GTP Session Establishment in Edge Computing Networks

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Solution Overview

Problem

In Multi-Access Edge Computing (MEC) environments, existing solutions require a large number of dedicated devices per base station, leading to high costs and complexity in handling handovers of connected edge servers as mobile terminals move, affecting existing subscribers and requiring additional resources for device management.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a GTP message transfer and control module in edge servers that manages GTP sessions and handovers by rewriting IP addresses and routing GTP messages between MME and S/PGW, allowing MEC terminals to connect directly to edge servers without affecting non-MEC terminals, and enabling seamless handovers between base stations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If dedicated devices are deployed per base station for MEC, then MEC service capability is improved, but device quantity and system complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveMEC service capabilityVSAvoiddevice quantity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal GTP message transfer and control module that can be deployed in existing core network devices (MME, SGW, PGW) to provide MEC services. This module handles GTP message interception, IP address rewriting, and forwarding to edge servers, allowing existing network infrastructure to serve multiple purposes (traditional core network functions plus MEC support) without requiring dedicated devices at each base station.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a GTP message transfer and control module as an intermediary component within existing core network devices. This module acts as a mediator between the traditional core network and MEC edge servers, intercepting GTP messages, rewriting IP addresses, and routing traffic appropriately. This intermediary approach enables MEC functionality without requiring direct integration at base stations or deploying dedicated MEC devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If handover procedures are implemented for mobile terminals, then mobility support is improved, but service disruption and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemobility supportVSAvoidservice disruption
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary binding of edge servers to tracking areas before handover occurs. When a mobile terminal attaches to the network, the system pre-establishes the relationship between the terminal's tracking area and appropriate edge servers. This preliminary configuration enables seamless handover, as the target edge server is already identified and prepared, eliminating service disruption during mobility events.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the GTP message transfer and control module monitors mobile terminal movements and triggers appropriate handover procedures. When a terminal moves to a new tracking area, the system receives feedback about the location change and automatically initiates handover to the appropriate edge server, maintaining continuous service without user-perceived disruption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Ease of operation

If GTP message interception and IP rewriting is implemented, then MEC terminal routing is improved, but message processing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverouting capabilityVSAvoidmessage processing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the GTP message interception, IP address rewriting, and edge server routing functions into a single integrated module that operates within existing core network devices. By combining these functions in one module rather than distributing them across multiple separate components, the system simplifies the overall architecture and reduces processing complexity while maintaining full MEC routing capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS11153920B2Establishing a GTP session
Publication Date: 2021.10.19 HCL TECH LTD
  • US11153920B2 patent drawing
  • US11153920B2 patent drawing
  • US11153920B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Examples provided herein establish a GTP session between a base station and a gateway. A session establishing request is received in response to an attach request from a wireless terminal to the base station, and a gateway located within an edge site is selected based on the session establishing request. The session establishing request is edited to include information designating the gateway and transmitted to the gateway.