Edge Node Virtual Network Tunneling for Wireless Latency Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current 3G/4G networks experience significant latency and network overhead due to per-device session-based traffic delivery, which is expected to worsen with the increased demand for continuous connectivity in next-generation networks like 5G, where a large number of devices and bursty data traffic will require efficient service delivery.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a system and method that uses edge nodes and virtual networks to pre-configure service delivery, allowing end points to access services with reduced signaling and latency by monitoring packets and routing them through pre-established virtual network tunnels, eliminating the need for per-device session establishment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If per-device session-based traffic delivery is used in 3G/4G networks, then service delivery is established between UE and service provider, but latency increases to about 200 ms and network overhead increases considerably

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice deliveryVSAvoidlatency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-establishing service delivery through pre-configured virtual networks and edge nodes before actual data transmission is needed. Edge nodes are pre-positioned to intercept and route packets, eliminating the need for real-time session establishment. This allows service delivery to be ready in advance, reducing latency from 200 ms to near-instantaneous routing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces edge nodes as intermediaries between UEs and service providers. These edge nodes act as mediators that pre-intercept packets and route them through optimized paths, bypassing the traditional session establishment process. The intermediary edge node enables direct packet routing while maintaining service delivery reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If per-device session establishment is implemented, then connection setup is completed between UE and service provider, but network overhead increases considerably on the link

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection setupVSAvoidnetwork overhead
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple per-device session management functions into a unified pre-configured virtual network structure. Instead of establishing individual sessions for each UE, the system combines service delivery paths through shared edge nodes and virtual networks, reducing signaling overhead while maintaining connection reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements universality by designing edge nodes and virtual networks that serve multiple UEs simultaneously. A single pre-configured virtual network can handle traffic from multiple devices, eliminating the need for separate session establishment for each device and reducing overall network overhead.

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

3Adaptability or versatility

If the number of UEs requiring service increases in next generation networks, then more devices can be connected, but network overhead and latency will worsen with increased demand for continuous connectivity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of connected devicesVSAvoidlatency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring virtual networks and positioning edge nodes before traffic demands arise. This allows the network to handle increased numbers of UEs without establishing sessions in real-time, maintaining low latency even as device connectivity scales to support 5G and beyond.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables self-service by allowing edge nodes to autonomously intercept and route packets based on pre-configured rules. This automated packet handling eliminates the need for centralized session management, enabling the network to scale to accommodate more devices without proportionally increasing overhead or latency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Adaptability or versatility

If the number of UEs requiring service increases in next generation networks, then more devices can be connected, but network overhead will increase with higher number of sessions to be served

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of connected devicesVSAvoidnetwork overhead
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges individual device session management into unified pre-configured virtual networks. By combining multiple UE traffic flows through shared edge nodes and virtual network paths, the system accommodates increasing numbers of connected devices without proportionally increasing network overhead.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements universality through edge nodes and virtual networks that serve multiple UEs simultaneously. A single pre-configured virtual network infrastructure handles traffic from many devices, enabling the network to scale adaptively to support more connected devices without linearly increasing overhead.

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

Data Source

PatentUS11882027B2End point to edge node interaction in wireless communication networks
Publication Date: 2024.01.23 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • US11882027B2 patent drawing
  • US11882027B2 patent drawing
  • US11882027B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method and apparatus for delivering a service to an end point, such as a UE or server, via a communication network, is provided. A virtual network is pre-configured to handle service packets and includes virtual routers for routing packets via logical tunnels. The end point pre-registers with the virtual network and/or service and receives operating parameters for use in service access. The end point location may be tracked following pre-registration. The end point subsequently transmits and/or receives service packets using the operating parameters via an edge node, such as an access node or gateway. The edge node transmits service packets using the operating parameters and, upon detecting operating parameter usage by the end point, forwards received service packets to the virtual network. Operating parameters may include an identifier included in the packet. The end point may use multiple different edge nodes to access the service.