Core Network Traffic Offload via User Information Mediation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current traffic offload technologies in communication networks are unable to obtain user information across different traffic offload function entities, leading to inefficiencies in traffic routing and increased costs for mobile operators, especially with the rise of Internet services that require higher bandwidth.
Innovation Solution
A method where a core network device sends user information to a traffic offload function entity, allowing it to match the information with a traffic offload policy and offload traffic accordingly, ensuring seamless traffic routing across different entities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a TOF entity is added between RNC and SGSN to offload traffic, then traffic offloading capability is improved, but the ability to obtain user information across different TOF entities deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The SGSN acts as an intermediary that stores user information (IMSI, APN, QoS parameters) and provides it to TOF entities through interface messages. This mediator approach allows multiple TOF entities to access the same user information without direct communication between them, solving the information continuity problem while maintaining traffic offloading capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The SGSN performs multiple functions: it serves as both a core network gateway and an information repository for TOF entities. By centralizing user information storage and access at the SGSN, the system enables universal access to user data across different TOF entities, ensuring seamless handover and continuous service.
2Reliability
If traffic passes through numerous core network nodes, then network control and management are improved, but transmission efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The network path is segmented into control plane (through SGSN for signaling) and user plane (direct routing through TOF entity). This segmentation allows control functions to remain centralized for reliability while user data traffic takes a direct path for high efficiency, resolving the contradiction between control capability and transmission speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The TOF entity serves as an intermediary that receives control instructions from the SGSN via interface messages (including user information and traffic offload policies) then independently routes user data traffic without further SGSN involvement. This mediator architecture maintains network control while enabling efficient direct routing.
3Adaptability or versatility
If Internet services occupy large transmission resources, then service capability is improved, but operational costs deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the routing parameter for Internet service traffic from traditional core network path to direct access path through TOF entity. This parameter change (routing optimization) maintains full service capability while reducing transmission resource consumption and operational costs by eliminating unnecessary network hops.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention provide a traffic offload method, a core network device, and a traffic offload system. The method includes: sending, user information that is of a user equipment within coverage of a first traffic offload function entity to the first traffic offload function entity; sending a traffic offload policy to the first traffic offload function entity, so that the first traffic offload function entity matches the user information with the traffic offload policy and offloads traffic corresponding to the user equipment according to the user information that successfully matches the traffic offload policy.