Gateway IP Allocation for 3GPP UE Dual Stack

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing 3GPP network standards lack operator control over IP address allocation, leading to potential double allocation of resources due to the inability to restrict IP addresses, resulting in inefficient use of network resources.

Innovation Solution

A method where User Equipment (UE) requests dual stack PDN connectivity and receives a single IP address along with a cause code from the gateway, preventing further requests for additional IP addresses, allowing the gateway to manage IP address allocation based on operator preferences and network conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the UE requests dual stack PDN connectivity based on its IP stack configuration, then the UE can support both IPv4 and IPv6 protocols, but the number of IP addresses allocated increases and network resources are wasted

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveIP protocol support capabilityVSAvoidnumber of IP addresses allocated

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The gateway dynamically changes the PDN type parameter from dual stack (IPv4v6) to single stack (IPv4 or IPv6) based on network conditions and operator policies, thereby reducing the number of IP addresses allocated while maintaining protocol compatibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The gateway uses feedback mechanisms (cause codes) to inform the UE about the allocated IP address type and prevent further requests for additional IP addresses, optimizing resource allocation based on real-time network state

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Ease of operation

If the standard allows UE to request dual stack PDN connectivity without operator control, then the UE can maintain flexibility in protocol selection, but operator control over resource allocation is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveUE protocol selection flexibilityVSAvoidoperator control mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The gateway acts as an intermediary between the UE and the HSS, mediating the PDN connectivity request by modifying the PDN type based on operator policies stored in the HSS, thereby maintaining both UE flexibility and operator control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

Operator policies and preferences are pre-configured in the HSS subscription data, allowing the gateway to make informed decisions about IP address allocation before the actual PDN connectivity is established, ensuring operator control is implemented proactively

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If the UE sends additional requests for a second IP address, then the UE can ensure it has IP addresses for both protocols, but network resources are inefficiently used

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveIP address availabilityVSAvoidnetwork resource efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The gateway sends a cause code in advance that prevents the UE from sending additional requests for a second IP address, thereby avoiding unnecessary resource allocation while ensuring the UE has sufficient IP address availability for its needs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Data Source

PatentUS10342054B2IP address assignment for a UE in 3GPP

Publication Date: 2019.07.02 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)

AI summary

A method performed in a user equipment, UE, (1) and a gateway (2) for data communication in a 3GPP network via an access point name, APN, capable of providing support for packet data network, PDN, connectivity using a first internet protocol version and PDN connectivity using a second internet protocol version. The method comprises the steps of the UE requesting (S1) dual stack PDN connectivity from a gateway (2) and receiving (S2) a single IP address on either the first or the second internet protocol version from the gateway (2) and further receiving (S3) from the gateway (2) a cause code indicating that only the assigned PDN and internet protocol version is allowed.