Multi-RAT Gateway Packet Processing via Virtual IP Header

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional Multi-RAT gateways experience delays and reduced processing performance due to the need for two tunnel segments for packet transmission from user apparatus to the core network, which activates additional services and slows down packet processing and transmission speed.

Innovation Solution

A gateway with a receiving module, determining module, and processing module that manages virtual IP headers and tunnel headers to optimize packet transmission through a single tunnel segment, either deleting or appending virtual IP headers based on connection mapping tables to facilitate efficient packet forwarding.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If two tunnel segments are established for Multi-RAT service, then the gateway can provide multiple radio access technology service, but the processing performance and transmission speed are delayed

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveMulti-RAT service capabilityVSAvoidpacket processing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the packet processing into two distinct paths: packets with virtual IP headers are processed through a simplified single-tunnel path, while packets without virtual IP headers follow the traditional two-segment tunnel path. This segmentation allows time-sensitive packets to bypass the gateway's complex processing while maintaining Multi-RAT service capability for other traffic types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The virtual IP header acts as an intermediary marker that identifies packets requiring special handling. By inserting this header, the system creates a clear distinction between packets that need gateway processing and those that can be forwarded directly, enabling efficient packet routing without compromising Multi-RAT service functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Quantity of substance

If two tunnel segments are established for Multi-RAT service, then the gateway can aggregate network bandwidth from multiple base stations, but the transmission speed is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork bandwidthVSAvoidpacket transmission speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides packet transmission into two segments based on traffic type: time-sensitive packets use a direct fast path that bypasses gateway processing, while other packets use the aggregated tunnel path through the gateway. This allows the system to maintain bandwidth aggregation benefits for non-time-critical traffic while preserving high transmission speeds for urgent packets.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different quality of service is applied to different packets based on their requirements. Time-sensitive packets receive premium treatment with direct forwarding and minimal processing, while other packets utilize the full bandwidth aggregation capability of the multi-tunnel architecture. This local differentiation optimizes overall system performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Productivity

If virtual IP header processing is implemented, then packet forwarding efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepacket forwarding efficiencyVSAvoidgateway processing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the virtual IP header processing as a distinct, optional function within the gateway. Rather than requiring complex multi-protocol handling for all packets, the gateway only processes packets with virtual IP headers through the simplified path, while other packets flow through standard procedures. This extraction reduces overall processing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The gateway implements partial processing by only applying virtual IP header handling to specific packets that require it, rather than processing all packets through the same complex path. This selective approach improves forwarding efficiency for relevant packets while avoiding unnecessary processing overhead for other traffic.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS9794177B2Gateway, system and method for multiple radio access technology service
Publication Date: 2017.10.17 IND TECH RES INST
  • US9794177B2 patent drawing
  • US9794177B2 patent drawing
  • US9794177B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A gateway, system and method for multiple radio access technology service are provided. The gateway is between base stations and a core network, including a receiving module, determining module and processing module. The receiving module receives a packet from the base stations or the core network through a tunnel between the base stations and the core network. The determining module determines whether the packet has a virtual IP header. If the packet has a virtual IP header, the processing module deletes the virtual IP header and replaces it with a tunnel header to transmit the packet to the core network through the tunnel by the tunnel header. If the packet has no virtual IP header, the processing module forwards the packet to the core network through the tunnel. The disclosure enhances transmitting and processing performance of the packet when the packet is transmitted through only a single tunnel.