GTP Proxy for 5G NSA Traffic Differentiation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
5G Non-Standalone Mode Option-3, Option-3a, and Option-3x architectures, which utilize 4G Evolved Packet Core, fail to effectively differentiate and route 5G data traffic from 4G data traffic due to shared internet access paths and radio access technology types, limiting the ability to meet the distinct connectivity requirements of 5G use cases like eMBB, mIoT, and URLLC.
Innovation Solution
A routing platform that captures and analyzes S6a Diameter messages to determine whether a User Equipment is configured for 4G or 5G data connections, using a GTP-Proxy to selectively route traffic to either a 4G-PGW or 5G-PGW, or modify messages to differentiate 4G and 5G data sessions when using a single PGW.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If 5G NSA Option-3 architecture is used to leverage existing 4G EPC infrastructure, then deployment cost and complexity are reduced, but the ability to differentiate and route 5G data traffic separately from 4G traffic is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a GTP-Proxy as an intermediary component between the SGW and PGW. This proxy intercepts GTP messages, analyzes them using machine learning models, and routes 5G traffic to a separate 5G-PGW while allowing 4G traffic to proceed to the traditional 4G-PGW. The intermediary enables traffic differentiation without requiring complete architectural overhaul, thus maintaining ease of deployment while gaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the PGW function into two separate entities: a 4G-PGW for traditional 4G traffic and a 5G-PGW for 5G traffic. The GTP-Proxy acts as a segmentation point that divides incoming GTP messages based on their 5G/4G nature. This segmentation allows independent handling and routing of 5G and 4G traffic paths, enabling the network to meet different service requirements for each generation while maintaining the overall NSA architecture.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a common APN is used for both 4G and 5G traffic to ensure service continuity, then backward compatibility is maintained, but the ability to provide differentiated service quality for 5G use cases is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by introducing a machine learning-based analysis function that examines GTP messages before routing decisions are made. The system pre-identifies 5G traffic patterns and characteristics, building a knowledge base of 5G traffic profiles. This preliminary analysis enables the GTP-Proxy to make informed routing decisions, directing 5G traffic to the 5G-PGW with appropriate APN settings while maintaining 4G service continuity through the traditional path.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes key parameters in the GTP message routing process. Instead of using a single common APN for all traffic, the system dynamically modifies routing parameters based on traffic type. For 5G traffic, the GTP-Proxy alters the routing destination to 5G-PGW and can modify APN parameters to enable differentiated service quality. For 4G traffic, original parameters are preserved, ensuring service continuity. This parameter-based differentiation resolves the contradiction between stability and adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
A routing platform for routing 4G and 5G mobile data traffic in a mobile core networks implementing Option-3 of 5G Non-Standalone deployment. The routing platform captures S6a Diameter messages sent between a Mobility Management Entity (MME) and a Home Subscriber Server (HSS) and examines the captured messages to determine whether a user equipment (UE) is configured for a 5G data connection. The routing platform intercepts a GTP Create-Session-Request message sent from a Serving Gateway (SGW) and determines whether the GTP message is associated with the UE previously determined to be configured for a 5G data connection. If the GTP message is associated with the UE configured for a 5G data connection, the GTP message is either sent to a dedicated 5G Packet Network Data Gateway (PGW) or the GTP message is modified so that a single PGW handling both 4G and 5G traffic can establish a 5G session for the UE.