Downlink Data Processing for Cloud Pipe Network Latency

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing downlink data processing methods in UMTS and EPC networks do not support Cloud Pipe network architectures based on SDN and NFV, resulting in significant delays in delivering downlink data to user equipment in idle states.

Innovation Solution

A downlink data processing method that involves a network controller sending a paging request to user equipment, determining and predicting forwarding paths that include function nodes, and setting data cache nodes to optimize data delivery, thereby supporting Cloud Pipe networks and reducing latency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the existing downlink data processing process in UMTS and EPC networks is used, then the network architecture is simple and well-established, but it does not support Cloud Pipe network architecture based on SDN and NFV, resulting in significant delays

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesupport for Cloud Pipe network architectureVSAvoiddelay in delivering downlink data
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The network controller predicts the radio node and forwarding path before the user equipment actually moves, and pre-positions data packets at predicted function nodes. This preliminary action eliminates the need for data to traverse the entire path after movement occurs, significantly reducing delivery delay while adapting to the Cloud Pipe architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The network controller acts as an intermediary that collects mobility information, predicts future positions, and coordinates data forwarding across multiple function nodes. This intermediary function enables the system to adapt to Cloud Pipe architecture by centralizing control while distributing data storage and forwarding operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If data is temporarily stored at the SGW and paging is initiated, then the existing network process is followed, but the delay is significant due to multiple notification and acknowledgment steps

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata delivery reliabilityVSAvoidprocessing delay
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of waiting for SGW to store data and initiate paging, the network controller predicts the user equipment's location in advance and pre-positions data at the predicted function node. This eliminates the sequential delays of notification, acknowledgment, and data retrieval while maintaining reliable delivery through coordinated control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The invention extracts the data positioning function from the traditional SGW-centric process and relocates it to the network controller, which centrally manages prediction and forwarding. This separation allows the SGW to focus on data storage while the controller handles intelligent routing, reducing overall processing delay.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Loss of time

If the network controller predicts the forwarding path and sets data cache nodes in advance, then the data delivery delay is reduced, but the device complexity increases due to prediction and path optimization functions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata delivery delayVSAvoidnetwork controller complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The network controller is designed to perform multiple functions: mobility management, data forwarding control, path prediction, and coordinate management. By consolidating these diverse functions in a single controller, the system reduces overall network complexity while enabling sophisticated prediction and optimization capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The prediction algorithm automatically analyzes mobility patterns and determines optimal forwarding paths without requiring manual configuration or complex real-time calculations. The system serves itself by learning from historical data and making autonomous decisions, reducing the operational complexity despite the enhanced functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3091762B1Downlink data processing method, device and system
Publication Date: 2018.09.26 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP3091762B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3091762B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3091762B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The present invention discloses a downlink data processing method, apparatus, and system. The method includes: sending, by a network controller according to an identifier of user equipment comprised in a downlink data policy response message sent by an entry node, a paging request message to the user equipment, so that the user equipment sends a service request message to the network controller; determining, according to the service request message, a radio node currently connected to the user equipment, and determining a determined forwarding path between the entry node and the radio node, wherein the determined forwarding path comprises one or at least one function node; and sending the determined forwarding path to the entry node, so that the entry node sends a currently-received downlink data packet to the radio node by using the determined forwarding path, and the radio node sends the downlink data packet to the user equipment. Therefore, the present invention can support a Cloud Pipe network architecture based on an SDN and NFV.