GTP Gateway Terminal Type Detection and Address Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
In networks based on 3GPP standards, a simple change in IP addresses is insufficient to ensure consistency of protocols between node apparatuses, leading to inadequate packet forwarding.
Innovation Solution
A gateway apparatus is introduced between node apparatuses configured for GPRS Tunneling Protocol (GTP) communication and Serving-Gateway (S-GW) or Packet Data Network (PDN)-Gateway (P-GW), which determines the terminal type of mobile stations and converts the transmission source address in GTP messages from the node apparatus to a gateway identifier, allowing appropriate packet allocation and forwarding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple change in IP address of the destination is performed when forwarding a packet, then the forwarding process is simplified, but the protocol information consistency between node apparatuses cannot be ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The gateway apparatus acts as an intermediary between the node apparatus and the S-GW/P-GW. It receives GTP messages from the node apparatus, terminates the GTP protocol, determines the terminal type, and forwards messages to appropriate gateways. This intermediary function ensures protocol information consistency while maintaining simplified forwarding processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The gateway apparatus performs self-service by automatically determining terminal types based on GTP message contents and autonomously selecting the appropriate S-GW or P-GW for forwarding. This self-determination mechanism ensures protocol consistency without requiring complex external control systems.
2Adaptability or versatility
If core networks for general services and IoT services are separated and operated independently, then facilities can be designed according to traffic characteristics of each service, but the network structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The gateway apparatus provides universal functionality by serving both general services and IoT services through a single unified structure. It can handle different terminal types (smartphones, IoT devices) and route them to appropriate S-GWs or P-GWs, eliminating the need for completely separate core networks while maintaining service-specific optimizations.
Solution Approach 2:
The gateway apparatus segments the network handling function by terminal type. It divides the forwarding task into different paths based on terminal type determination, routing general service traffic to S-GWs and IoT service traffic to P-GWs. This segmentation allows specialized handling without requiring fully separate network infrastructures.
3Productivity
If the gateway apparatus determines terminal type and converts transmission source address for each GTP message, then appropriate packet allocation is achieved, but the processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gateway apparatus performs preliminary action by determining terminal types during the initial Attach procedure. Once the terminal type is determined, the gateway stores this information and uses it for subsequent packet forwarding without repeating the determination process, significantly reducing processing time for ongoing communications.
Solution Approach 2:
The gateway apparatus creates a copy of the terminal type determination result and stores it for future use. Instead of re-determining terminal types for each message, it references the stored copy, reducing processing overhead while maintaining accurate packet allocation.
Data Source
AI summary
A gateway apparatus (30) according to the present disclosure is arranged between a node apparatus (20) that performs communication in accordance with a GTP and an S/P-GW (40) or an S/P-GW (50). The gateway apparatus (30) includes a communication unit (31) configured to terminate a GTP message transmitted from the node apparatus (20); a determination unit (32) configured to determine a terminal type of a mobile station associated with the GTP message; and a conversion unit (33) configured to change a transmission source address set in the GTP message transmitted from the node apparatus (20) from an identifier of the node apparatus (20) to a first identifier of the gateway apparatus (30), in which the communication unit (31) transmits, to the S/P-GW (40) or the S/P-GW (50) determined in accordance with the terminal type, the GTP message in which the transmission source address has been converted.