Control Plane IP Address Allocation Without Extra Signaling

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Solution Overview

Problem

In EPC and 5G communications networks, terminal apparatuses cannot obtain an IP address via a user plane connection during control plane data transmission sessions, necessitating a new interaction manner for flexible IP address allocation.

Innovation Solution

A session management network element establishes a session for data transmission via a control plane, allocates an IP address to the terminal apparatus, and sends the data packet through a mobility management network element, enabling IP address acquisition without additional connection channels.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a session for control plane data transmission is established without user plane connection, then the terminal apparatus can transmit data via control plane, but the terminal apparatus cannot obtain IP address through traditional user plane path

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transmission capabilityVSAvoidIP address acquisition

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The control plane network element is made to perform multiple functions: not only control plane data transmission but also IP address allocation and delivery. The session management network element allocates IP address and embeds it in control plane data packets, eliminating the need for separate user plane connection for IP address acquisition.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The control plane data packet serves as an intermediary carrier to deliver the IP address from the session management network element to the terminal apparatus. Instead of using traditional user plane connection, the IP address is transported embedded within control plane signaling data packets.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If an additional connection channel is established for IP address allocation, then the terminal apparatus can obtain IP address, but signaling resources are excessively occupied

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveIP address acquisitionVSAvoidsignaling resources

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The IP address allocation process is merged with the existing control plane session establishment process. The session management network element performs both session establishment and IP address allocation in a unified procedure, using the same control plane connection for both purposes, thereby avoiding additional signaling overhead.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The control plane connection established for data transmission is continuously utilized for IP address delivery as well. Instead of creating a separate temporary connection for IP address allocation, the existing control plane pathway is leveraged for dual purposes, maintaining continuous useful action of the connection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentUS12501256B2Method and device for allocating and obtaining IP address

Publication Date: 2025.12.16 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD

AI summary

This application provides a method for allocating an IP address, including: establishing, by a session management network element, a session for a terminal apparatus, where the session is used for transmitting a data packet via a control plane network element; allocating, by the session management network element, an IP address to the terminal apparatus; and sending, by the session management network element, the data packet to the terminal apparatus via a mobility management network element, where the data packet includes the IP address. In a case in which the terminal apparatus can obtain the IP address without establishing an additional connection channel, the terminal apparatus can obtain the IP address more flexibly, and occupation of excessive signaling resources can be avoided.