Dynamic Mobile Network Prefix Allocation via IKEv2
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mechanisms for dynamically allocating mobile network prefixes in wireless networks are inefficient, leading to delayed network connectivity for terminal equipment, excessive signaling overhead, and inefficient use of network resources, especially when a mobile device powers up or changes its point of attachment.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of new attributes and payloads in IKEv2 Configuration Payloads, GTP, and PMIP signaling messages allows a mobile terminal to request and receive a mobile network prefix during bootstrapping, enabling simultaneous IP connectivity for both the mobile device and attached terminals, reducing signaling overhead and optimizing resource usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If DHCP based prefix delegation is used, then the mobile terminal can obtain a mobile network prefix, but the network prefix is locked to a specific UE even when the UE is powered off, resulting in inefficient use of network prefixes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic prefix delegation where the mobile network prefix is dynamically allocated and bound to the care-of address rather than being locked to a specific UE. This allows the prefix to be dynamically reassigned to different UEs as they attach and detach from the network, eliminating the inefficiency of locked prefixes and improving both flexibility and utilization efficiency.
2Reliability
If pre-configuration of mobile network prefix is used, then the UE can have a network prefix available, but the network prefix would be locked to a specific UE even when the UE is powered off
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static pre-configuration to dynamic allocation where prefixes are assigned based on current network attachment state. The prefix is bound to the care-of address and can be reassigned when the UE powers off or detaches, maintaining reliability of prefix availability while enabling adaptability for reassignment to different UEs.
3Reliability
If separate Child SA is set up for TE traffic, then security is ensured, but signaling overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the security protection for UE traffic and TE traffic into a single Child SA. By establishing one Child SA that protects both types of traffic, the system eliminates the need for separate security associations, thereby reducing signaling overhead while maintaining comprehensive security coverage for all traffic flows.
4Reliability
If conventional attach procedure is used, then network connectivity is established, but wait time for terminal equipment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by allocating the mobile network prefix and establishing the Child SA during the UE attachment process itself, rather than requiring sequential completion of all procedures. This allows TE traffic to be protected and network connectivity to be established concurrently, significantly reducing the overall wait time while ensuring reliable connectivity.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for dynamically allocating a mobile network prefix to a mobile terminal, in which the mobile terminal is associated with a user equipment. The method includes sending a message from the user equipment to a home agent to establish a security association between the user equipment and the home agent. The message includes a request for a mobile network prefix to be assigned to the mobile terminal equipment. The method further includes the home agent allocating a mobile network prefix to be assigned to the mobile terminal equipment, and assigning the allocated mobile network prefix to the mobile terminal equipment.