Heterogeneous Network Handover Gateway Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current heterogeneous network handover methods are complex and insecure, particularly when transitioning between 3GPP and non-3GPP networks, as they require multiple network elements and support for the MIP protocol stack, which can lead to session discontinuity and security risks.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for heterogeneous network handover that involves a terminal accessing two different networks, obtaining and sending the equipment identity of a core network element, and selecting it as a target gateway if different, thereby simplifying the handover process and reducing the need for network element registration and MIP protocol support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional heterogeneous network handover methods are used, then session continuity can be maintained, but the system complexity increases due to multiple network elements and MIP protocol requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the MIP protocol stack from the handover process, removing the complex protocol requirements while maintaining session continuity through a simplified gateway selection mechanism that does not depend on MIP protocol support
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal handover solution that works across different network types (3GPP and non-3GPP) without requiring network elements to support specific protocols like MIP. The gateway selection method is designed to be protocol-agnostic, making the system more flexible and easier to implement
2Reliability
If multiple network elements are involved in handover, then session continuity can be maintained, but network security is compromised due to increased attack surface and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the MIP protocol stack and associated network elements from the handover process, thereby eliminating the security risks and attack surface associated with these components while preserving session continuity through a simpler, more secure gateway selection mechanism
3Adaptability or versatility
If MIP protocol stack is supported, then gateway selection can be performed, but the terminal requirements become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the MIP protocol stack requirements from the terminal specifications, enabling gateway selection and handover functionality without requiring terminals to support complex MIP protocols. The solution achieves gateway selection through simpler mechanisms that are more easily implementable on terminal devices
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention disclose a gateway selection method for heterogeneous networks, where the method includes: accessing, by a terminal, an access network 1; obtaining, by the terminal, an equipment identity of a core network element 1; accessing, by the terminal, an access network 2, where the access network 2 and the access network 1 are heterogeneous networks; and sending, by the terminal, the obtained equipment identity of the core network element 1 to a core network element 2, and if an equipment identity of the core network element 2 is different from the equipment identity of the core network element 1, selecting the core network element 1 as a target gateway. Accordingly, the embodiments of the present invention further provide a terminal, a core network element, and a communication system.