Collapsed Mobile Architecture for LTE Network Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current LTE networks face inefficiencies due to the static anchoring function of Packet Gateways (PGWs), which leads to increased transport costs and resource utilization, especially when handling large traffic loads with a large number of eNBs or higher bandwidth per user, resulting in network bottlenecks.
Innovation Solution
A collapsed mobile architecture (CMA) is introduced, featuring distributed and interconnected connection nodes (CNs) coupled with a mobility control unit (MCU) and the Internet via an IP backhaul network, allowing direct IP communication between UEs and the PDN, eliminating the need for centralized PGWs and SGWs, and enabling efficient routing and mobility anchoring at CNs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a static anchoring function is implemented at PGW, then UE traffic can be anchored at a particular PGW, but network transport resources and PGW resources become inefficient when handling large traffic loads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the anchoring function by introducing SGW as an intermediate anchoring point between eNB and PGW. This allows traffic to be anchored at multiple locations (eNB, SGW, PGW) depending on the bearer type and traffic load, distributing the anchoring responsibility across multiple network elements rather than concentrating it at a single PGW, thereby improving resource efficiency while maintaining reliable UE traffic anchoring
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic anchoring by allowing the network to select different anchoring points (eNB, SGW, or PGW) based on real-time traffic conditions and bearer requirements. The anchoring function transitions from being static at PGW to being dynamic and flexible, enabling the network to optimize resource utilization by anchoring traffic at the most appropriate location based on current network state and traffic patterns
2Reliability
If all traffic travels through anchor PGW, then UE connectivity to Internet is maintained, but transport cost and resource utilization increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the anchoring function from the PGW and distributes it across multiple network elements including eNB and SGW. This extraction allows traffic to be anchored at closer locations to the UE (eNB or SGW) rather than forcing all traffic through the remote PGW, reducing the transmission distance and associated transport costs while maintaining UE connectivity through the distributed anchoring points
3Device complexity
If centralized PGW architecture is used, then network control is simplified, but network architecture becomes complex when scaling to large number of eNBs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the centralized PGW architecture into a distributed hierarchy with eNB, SGW, and PGW each performing specific anchoring functions. This segmentation allows the network to scale by adding more SGWs and eNBs without overloading a single centralized PGW, improving adaptability to large-scale deployments while managing architecture complexity through clear functional division and standardized interfaces
Data Source
AI summary
A collapsed or compact mobile architecture system includes connection nodes each comprising an access interface and at least one network interface; a backhaul network coupled to each of the connection nodes; and a mobility control unit coupled to the backhaul network. The mobility control unit comprises an Internet Protocol (IP) address server. Each of the connection nodes is configured to receive attachment requests from at least one user device. The mobility control unit is configured to receive first control plane signals from the connection nodes based on the attachment requests and transmit second control plane signals to the connection nodes based on the attachment requests. The mobility control unit is further configured to assign an IP address to each of the at least one user devices, based on the receive first control plane signals.