Cloud 3G Packet Core with OpenFlow Control and Data Planes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 3G packet core architectures face inefficiencies due to dedicated server pools, underutilization of resources, limited flexibility in peering points, and inability to support specialized data management for applications like deep packet inspection or transcoding, leading to increased operational expenses and inflexibility in network management.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a cloud-based 3G packet core system with a split control and data plane architecture using OpenFlow switches, where the control plane is executed in a cloud computing facility and communicates with the data plane through the OpenFlow protocol, enabling dynamic resource allocation and fine-grained routing control for GTP packets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dedicated server pools are used for each network function, then network reliability is improved, but resource utilization deteriorates and operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple dedicated server pools into a shared infrastructure by implementing virtualization of network functions. Control plane functions (SGSN, GGSN, HSS) are virtualized and consolidated onto common hardware platforms, allowing multiple network functions to share the same physical resources while maintaining logical separation and reliability through virtualization boundaries.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes server infrastructure universal by designing multi-functional platforms that can host various network functions dynamically. The virtualized environment allows the same hardware pool to serve different network functions (GPRS, EDGE, HSPA, LTE) and different operators, replacing the traditional dedicated-one-to-one mapping with a many-to-many relationship that improves resource efficiency.
2Reliability
If dedicated server pools are used for each network function, then network reliability is improved, but device complexity and operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments network functions into modular virtualized components that can be independently deployed, managed, and scaled. By separating control plane functions into discrete virtual instances (V-SGSN, V-GGSN, V-HSS), the system reduces overall complexity while maintaining reliability through modular fault isolation and independent management of each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a virtualization layer as an intermediary between physical infrastructure and network functions. This virtualization middleware abstracts the complexity of managing dedicated servers, providing a standardized platform that simplifies deployment, monitoring, and maintenance while preserving the reliability benefits of isolated network functions.
3Stability of the object's composition
If traditional packet core architecture is used, then network stability is maintained, but flexibility in peering points and routing control is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static, fixed routing architecture into a dynamic system where routing paths and peering configurations can be changed on-demand. The virtualized control plane enables dynamic provisioning of GTP tunnels and flexible routing policies that can adapt to changing network conditions, traffic patterns, and service requirements without reconfiguring the entire network infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables flexible control of routing parameters such as GTP tunnel endpoints, bandwidth allocation, and peering point selection. By virtualizing network functions, the system can dynamically adjust routing parameters and peering configurations to support specialized applications like deep packet inspection and transcoding while maintaining overall network stability through controlled parameter management.
4Ease of manufacture
If traditional packet core architecture is used, then implementation simplicity is maintained, but ability to support specialized applications deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary virtualization of network functions during system deployment, creating a flexible platform that can later support specialized applications without requiring complex re-architecting. By pre-establishing the virtualized infrastructure with standardized interfaces and control mechanisms, the system simplifies future implementation of specialized services like deep packet inspection, transcoding, and custom routing policies.
Data Source
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AI summary
A control plane device in a cloud computing system executes a plurality of virtual machines for implementing network function virtualization (NFV). The control plane device is operable to manage implementation of a general packet radio service (GPRS) tunnel protocol (GTP) in a packet core (PC) of a third generation (3G) network having a split architecture where a control plane of the PC of the 3G network is in the cloud computing system. The control plane communicates with a data plane of the PC through a control plane protocol. The data plane is implemented in a plurality of network devices of the 3G network. The control plane device and the plurality of virtual machines are operable to communicate with other control plane devices in the cloud computing system and with the plurality of network devices of the data plane.