Hybrid Access Gateway Proxying for Non-Multipath Endpoints

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing network resources are not optimized for scenarios where endpoints do not support multipath technology, leading to inefficient use of Hybrid Access networks and increased operational costs for operators, particularly in 5G networks with high traffic rates.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a Hybrid Access Gateway (HAG) that determines whether endpoints support multipath technology and activates or deactivates proxy functions accordingly, allowing for efficient use of mobile or fixed access networks based on operator policies.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a Hybrid Access Gateway (HAG) is deployed to enable multipath connections for endpoints that do not support multipath technology, then network resource optimization and operator policy compliance are improved, but device complexity and operational costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork resource optimizationVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a Hybrid Access Gateway (HAG) as an intermediary device between endpoints and the network. The HAG acts as a proxy that terminates multipath connections, enabling endpoints that do not support multipath technology to benefit from optimized network resource usage. The HAG receives multipath connections, terminates them, and establishes separate connections to endpoints, thereby mediating between multipath-capable and non-multipath-capable systems while optimizing network resource allocation according to operator policies.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the HAG handles all flows of the same MP-TCP session, then connection reliability is improved, but automatic scaling capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidautomatic scaling capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the handling of MP-TCP sessions by introducing a session management mechanism that divides sessions into different handling categories. The system segments session state information and routing decisions, allowing certain sessions to be handled by specific HAG instances while enabling others to be distributed across multiple instances. This segmentation enables automatic scaling while maintaining connection reliability through proper session state management and distribution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic session handling where the HAG can adapt its behavior based on session characteristics and system load. The system dynamically determines whether to handle all flows of a session at a single HAG instance or to distribute them across multiple instances. This dynamic approach allows the system to maintain connection reliability when needed while enabling automatic scaling under different conditions, making the system flexible and adaptable to varying operational requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If the HAG is deployed in 5G networks to handle high rate traffic, then throughput capability is improved, but operational costs and resource consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethroughput capabilityVSAvoidoperational costs

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the HAG's operational mode based on traffic characteristics, network conditions, and operator policies. The system can change parameters such as the degree of multipath connection termination, the level of packet steering intervention, and the selection of access networks (fixed broadband vs. 3GPP). These parameter adjustments allow the system to optimize throughput capability for high-rate 5G traffic while reducing operational costs by selecting the most cost-effective access networks and operational modes for different traffic scenarios.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3756322B1Methods and apparatuses for proxying a multi-path protocol connection

Publication Date: 2025.09.10 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)

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AI summary

Methods and apparatuses are disclosed for communicating a hybrid user equipment with an Internet server, whereby a hybrid access gateway receives a multi-path request from a user plane system, transmits the multipath request toward an Internet server, and receives a corresponding response from the Internet server. If the received response is a single-path response, the hybrid access gateway assumes the Internet server does not support multi-path, activates a proxy function for the session and transmits a multi-path response for the received single-path response toward the user plane system, and the latter marks transmitting further multi-path requests for this session toward the hybrid access gateway. If the received response is a multi-path response, the hybrid access gateway assumes the Internet server supports multi-path, deactivates a proxy function for the session and transmits the received multi-path response toward the user plane system, and the latter marks bypassing the hybrid access gateway for further multi-path requests for this session.