Distributed P-GW Offloading for LTE Traffic
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Solution Overview
Problem
The centralized mobility management technology in LTE/EPC networks faces challenges such as increased traffic load, non-optimized routing paths, scalability issues, and high transmission costs due to centralized data traffic handling, which affects the network's ability to handle growing mobile Internet traffic demands.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a distributed Packet Data Network (PDN) Gateway (P-GW) structure by offloading data traffic to edge gateways located closer to the Radio Access Network (RAN), allowing for optimal data path delivery and reducing the load on the central P-GW, thereby enhancing network capacity and reducing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If centralized P-GW is used to manage data traffic, then network control and management is simplified, but traffic load on the core network increases and transmission costs rise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the centralized P-GW function into distributed P-GW instances deployed at edge locations closer to UEs. This segmentation distributes the traffic handling capacity across multiple geographic locations, reducing the traffic load on any single core network element while maintaining simplified control through standardized interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a spatial dimension to P-GW deployment by placing P-GW instances at multiple edge locations rather than a single centralized location. This dimensional change allows traffic to be handled locally at the edge, reducing backhaul traffic and core network load while maintaining centralized management capabilities.
2Reliability
If centralized P-GW is used for mobility management, then mobility anchor function is consolidated, but routing paths become non-optimized and system scalability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by deploying P-GW instances at edge locations close to specific UE groups, enabling locally optimized routing paths for each region. Each P-GW instance handles mobility anchoring for its local UE population with optimized routing to local data networks, while maintaining consistent mobility management behavior across the system.
3Quantity of substance
If distributed P-GW is deployed to reduce traffic load, then traffic carrying capacity increases, but network architecture complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes P-GW instances universal by designing them to perform multiple functions: local traffic anchoring, mobility management for local UEs, and interworking with both 3GPP and non-3GPP networks. This multi-functionality allows a single P-GW instance to serve multiple purposes, reducing the need for additional specialized components and limiting architecture complexity growth.
4Ease of operation
If centralized data traffic handling is used, then network management is simplified, but transmission costs and load on core network increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the data traffic handling function from the centralized core network and places it at distributed edge P-GW locations. This extraction removes the bulk of user data traffic from the core network path, significantly reducing transmission costs and core network load while maintaining simplified management through standardized control interfaces.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a method for offloading data traffic by a Mobility Management Entity (MME) in a wireless communication system. The method includes determining a Packet Data Network (PDN) to connect to for providing a service requested by a User Equipment (UE), upon receiving a connection request message requesting connection between the UE and the PDN from the UE, selecting a gateway disposed closest to a Radio Access Network (RAN), sending a permit message permitting a request for connection between the UE and the PDN to the UE, and setting an Evolved Packet Service (EPS) bearer for transmission and reception of data traffic related to a service requested by the UE between the UE and the gateway.