Coordinating Node Inter-PGW Handover Architecture
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current LTE networks are limited by the lack of inter-Packet Data Network Gateway (PGW) mobility, which restricts the number of PGWs that can be used and leads to sub-optimal traffic routing and service interruptions when users move between PGW coverage areas, particularly in densely populated urban environments.
Innovation Solution
A coordinating node is introduced to facilitate handovers between multiple PGWs by acting as a proxy for policy and mobility management, allowing simultaneous connections to multiple PGWs, maintaining IP address continuity, and enabling transparent network address translation, thereby supporting seamless handovers and increased PGW density.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a small number of PGWs are used to cover large geographical areas, then network complexity is reduced, but inter-PGW mobility is not supported and service interruptions occur when users move between PGW coverage areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a Mobility Management Entity (MME) as an intermediary node between user equipment and multiple PGWs. The MME coordinates handovers between PGWs by establishing new sessions with target PGWs while maintaining existing sessions with source PGWs, enabling seamless inter-PGW mobility without service interruptions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary session establishment with target PGWs before actual handover occurs. The MME proactively creates new sessions and prepares routing paths in advance, so when handover is triggered, the transition is seamless and maintains service continuity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If more PGWs are deployed to support inter-PGW handovers, then mobility support is improved, but network complexity and PGW management overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The MME performs multiple functions including mobility management, session management, and coordination of inter-PGW handovers. This multi-functional approach consolidates control in a single node, reducing overall network complexity despite supporting multiple PGWs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines mobility management and session coordination functions in the MME, which centrally manages interactions between multiple PGWs. This consolidation simplifies the network architecture by providing a single point of control rather than distributing complexity across multiple nodes.
3Device complexity
If PGWs anchor traffic over very large geographical areas, then network infrastructure is simplified, but traffic routing becomes sub-optimal and routing efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic session establishment and teardown based on user mobility. Sessions are dynamically created with target PGWs when users enter their coverage areas and torn down when leaving, allowing traffic routing to adapt to current user locations and optimize routing paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the network into multiple smaller PGW coverage areas, each handling local traffic efficiently. The MME coordinates between these segmented regions, allowing users to handover between local PGWs rather than routing all traffic through a single distant PGW, thus optimizing routing efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A method is disclosed for providing IP access across packet data network gateways (PGWs), comprising: receiving, from a UE, at a coordinating node, an attach request; sending a request to create a first new session to a first PGW; sending a request to create a second new session to a second PGW; receiving, from the first PGW and at the coordinating node, a first request for policies for the UE; receiving, from the second PGW and at the coordinating node, a second request for policies for the UE; opening a first data tunnel from the coordinating node to the first PGW; opening a second data tunnel from the coordinating node to the second PGW without closing the first data tunnel; and opening a data tunnel between the UE and the coordinating node for providing IP access to both the first PGW and the second PGW.