GTP Message Controller for Stateless LTE C-Plane Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current LTE network configurations face challenges in efficiently routing Control Plane (C-Plane) signals between the Serving Gateway (SGW) and Packet Data Network Gateway (PGW), particularly in achieving stateless communication and comprehensive control over C-Plane messages.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a GTP message controller server with integrated Layer 3 switches, which manages and routes GTP messages by altering source and destination IP addresses, enabling stateless communication and control over all C-Plane messages between the SGW and PGW.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If traditional LTE network configuration is used for routing C-Plane signals between SGW and PGW, then network connectivity is maintained, but stateless communication and comprehensive control over C-Plane messages cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a GTP-C message controller as an intermediary device that sits between the SGW and PGW. This controller receives GTP-C messages from the SGW, processes them, and forwards them to the PGW. By inserting this intermediary, the system achieves stateless communication while maintaining comprehensive control over C-Plane messages, resolving the contradiction between automation capability and control complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The GTP-C message controller is designed to handle all types of C-Plane messages universally. It can process create session requests, modify bearer requests, and other control messages through a unified processing mechanism. This multi-functional approach enables stateless communication across different message types without requiring separate handling mechanisms, thereby achieving comprehensive control without proportionally increasing complexity.
2Ease of operation
If comprehensive control over all C-Plane messages is implemented, then message management capability is enhanced, but session information retention is required which reduces stateless communication
Solution Approach 1:
The message controller implements self-service by processing C-Plane messages independently without requiring retention of session information. Each message is handled autonomously based on its contents, and the controller does not need to maintain stateful knowledge of ongoing sessions. This allows comprehensive message management while preserving stateless communication, as the controller serves itself by processing messages on-demand without relying on retained session data.
3Productivity
If GTP message controller with integrated Layer 3 switches is implemented, then efficient routing and stateless communication are achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the GTP-C message controller functionality with integrated Layer 3 switches into a unified device structure. This combination allows the system to achieve efficient routing by leveraging the switching capabilities within the same device that handles message processing. The integration enables stateless communication while improving routing efficiency, and although the device structure becomes more complex, the functional benefits outweigh the structural complexity increase.
Data Source
AI summary
Examples provided herein transmits a General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) Tunneling Protocol (GTP) message between first and second termination devices. One or more Ethernet frames carrying a GTP message are received by a controller by the first termination device in response to the destination Media Access Control (MAC) address of the Ethernet frames matching a MAC address assigned to the controller. An IP address of a second termination device is selected as the destination for transporting the GTP message based on an element included in the received GTP message.