular networks poses a contradiction to the legal requirement for lawful intercept functions, as it aims to avoid transmitting data through the cellular packet core, which hosts the secure intercept function, while the intercept function necessitates all data to be sent through this core.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a procedure that allows a secure lawful intercept function to operate by employing HTTP traffic redirection techniques, where the cell site proxy acts as a web proxy and the core network proxy operates north of the intercept function, enabling the intercept function to record and capture data without compromising the cache functionality at the cell site.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a web cache is deployed in a base station to avoid transmitting data over the backhaul, then network efficiency and operational costs are improved, but the legal requirement for lawful intercept function cannot be satisfied
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a proxy server as an intermediary component that sits between the web cache in the base station and the lawful intercept function in the packet core. This proxy server acts as a mediator that forwards traffic through the intercept function while allowing the cache to operate independently at the cell site, thus satisfying both the network efficiency requirement and the lawful intercept compliance requirement
2Reliability
If all data is sent through the lawful intercept function in the packet core, then lawful intercept requirements are met, but backhaul loading increases and network efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by deploying caching functionality at the local cell site rather than requiring all data to traverse the backhaul. Different parts of the network perform different functions: the base station cache handles local data storage and retrieval, while the proxy server handles traffic forwarding to the intercept function. This localized approach improves network efficiency while maintaining intercept compliance through the proxy
Data Source
AI summary
A method is provided in one example embodiment and includes receiving, by a first proxy within an access network, a first request for content associated with a remote server. The first request includes a subscriber identifier associated with a subscriber. The method further includes sending the first request to a second proxy within a core network. The first request is intercepted by an intercept function within the core network in a first intercept operation. The intercept function is configured to forward the first request to the second proxy. The method further includes receiving a redirect from the second proxy. The redirect is configured to redirect the first request to the first proxy. The redirect is intercepted by the intercept function in a second intercept operation, and the intercept function is configured to forward the redirect to the first proxy.