Inter-APN Routing Flow Distribution via ISRP Containers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems fail to properly support Inter-APN routing flow distribution, particularly in scenarios involving multiple PDN connections and non-seamless WLAN offload, leading to suboptimal routing of IP flows across different access points and networks.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of an Inter-APN routing flow distribution container within the Inter-System Routing Policy (ISRP) that includes flow distribution rules for IP Flow Mobility, Multi-Access PDN Connectivity, and Non-Seamless Offload, allowing the UE to select the highest priority rule for routing IP flows across multiple APNs, thereby enhancing routing policies for dual-mode dual-radio terminals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple PDN connections are established for accessing multiple IP networks, then network connectivity and routing flexibility are improved, but routing policy management and flow distribution control become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The routing policy is segmented into separate flow distribution containers, each dedicated to a specific access type (3GPP, WLAN, etc.). This segmentation allows independent management of routing rules for each access network, reducing the complexity of managing overall routing policies while maintaining flexibility in routing decisions across multiple PDN connections.
Solution Approach 2:
An Inter-APN routing flow distribution container is introduced as an intermediary layer between the UE and multiple APNs. This container manages the complex routing logic by providing a standardized interface for flow distribution rules, thereby simplifying policy management while enabling sophisticated routing control across multiple IP networks.
2Productivity
If Inter-APN routing flow distribution is implemented, then traffic steering and network utilization are improved, but compatibility with existing Inter-System Routing Policies may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The Inter-APN routing flow distribution container is nested within the existing Inter-System Routing Policy framework. By nesting the new functionality within the existing policy structure, the system maintains compatibility with existing ISRP mechanisms while enabling enhanced Inter-APN routing capabilities. The nested container operates as part of the overall policy hierarchy, ensuring seamless integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow distribution container is designed with universal applicability across different access types (3GPP, WLAN, etc.) and multiple APNs. This multi-functional design allows the same container structure to handle diverse routing scenarios, ensuring compatibility with existing policies while providing enhanced routing control for various network conditions and access technologies.
3Loss of energy
If flow distribution rules are prioritized for selection, then routing efficiency and transport cost optimization are improved, but rule selection complexity and processing overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
Flow distribution rules are pre-configured with priority values during policy establishment. This preliminary assignment of priorities eliminates the need for complex real-time comparisons during flow routing decisions. The UE can efficiently select rules by simply following the pre-established priority hierarchy, reducing processing overhead while maintaining optimal routing for transport cost savings.
4Adaptability or versatility
If dual-mode dual-radio terminals are supported with multiple access types, then network access flexibility and service continuity are improved, but device complexity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The routing system dynamically selects access types based on current network conditions, flow characteristics, and configured priorities. Instead of maintaining all access types continuously active, the system adapts by enabling only the necessary access types for each routing decision, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining access flexibility when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
For Inter-APN routing flow distribution, a step of receiving, by a UE from a server, an Inter-System Routing Policy (ISRP) rule that comprises flow distribution rules for at least one of a For Flow Based flow distribution container used for IP Flow Mobility (IFOM), a For Service Based flow distribution container used for Multi-Access PDN Connectivity (MAPCON), a For Non-Seamless Offload flow distribution container used for Non-Seamless WLAN Offload (NSWO), and an Inter-APN routing flow distribution container, is performed. Here, the Inter-APN routing flow distribution container comprises information related to routing IP flows with respect to a plurality of APNs for using PDN connections to access multiple IP networks. Then a step of selecting, by the UE, among active/valid flow distribution rules in the received ISRP rule, a flow distribution rule having highest priority is performed.