GTP-U Resource Tracing via TEID Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current GTP resource tracing methods in mobile communication systems are inadequate for identifying issues in packet transmission errors and DDOS attacks, as they fail to accurately trace GTP-U messages and resource allocation, leading to difficulties in troubleshooting and compromising security and reliability.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method for tracing GPRS tunnel protocol resources that includes a call tracing unit, GTP-U tracing unit, SGSN interface, internet interface, and a TEID converter, which uses the TEID of a subscriber to trace GTP-U messages and manage resource allocation, enabling accurate identification of resource information and interface issues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If only GTP-C messages are traced using existing call tracing methods, then the tracing function is simple to implement, but the ability to trace packet transmission errors and resource allocation is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The tracing system is segmented into two independent functional units: a call tracing unit that handles GTP-C messages and a GTP-U tracing unit that handles GTP-U messages. This segmentation allows each unit to specialize in specific tracing tasks, improving overall tracing accuracy without requiring the entire system to become overly complex. The call tracing unit maintains existing simplicity while the GTP-U tracing unit adds specialized packet-level tracing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
A GTP-U tracing unit is introduced as an intermediary component between the existing call tracing system and the packet data network. This intermediary unit receives GTP-U messages, processes them through the TEID converter, and forwards relevant information to the call tracing unit. The intermediary enables enhanced tracing capability while maintaining the modular architecture, allowing the system to achieve better measurement precision without redesigning the entire tracing infrastructure.
2Reliability
If GTP-U messages are not traced, then the system structure remains simple, but the ability to identify packet transmission errors and DDOS attacks is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The tracing functionality is segmented into separate units: a call tracing unit for GTP-C processing and a GTP-U tracing unit for packet-level GTP-U processing. This segmentation enables the system to enhance security and reliability by adding specialized packet tracing capability without requiring a complete system redesign. The GTP-U tracing unit can be independently configured and operated, maintaining system reliability while improving detection capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The GTP-U tracing unit serves as an intermediary that processes GTP-U messages between the packet data network and the call tracing unit. This intermediary component enables the system to trace packet transmission errors and detect DDOS attacks by inspecting GTP-U messages, thereby improving reliability without requiring fundamental changes to the existing network architecture or tracing apparatus.
3Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If resource allocation information is not accurately traced, then troubleshooting is faster, but the ability to identify specific interface issues and DDOS attacks is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The GTP-U tracing unit acts as an intermediary that receives GTP-U messages, extracts resource allocation information, and forwards it to the call tracing unit for processing. This intermediary enables accurate tracing of resource allocation by specifically targeting GTP-U messages that contain detailed resource information. The TEID converter within this unit further enhances precision by converting and mapping TEID values to identify specific interfaces and resources, thereby reducing troubleshooting difficulty while improving measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the tracing parameters by shifting from tracing only GTP-C control messages to also tracing GTP-U user plane messages. This parameter change enables the collection of detailed resource allocation information including TEID values, interface identifiers, and packet flow details. By changing the scope and type of messages being traced, the system achieves more precise resource information tracing that facilitates accurate identification of interface issues and DDOS attacks.
4Measurement precision
If call tracing is performed without TEID conversion, then the process is simpler, but the ability to map subscriber identifiers to tunnel endpoints is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
A TEID converter is introduced as an intermediary component within the GTP-U tracing unit that handles the conversion between subscriber identifiers and tunnel endpoint identifiers. This intermediary enables precise mapping of subscribers to their corresponding tunnel endpoints by converting TEID values. The TEID converter operates as a dedicated module that performs the translation function, improving subscriber identification precision without requiring complex processing throughout the entire tracing system. The converter can be independently configured and maintained, adding precision while managing complexity through modular design.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method for tracing a reserved resource of a GTP-U user message trafficked between SGSN (Serving GPRS Support Node) and GGSN (GPRS Gateway Serving Node)sets a tracing function for the reserved resource of a GTP-U using a TEID for a subscriber to be traced, and outputs information for the reserved resource by detecting the GTP-U having the tracing function set therein. The present invention effectively manages packet troubles generated from the SGSN and an attack of DDOS through the GTP-U on Internet by isolating the interface generating the corresponding attack. As a result, the system is prevented from lowering managing performance by automatically stopping GTP-U tracing through a tracing function duration and a trace critical value.