Interface Device Dummy Messages Prevent Packet Channel Timeout
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Solution Overview
Problem
In communication networks like 3GPP and LTE, packet channels time out due to inactivity, causing interruptions in content delivery when data is retrieved from caches located downstream of the core network, as the core network releases PDP contexts or EPS bearers if no data passes through within a configured time limit, leading to disruptions in services like video streaming.
Innovation Solution
A method is implemented where an interface device connected to the core network sends a dummy message through the network with an IP address when data is sent from a cache to a user terminal, preventing the packet channel from timing out by simulating data traffic and maintaining the connection active.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a cache is located downstream of the core network to improve content access, then content delivery speed is improved, but the packet channel times out due to inactivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (dummy data transmission or keep-alive signaling) between the user terminal and the core network. This intermediary maintains the packet channel by simulating data flow through the core network, preventing timeout while allowing actual content to be delivered directly from the downstream cache to the user terminal.
2Loss of energy
If data is retrieved from a downstream cache, then network traffic cost is reduced, but the core network releases the PDP context due to inactivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the data transmission path into two separate channels: (1) a control/signaling channel through the core network that carries dummy data or keep-alive messages to maintain the PDP context, and (2) a content delivery channel from the downstream cache to the user terminal that carries actual content without consuming core network resources. This segmentation allows cost-efficient content delivery while maintaining connection reliability.
3Reliability
If the packet channel is maintained active through dummy messages, then connection stability is improved, but network bandwidth is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameters of the dummy messages to minimize bandwidth consumption. This includes using minimal-sized data packets, optimizing transmission intervals based on timeout thresholds, and adjusting message frequency dynamically. By carefully tuning these parameters, the system maintains connection stability while consuming minimal network bandwidth for the keep-alive traffic.
Data Source
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AI summary
A communication system, cache, computer readable medium and method for preventing a packet channel in the communication network to time out. The method includes sending data from a cache (18) to a user terminal (16d), wherein the cache (18) is located at an interface device (12a-c); determining that the data is sent to the user terminal (16d) from the cache (18) without passing a core network (14); and generating and sending a dummy message (20) through the core network (14) to a device (22) having an internet protocol, IP, address.