GRE Frame Fragmentation Boundary Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless communication networks, particularly in 3G networks, there is no explicit way for network nodes to determine the boundaries of Application IP packets or PPP frames during GRE fragmentation, leading to inefficiencies in data transmission and quality of service management, as nodes lack direct information on whether a GRE frame carries a complete packet or if it is fragmented across multiple frames.
Innovation Solution
Inserting fragmentation information into GRE frames to indicate the termination of Application IP packets or PPP frames, allowing receiving nodes to ascertain packet boundaries and improve network efficiency by managing data transmission and quality of service.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If GRE fragmentation is used to avoid IP segmentation, then network resource utilization is improved, but network nodes lose the ability to directly infer Application IP packet boundaries
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the problem into two parts: maintaining GRE fragmentation for efficient network resource utilization while separately tracking packet boundary information through a mechanism (such as a buffer or metadata structure) that records which GRE frames correspond to complete or fragmented Application IP packets. This allows nodes to process fragmented GRE frames efficiently while still having access to packet boundary information when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (such as a boundary information buffer or metadata structure) that mediates between the GRE fragmentation process and the packet boundary detection requirement. This intermediary stores and manages the mapping between GRE frames and Application IP packet boundaries, allowing nodes to infer boundaries without processing every octet of the fragmented stream.
2Measurement precision
If nodes process every octet to detect packet boundaries, then accurate boundary detection is achieved, but processing complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-tracking and recording packet boundary information as GRE frames are fragmented and transmitted. Instead of processing every octet at the receiving node to detect boundaries, the boundary information is prepared in advance (or maintained in a buffer during transmission), allowing receiving nodes to quickly determine packet boundaries without intensive octet-by-octet analysis.
3Ease of operation
If Application IP packets are segmented to fit MTU, then transmission through network links is enabled, but reassembly complexity increases across multiple hops
Solution Approach 1:
The patent distinguishes between two types of segmentation: IP segmentation (which requires reassembly) and GRE fragmentation (which avoids IP segmentation). By using GRE fragmentation, the patent enables transmission of large packets without requiring IP segmentation and reassembly across multiple hops, thereby reducing the complexity associated with segmentation while maintaining transmission capability through the network links.
Data Source
AI summary
A Packet Data Services Node (PDSN) optionally frames user data from an Application IP packet received from a public data network (e.g., the Internet) into a Point-to-Point Protocol (PPP) frame, and encapsulates the Application IP packet or PPP frame data into one or more Generic Routing Encapsulation (GRE) frames for further transmission within a wireless communication network. The PDSN additionally inserts into each GRE frame, Application IP packet fragmentation information that indicates whether the Application IP packet or PPP frame terminates in the associated GRE frame. Other network nodes, such as a Packet Control Facility (PCF) or Base Station Controller (BSC), may interpret the fragmentation information and ascertain the boundaries of Application IP packets or PPP frames, using this information to improve network efficiency.