Flexible MTU Packet Core Design for Legacy Network Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Legacy communication networks are limited by a fixed maximum transmission unit (MTU) setting, which restricts the flexibility needed for coexistence with newer networks that can support higher MTU values, leading to reduced data throughput and increased latency.
Innovation Solution
A flexible maximum transmission unit packet core design that dynamically configures MTU settings based on geographic location and network device capabilities, allowing a single IP address to have multiple MTU settings, and enables real-time communication of MTU capabilities between Radio Access Network (RAN) and Packet Gateway (PGW, optimizing packet sizes for reduced fragmentation and improved latency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed maximum transmission unit (MTU) setting is applied to legacy communication networks, then compatibility with older network infrastructure is maintained, but data throughput is reduced and latency increases when coexisting with newer networks that support higher MTU values
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic MTU configuration where the packet core network can adjust MTU settings in real-time based on the capabilities of connected network devices. The system determines MTU values dynamically rather than using a fixed setting, allowing the network to adapt to both legacy and modern devices. This is achieved through the network device receiving a determined MTU value and configuring its packet data unit accordingly, enabling the system to optimize throughput while maintaining compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the MTU parameter from a fixed value to a dynamically determined value. The system modifies the MTU setting based on network conditions and device capabilities, allowing the same network infrastructure to support both legacy networks (with lower MTU) and newer networks (with higher MTU). This parameter change enables the network to achieve higher data throughput when connected to modern devices while maintaining compatibility with older infrastructure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed maximum transmission unit (MTU) setting is applied to legacy communication networks, then compatibility with older network infrastructure is maintained, but latency increases when coexisting with newer networks that support higher MTU values
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts MTU configuration based on real-time network conditions and device capabilities. When a network device connects, the packet core determines the appropriate MTU value and configures the device accordingly, allowing the network to minimize latency for modern devices while maintaining compatibility with legacy infrastructure. This dynamic adjustment eliminates the time loss associated with fixed MTU settings.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the MTU setting from a static value to a dynamically determined value. The system changes the MTU parameter based on the capabilities of connected devices, enabling lower latency for newer networks that support higher MTU values while maintaining compatibility with legacy networks. This parameter adaptation directly addresses the latency issue by optimizing packet size for each connection.
3Ease of operation
If a single MTU setting is used across the entire packet core network, then network configuration is simplified, but newer networks cannot utilize larger packet sizes for optimized performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service mechanism where the packet core network automatically determines and configures the appropriate MTU value for each connected network device. The system retrieves MTU capability information from the device itself and uses this information to configure the optimal MTU setting, eliminating the need for manual configuration while enabling newer networks to utilize larger packet sizes for improved throughput.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the MTU parameter based on device capabilities rather than using a single fixed setting. The packet core determines the appropriate MTU value for each device and configures it accordingly, allowing newer networks to use larger packet sizes for optimized performance while maintaining simplified automatic configuration. This approach balances ease of operation with improved productivity.
4Ease of operation
If a single MTU setting is used across the entire packet core network, then network configuration is simplified, but overall network performance is suboptimal when serving both legacy and modern networks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by having the packet core network automatically determine MTU capabilities of connected devices and configure appropriate settings without manual intervention. The system queries each device for its MTU capability and configures the optimal setting, providing simplified operation while achieving performance optimization for both legacy and modern networks simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the MTU parameter based on the capabilities of each connected device. By retrieving capability information from each device and configuring the appropriate MTU value, the system achieves both simplified automatic configuration and performance optimization for diverse network types, including legacy and modern networks.
5Productivity
If larger packet sizes are used in updated networks, then data throughput increases, but compatibility issues arise with legacy networks that have lower MTU limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic MTU configuration where the system adjusts packet size based on the capabilities of the connected network device. When a legacy network device connects, the system determines its lower MTU limitation and configures appropriate packet sizes, ensuring compatibility. When a modern device connects, the system allows larger packet sizes for increased throughput. This dynamic adjustment maintains reliability across different network types while optimizing productivity for each.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the MTU parameter dynamically based on device capabilities. For legacy networks with lower MTU limitations, the system configures smaller packet sizes to maintain compatibility. For updated networks capable of handling larger packets, the system increases the MTU parameter to maximize data throughput. This parameter adaptation resolves the contradiction between productivity and reliability by tailoring the configuration to each network type.
Data Source
AI summary
Facilitating flexible maximum transmission unit packet core design in a communications network is provided herein. A system can comprise a processor and a memory that stores executable instructions that, when executed by the processor, facilitate performance of operations. The operations can comprise receiving a transmission unit setting determined for a network device based on a geographic location of the network device. The transmission unit setting can indicate a size criterion of a network layer protocol data unit that is able to be communicated in a single network transaction by the network device. The operations can also comprise sending communication packets to the network device using the transmission unit setting.