GTP-U Header Edge Computing Control Information
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mobile communication networks lack a standardized interface for exchanging MEC-related control information between MEC servers and network nodes, such as base stations and gateways, which is essential for efficient radio resource management and traffic control.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating MEC-related control information into the header part of protocol data units using encapsulation protocols like GTP-U, allowing for the transmission of this information alongside user packets, enabling seamless exchange between MEC servers and network nodes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If MEC-related control information is transmitted using existing encapsulation protocols, then information exchange capability is improved, but protocol standardization and interface compatibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of the encapsulation protocol by defining a new protocol type indicator value (e.g., 0x81) in the GTP-U header to distinguish MEC control information from regular user data. This parameter change enables the existing GTP-U protocol structure to carry both user data and MEC control information without breaking compatibility with existing network infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the GTP-U protocol multi-functional by enabling it to carry both traditional user plane data and MEC-related control information through the same protocol structure. The protocol type indicator field allows the same encapsulation protocol to serve multiple purposes: standard user data transmission and MEC control information exchange, thereby improving interface compatibility while enabling new information exchange capabilities.
2Loss of information
If dedicated interface for MEC control information is established, then control information exchange capability is improved, but network architecture complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the transmission of MEC control information with the existing user plane data path by using the same GTP-U encapsulation protocol and transport mechanism. Instead of creating a separate dedicated interface, the solution combines both control information and user data into a single protocol framework, thereby reducing network architecture complexity while maintaining effective control information exchange.
Solution Approach 2:
The existing GTP-U protocol structure is made to serve the additional function of carrying MEC control information through self-configuration. The protocol type indicator field within the existing header structure allows the protocol to automatically distinguish and handle different types of information without requiring external control mechanisms or additional interface management complexity.
3Productivity
If MEC control information is embedded in user packets, then transmission efficiency is improved, but protocol processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the GTP-U protocol functionality by introducing a protocol type indicator field that divides protocol handling into distinct paths: one for standard user data (existing processing) and one for MEC control information (enhanced processing). This segmentation allows most packets to continue using simple existing processing while only MEC-related packets require the additional protocol type checking, thereby minimizing the impact on overall processing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by enhancing protocol processing only for packets containing MEC control information, identified by the protocol type indicator. The majority of user data packets continue to use the existing streamlined processing path, while only the subset of packets with MEC control information undergo the additional processing steps, thereby balancing transmission efficiency gains with acceptable processing complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A network apparatus (10, 30) incorporates edge computing related control information (1001, 1101) into a header part (800) of a protocol data unit of an encapsulation protocol that is used to encapsulate a user packet originated from or destined for a radio terminal. Further, the network apparatus (10) transmits the protocol data unit whose header part (800) contains the edge computing related control information (1001, 1101).