Cloud EPC Control Plane Virtualization for Resource Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current EPC architectures face inefficiencies due to dedicated server pools for specific network entities, leading to underutilization and increased operating expenses, lack of flexibility in peering points, and limited support for specialized data management, particularly in mobile operator networks.
Innovation Solution
Implementing the control plane of an EPC in a cloud computing system using OpenFlow switches and enhancing the OpenFlow protocol to support GTP routing, allowing for a distributed data plane and multiple peering points within a single cloud facility, thereby optimizing resource utilization and enabling specialized service treatments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dedicated server pools are used for specific network entities in EPC architecture, then network entity functionality is ensured, but resource utilization decreases and operating expenses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple dedicated server pools into a unified cloud computing infrastructure where control plane entities (MME, HSS, PCRF) are virtualized and shared across multiple network functions. This consolidation allows dynamic resource allocation and improves overall utilization while maintaining the required functionality of each network entity through virtualization technologies.
Solution Approach 2:
The cloud computing platform provides universal server resources that can dynamically serve multiple control plane entities. The virtualized infrastructure enables a single physical server pool to perform multiple network functions simultaneously, reducing the need for dedicated hardware while ensuring reliable service delivery for each network entity.
2Stability of the object's composition
If traditional EPC architecture is used, then network stability is maintained, but flexibility in peering points and data management is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic configurability to the EPC architecture through software-defined networking (SDN) and virtualization. Control plane entities can be dynamically instantiated, migrated, and scaled in the cloud environment, allowing flexible establishment of peering points and adaptation to changing network requirements while maintaining operational stability through centralized control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a virtualization dimension to the traditional physical EPC architecture. By separating control plane functions from data plane operations and implementing them in different layers (cloud-based control plane, network-based data plane), the system gains enhanced flexibility in configuring peering points and data management capabilities without compromising the stability of the core network functions.
3Productivity
If control plane is implemented in cloud computing system with OpenFlow, then resource utilization is optimized, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an SDN controller as an intermediary between the cloud computing platform and the OpenFlow switches. This controller abstracts the complexity of managing distributed control plane entities, providing centralized control and automated resource allocation. The intermediary layer simplifies the interface between cloud resources and network devices while enabling efficient resource utilization through programmable control.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for implementing a control plane of an evolved packet core (EPC) of a third generation partnership project (3GPP) long term evolution (LTE) network in a cloud computing system, including initializing the plurality of control plane modules of the EPC within the controller, each control plane module in the plurality of control plane modules initialized as a separate virtual machine by the cloud manager; monitoring resource utilization of each control plane module and the control plane traffic handled by each control plane module; detecting a threshold level of resource utilization or traffic load for one of the plurality of control plane modules of the EPC; and initializing a new control plane module as a separate virtual machine by the cloud manager in response to detecting the threshold level, the new control plane module to share the load of the one of the plurality of control plane modules.