ICN Traffic Differentiation in Mobile PDN Connections

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current wireless communication networks lack the ability to differentiate Information Centric Networking (ICN) traffic from other types of traffic, such as IP traffic, making it difficult to establish and manage Packet Data Network (PDN) connections efficiently.

Innovation Solution

The method involves configuring a request for a PDN connection to include an indication, such as a designated Information Element (IE), to distinguish ICN PDN requests from regular PDN requests, allowing the Mobility Management Entity (MME) to establish a separate ICN PDN connection with an ICN gateway, enabling efficient ICN data transport.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional IP-based traffic handling is used in wireless networks, then existing network infrastructure can be maintained, but ICN traffic cannot be differentiated or prioritized

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetraffic differentiation capabilityVSAvoidnetwork configuration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments PDN connections into different types (ICN and non-ICN) by introducing a PDN type indicator. This allows the network to differentiate and handle ICN traffic separately from traditional IP traffic while maintaining the existing PDN connection framework, thus achieving traffic differentiation without complete system redesign

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary indicator (PDN type information element) that mediates between the UE's ICN traffic needs and the network's routing capabilities. This indicator enables network nodes to identify and route ICN traffic appropriately without requiring fundamental changes to existing network architecture

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If separate ICN PDN connections are established, then ICN traffic can be properly differentiated and prioritized, but the network configuration and management becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveICN traffic handling reliabilityVSAvoidPDN connection management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the PDN connection establishment procedure universal by using the same signaling flow for both ICN and non-ICN connections. The PDN type indicator allows a single standardized procedure to handle multiple connection types, reducing the need for separate management mechanisms and lowering operational complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter space of PDN connections by adding the PDN type indicator parameter. This additional parameter enables the network to distinguish ICN from non-ICN traffic and apply appropriate handling while maintaining compatibility with existing connection management procedures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If ICN and non-ICN traffic are handled through the same PDN connection, then network configuration is simpler, but ICN-specific routing and caching optimizations cannot be applied

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork efficiencyVSAvoidconnection type differentiation
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments traffic handling at the PDN connection level by introducing connection type differentiation through the PDN type indicator. This enables the network to create separate routing paths and apply ICN-specific optimizations (such as in-network caching and interest message routing) for ICN traffic while maintaining efficient handling of traditional IP traffic through standard procedures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3466186B1Distinguishing ICN from non-ICN traffic in a mobile network
Publication Date: 2021.10.06 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)
  • EP3466186B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3466186B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3466186B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The invention relates to methods, a wireless communication device and a network node for enabling establishment of at least one Packet Data Network (PDN) connection between a wireless communication device and a communication network. in a first aspect of the invention, a method performed by a wireless communication device (16) of enabling establishment of at least one Packet Data Network (PDN) connection (21) with a communication network (10) is provided. The method comprises submitting (S101), to a node (13) of the communication network, a request to establish the PDN connection, the request being configured to comprise an indication that the request pertains to establishing a PDN connection for transporting Information Centric Networking (ICN) data.