Co-located PDN Gateway for Nomadic Mobile Users
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mobile communication networks are not optimized for nomadic or fixed users, leading to inefficiencies and increased complexity and cost, as they are designed primarily for mobile users, and PDN Gateway selection does not account for the mobility patterns of users who are stationary or nomadic.
Innovation Solution
Introducing a non-mobile mode of operation in the network where the PDN Gateway is co-located with the serving eNB based on knowledge of the user's mobility pattern, allowing for local IP address assignment and reducing the need for core network nodes, with the network dynamically switching between nomadic and mobile modes based on user mobility states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the network uses a centralized PDN Gateway in the Core Network for all users, then mobility support is maintained, but network complexity and cost increase for nomadic and fixed users
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating the network architecture based on user mobility characteristics. For nomadic and fixed users, the PDN Gateway is co-located with the RAN node, creating a localized connection that reduces core network involvement. For highly mobile users, the traditional centralized PDN Gateway approach is maintained. This localized adaptation reduces network complexity and cost for users who do not require full mobility support.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the user base into different mobility categories (nomadic, fixed, and mobile) and applies different network architectures accordingly. This segmentation allows the network to optimize resources by providing simplified connectivity for users with lower mobility requirements while maintaining full functionality for users who need continuous mobility support.
2Speed
If the network optimizes for mobile users with centralized core network nodes, then mobility is supported, but cost and complexity increase for nomadic and fixed users
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by co-locating the PDN Gateway with the RAN node for nomadic and fixed users, thereby reducing the need for expensive core network infrastructure. This localized approach eliminates unnecessary transport of user data through the core network, reducing operational costs and infrastructure requirements for users who do not require high-speed mobility support.
3Device complexity
If the PDN Gateway is co-located with the RAN node for nomadic users, then network complexity is reduced, but mobility support capability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the network architecture adaptable to user mobility states. The system can dynamically switch between the co-located PDN Gateway mode (for reduced complexity) and the centralized PDN Gateway mode (for full mobility support) based on the user's actual mobility requirements. This dynamic adaptation allows the network to optimize for reduced complexity when appropriate while maintaining the capability to provide full mobility support when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
A method is described for the support of nomadic or fixed users in a mobile network. The mobile network may include a Core Network CN accessed by a Radio Access Network RAN. The mobile network may provide connectivity, referred to as PDN connectivity, between an User Equipment UE and at least one external network, referred to as Packet Data Network PDN, via a selected one of mobile network nodes associated with the PDN and referred to as PDN Gateway PDN GW. The method may include support of a nomadic or fixed user in a mode of operation referred to as non-mobile mode of operation wherein the selected PDN GW, referred to as local PDN GW, is co-located with a RAN node serving the UE, based on knowledge of the user's mobility pattern.