Gateway Forwarding Policy Control for 5G Broadcast Domains
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Solution Overview
Problem
The deployment of Network Enhanced Residential Gateway (NERG) in 5G telecommunications networks creates large broadcast/multicast domains due to Ethernet connections, leading to inefficient use of resources and a need for improved management of forwarding behavior in gateway devices.
Innovation Solution
A gateway device configured to receive forwarding policies from a policy control system within the telecommunications network, enabling the enforcement of traffic management rules for connected user devices, through PDU session establishment, modification, or registration procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If Ethernet PDU Session is used to connect virtual gateway centrally in the telecommunications network, then management and troubleshooting operations are facilitated for the operator, but very large broadcast/multicast domains are created causing unnecessary resource utilization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the broadcast/multicast domain by introducing forwarding policies that divide traffic into controlled segments. Instead of allowing unrestricted broadcast/multicast across the entire Ethernet segment, the gateway device applies policies that segment traffic flow, limiting the scope of broadcast domains and reducing unnecessary resource consumption in the telecommunications network.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality control by allowing different forwarding policies to be applied to different traffic flows, user devices, or network segments. The gateway device can enforce specific forwarding rules locally based on traffic characteristics, user device types, or destination, rather than applying a uniform broadcast approach across the entire network segment.
2Adaptability or versatility
If forwarding policies are enforced on gateway device, then operator control over traffic management is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the gateway device multi-functional by enabling it to perform both traditional routing functions and policy enforcement functions. The gateway device is configured to receive, store, and enforce forwarding policies while simultaneously performing standard gateway operations such as IP address assignment and traffic routing, consolidating multiple functions into a single device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a policy control system as an intermediary between the operator and the gateway device. This intermediary component provides the forwarding policies to the gateway device through standardized interfaces, allowing the operator to control traffic management without directly complicating the gateway device's internal architecture. The policy control system acts as a mediator that simplifies the overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
One aspect of this disclosure pertains to a gateway device for use in a telecommunications network, wherein the telecommunications network comprises a policy control system configured to provide at least one forwarding policy to the gateway device. The gateway device may be configured to forward traffic of at least one user device connected to the gateway device to the telecommunications network. The gateway device is further configured to receive the forwarding policy from the policy control system over the telecommunications network. The gateway device may receive the forwarding policy using a PDU session establishment procedure, a PDU session modification procedure and/or a registration procedure. The gateway device is configured to enforce the received forwarding policy when forwarding traffic of the at least one user device towards the telecommunications network.