Hybrid IP Edge Network with Shared Address for Reduced Complexity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hybrid access schemes for telecommunications networks are complex and redundant, requiring multiple internet protocol addresses and edge functions, which complicates the provision of hybrid network connectivity to client devices.
Innovation Solution
A method that establishes a hybrid internet protocol connection between internet protocol edge devices and customer premises equipment using a primary and secondary connection path, with both paths potentially using the same or similar internet protocol addresses, and implementing load balancing and auto-provisioning to optimize packet routing and resource usage, thereby reducing redundancy and complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple internet protocol addresses and edge functions are used for hybrid access, then network connectivity and redundancy are improved, but device complexity and configuration complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple internet protocol addresses and edge functions into a single unified internet protocol address that can be shared across multiple access links (wireline and wireless). This consolidation eliminates the need for separate addresses and edge functions for each access type, thereby reducing configuration complexity while maintaining network connectivity through the hybrid access arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a universal internet protocol address that serves multiple functions across different access links simultaneously. This single address can handle both wireline and wireless traffic, making the system more versatile and reducing the need for multiple specialized components, thus lowering device complexity while preserving reliability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple internet protocol addresses are assigned for hybrid access paths, then routing flexibility is improved, but resource efficiency and address management complexity worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple internet protocol addresses into a single shared address that can route traffic through different access links. This merging reduces the total quantity of addresses required while maintaining routing flexibility through mechanisms like load balancing and path selection based on network conditions, rather than requiring separate addresses for each path.
3Reliability
If redundant functionality is maintained in hybrid access schemes, then system reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates redundant functionality from the hybrid access system by implementing a single internet protocol address that serves both access links. Instead of maintaining separate edge functions and addresses for wireline and wireless access, the solution removes this redundancy while preserving reliability through intelligent path selection and load balancing mechanisms.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for providing hybrid network connectivity to at least one client device being connected to a telecommunications network using a customer premises equipment device, wherein the network connectivity is provided using a hybrid internet protocol connection between at least two internet protocol edge devices, on the one hand, and the customer premises equipment device, on the other hand, allowing for the transmission of data packets, both in uplink direction from the customer premises equipment device to at least one of the internet protocol edge devices, and in downlink direction from at least one of the internet protocol edge devices to the customer premises equipment device, wherein both the first internet protocol edge device and the second internet protocol edge device are realized as network functions within a logical or physical central office point of delivery, the hybrid internet protocol connection comprising a primary connection path and a secondary connection path, wherein the method comprises the following steps: -- in a first step, the primary connection path is established between a first internet protocol edge device and the customer premises equipment device, the establishment of the primary connection path involving the assignment of an internet protocol address to the hybrid internet protocol connection to be generated, -- in a second step, subsequent to the first step, the secondary connection path is established between a second internet protocol edge device and the customer premises equipment device, the secondary connection path using the same internet protocol address as the first connection path, wherein - regarding data packets transmitted in downlink direction towards the customer premises equipment device - a load balancing functionality is used as a network function within the logical or physical central office point of delivery or as part of another network function within the logical or physical central office point of delivery, and/or wherein, during or after establishing the primary connection path, a path establishment information is transmitted, using the primary connection path, from the first internet protocol edge device to the customer premises equipment device, wherein the path establishment information is used to establish the at least one secondary connection path.