Heterogeneous Network Packet Tunneling for Seamless Handover
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for vertical handover between cellular and WLAN networks face challenges in providing seamless packet transmission, especially for real-time services, due to non-deterministic routing and limitations in universal application, such as requiring SCTP support from both terminals.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a new interface between the Gateway GPRS Support Node (GGSN) and the Packet Data Gateway (PDG) for tunneling packets and updating routing tables, allowing for seamless handover without modifying the existing system architecture, enabling the shortest routing path and supporting real-time services.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional route modification technique is used for handover, then routing flexibility is improved, but routing determinism deteriorates making it difficult to apply to delay sensitive real time packet transmission service
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-establishes multiple routing paths (primary path and alternative paths) before handover occurs. The routing tables at GGSN, PDG, and AR are pre-configured with backup routes, so when handover is needed, the system can immediately switch to a predetermined alternative path without performing complex real-time route modifications, thus maintaining both flexibility and determinism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (the pre-configured routing table update process) between the need for routing flexibility and the requirement for determinism. By using pre-established alternative paths as intermediaries, the system can switch routes deterministically while still maintaining the ability to adapt to different handover scenarios.
2Reliability
If conventional SCTP-based handover technique is used, then handover capability is improved, but universal application deteriorates since both terminals must support SCTP
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the SCTP protocol requirement from the handover mechanism itself and relocates it to the network infrastructure level (GGSN, PDG, AR). This allows the handover capability to be provided by the network without requiring terminal support for SCTP, thereby improving universal application while maintaining reliable handover capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the network infrastructure (GGSN, PDG, AR) as intermediaries to provide handover capability. These network elements handle the complex routing and protocol requirements, allowing terminals to perform handover without needing to implement SCTP themselves, thus achieving universal application.
3Adaptability or versatility
If route modification to Root Router is performed, then routing adaptability is improved, but transmission efficiency deteriorates due to non-deterministic routing path
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-establishes multiple routing paths (primary path through Root Router and alternative paths through other routers) before handover occurs. The routing tables are pre-configured with these alternative paths, enabling the system to maintain routing adaptability while ensuring transmission efficiency by having predetermined paths ready for immediate use.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the routing path dynamic by allowing switching between pre-configured primary and alternative paths based on handover needs. The routing tables can be updated to activate different paths, providing adaptability while maintaining efficiency since the alternative paths are already established and ready for use.
Data Source
AI summary
An inter-network packet transmission method and system in a vertical handover between the two different technology networks is provided. An inter-network packet transmission method includes tunneling between gateways of heterogeneous networks though an interface, updating a routing table of at least one of the gateways by exchanging information through the interface, and transmitting packets to a user equipment based the at least one updated routing table.