Global Anchor Gateway Reuse for Seamless Access Network Transitions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technical specifications in wireless telecommunication systems do not adequately address service disruptions when a user equipment (UE) switches between different access networks, particularly between 3GPP and non-3GPP access networks, leading to potential service disruptions due to the assignment of new PDN SAE gateways.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that detect access network changes, retrieve and reuse the identity of the previously-assigned gateway to maintain continuous communication paths, and optionally re-register or notify the old gateway to minimize service disruptions, utilizing a global anchor node like the HSS or PCRF to manage gateway assignments and communications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a new PDN SAE gateway is assigned when UE switches between access networks, then the gateway can handle communications for the new access network, but service disruption occurs due to the need to establish new communication paths
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by detecting access network changes before service disruption occurs, retrieving the previously assigned gateway identity in advance, and preparing the gateway reassignment before the UE actually switches networks. This proactive approach prevents service interruption by having the new communication path ready before the switch happens.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the global anchor node continuously monitors UE access network status and gateway assignments. When a network change is detected, the system feedbacks the previously assigned gateway identity to the appropriate network entities, enabling dynamic gateway reassignment while maintaining service continuity. The feedback loop ensures the system adapts to network changes without disrupting ongoing communications.
2Reliability
If gateway identity is retrieved and reused to maintain continuous communication paths, then service disruption is minimized, but additional signaling and processing are required to manage gateway assignments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a global anchor node as an intermediary that centralizes gateway assignment management. This mediator stores gateway identities, detects access network changes, and coordinates gateway reassignments between different network entities. By placing this intermediary in the control plane, the system simplifies the complexity distribution while maintaining service continuity, as the anchor node handles the signaling overhead centrally rather than requiring complex peer-to-peer coordination between multiple gateways and network entities.
3Reliability
If the system monitors and detects access network changes to reuse gateways, then service disruption is avoided, but the complexity of detecting and measuring network changes increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service mechanisms where network entities autonomously detect access network changes and trigger gateway retrieval operations without requiring complex external monitoring. The global anchor node automatically detects network changes through standard signaling messages and autonomously initiates the gateway identity retrieval process. This self-service approach reduces detection complexity by leveraging existing network signaling infrastructure rather than requiring separate monitoring systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A user equipment (UE) attaches to a first access network, intending to access a packet data network (PDN) via a telecommunications system, and is assigned a PDN System Architecture Evolution (SAE) Gateway (GW). The identity of the PDN SAE GW is registered so that, if the UE attaches to another access network, triggering a new attach procedure, the identity is retrieved. A determination is then made whether the previously-assigned PDN SAE GW may be used for the present communications and, if so, it is reassigned. The identity of the PDN SAE GW is registered in an anchor node, which is in a preferred embodiment a Home Subscriber Server (HSS). If the previously-assigned PDN SAE GW cannot be used, or if the PDN SAE GW must be changed, then the communication is reassigned to a new PDN SAE GW.