EAP Message Negotiation for Multiple PDN Connections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for configuring multiple Internet Protocol (IP) connections in 3GPP networks are limited to single PDN connections, which restricts the ability to support multiple parallel connections, affecting session continuity and IP address preservation during handovers between access networks.
Innovation Solution
The method involves using Extensible Authentication Protocol (EAP) messages to negotiate and configure multiple PDN connections by exchanging capability versions and parameters between User Equipment (UE), Access Gateway (AG), and Authentication, Authorization, and Accounting (AAA) servers, allowing for simultaneous connections to multiple APNs without the need for tunneled connections, enabling IP address preservation and efficient routing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If single PDN connection is used in 3GPP networks, then system complexity is reduced, but the ability to support multiple parallel connections and maintain session continuity during handovers is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the authentication and connection management process into distinct EAP messages exchanged between UE, AG, and AAA server. Each EAP message carries specific capability information and parameters, allowing the system to negotiate and establish multiple independent PDN connections over a single physical interface, thereby supporting multiple parallel connections without proportionally increasing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The EAP authentication framework is extended to serve multiple functions: it not only performs authentication but also negotiates connection capabilities, exchanges capability versions, and establishes parameters for multiple PDN connections. This multi-functional approach allows the same communication channel and authentication infrastructure to support versatile connection management without requiring separate dedicated systems for each function
2Loss of energy
If multiple PDN connections are configured over single physical interface, then radio access bandwidth usage is reduced, but IP address preservation and routing management become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The Access Gateway (AG) acts as an intermediary between the UE and the PDN connections. It receives EAP messages from the UE containing capability information, forwards them to the AAA server for authentication and parameter negotiation, and manages the establishment of multiple PDN connections. This intermediary role simplifies IP address management by centralizing the negotiation and configuration process, allowing multiple connections to be managed through a single coordination point rather than requiring complex distributed management
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes in the EAP message exchange to dynamically negotiate connection capabilities. The UE and network exchange capability versions and parameters during authentication, allowing the system to adaptively configure multiple PDN connections with appropriate IP addresses and routing parameters. This parameter-based negotiation enables flexible IP address management where addresses are assigned and preserved based on negotiated parameters rather than fixed configurations
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a method of configuring multiple per user access connections includes receiving, by an access gateway (AG) from an access point (AP), a first extensible authentication protocol (EAP) message including a first capability of a user equipment (UE) and transmitting, by the AG to an authentication, authorization and accounting (AAA) server, a second EAP message including the first capability of the UE and indication second capability of the AG. The method also includes receiving, by the AG from the AAA server, and an AAA message including a negotiated connection capability version and AAA message parameters and transmitting, by AG to the AP, a third EAP message including the negotiated connection capability version.