Collocated Gateway Selection Using DNS Queries in Packet Core Networks
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for improved techniques in selecting serving gateways (SGWs) and packet gateways (PGWs) in packet core networks (PCNs) when these nodes are collocated, to enhance network access for user equipment.
Innovation Solution
A mobility management entity (MME) configures domain name server (DNS) queries to identify collocated SGWs and PGWs by incorporating tracking area codes (TAC) and charging characteristics (CC) information, enabling the selection of appropriate gateways for user equipment network access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional gateway selection methods are used, then gateway selection is simple, but network service delivery is not optimized for geographic proximity and subscription preferences
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the gateway selection process by introducing new selection parameters including tracking area code (TAC), charging characteristics (CC), and collocation status. The MME evaluates multiple parameters (TAC, CC, collocation) to determine the optimal gateway pair, transforming the simple selection process into a multi-criteria optimization that ensures geographic proximity and subscription compliance while improving service delivery reliability
2Productivity
If collocated gateways are selected based on geographic proximity, then network access efficiency is improved, but the selection process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary actions by pre-configuring gateway collocation information in the network system. The MME retrieves collocation status and TAC information before making gateway selection decisions. By having this information prepared in advance and systematically evaluating it during the selection process, the system achieves efficient geographic-based gateway pairing without requiring complex real-time calculations
3Measurement precision
If multiple parameters (TAC, CC, collocation) are considered in gateway selection, then gateway selection accuracy is improved, but the selection process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the gateway selection process into distinct evaluation stages: retrieving gateway information, evaluating TAC for geographic proximity, checking CC for subscription compliance, and determining collocation status. By breaking down the multi-parameter evaluation into sequential, manageable steps, the system achieves high selection accuracy while keeping the process structure clear and manageable
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques for packet core network (PCN) gateway selection of collocated gateways are disclosed herein. A mobility management entity (MME) can retrieve charging characteristics (CC) information to determine whether collocated gateway selection is applicable for a UE. When collocated gateways are to be selected, the MME can configure domain name server (DNS) queries in a manner which is adapted for collocated gateway identification. Upon receipt of the DNS query, the DNS can be configured to identify collocated serving gateways (SGWs) which are each collocated with a packet gateway (PGW). The DNS can return identifications of the collocated SGWs to the MME, and the MME can use the identifications of the collocated SGWs to select a collocated SGW and a corresponding collocated PGW for use in connection with the network access for the user equipment.