IoT UPF-Gateway GRE Tunneling for Load-Balanced Failover
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing network communication technologies for internet of things devices face challenges in scalability, resource consumption, and disaster tolerance, particularly in direct connection solutions and VPN-based interconnections.
Innovation Solution
Implementing GRE tunnels between a UPF and multiple gateway devices for load balancing, enabling efficient data transmission and disaster tolerance by switching to healthy gateways in case of failures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If direct connection solution is used between internet of things devices and network devices, then connection stability is improved, but resource consumption increases and scalability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network architecture by introducing UPF (User Plane Function) entities that act as intermediaries between IoT devices and gateway devices. Each UPF handles routing and forwarding for multiple devices, dividing the direct connection burden into manageable segments that can be distributed across multiple gateways, thereby improving scalability while maintaining connection stability through the structured UPF-gateway hierarchy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces UPF entities as intermediary components between IoT devices and gateway devices. These UPFs perform routing and forwarding functions, mediating the communication between end devices and the network infrastructure. This intermediary layer enables scalable architecture by allowing multiple devices to share common UPF-gateway paths, reducing the need for direct individual connections while maintaining reliable communication.
2Reliability
If VPN solution is used for network interconnection, then security is improved, but adaptability for intranet interconnection deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal communication framework using UPF entities that can serve multiple functions: routing, forwarding, and adapting to different network types. The UPF-gateway architecture provides a multi-functional solution that works for both intranet interconnection and external network access, eliminating the need for separate VPN configurations while maintaining security through the standardized UPF layer.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the network architecture parameters by introducing configurable UPF entities that can adapt their routing and forwarding behavior based on the network type. Rather than using fixed VPN parameters, the system dynamically adjusts UPF routing tables and forwarding rules to optimize for intranet communication, providing both security and adaptability through parameter-based configuration.
3Device complexity
If single gateway device is used, then device complexity is reduced, but transmission pressure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the gateway functionality by distributing routing and forwarding tasks across multiple gateway devices, each served by dedicated UPF entities. This segmentation reduces the transmission pressure on any single gateway by dividing the traffic load, while the overall architecture remains relatively simple through the consistent UPF-gateway pattern that can be replicated.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the routing and forwarding functions into the UPF entities, which then handle communication with multiple gateway devices. This merging approach allows the system to use multiple gateways for load distribution while keeping the control plane simple, as the UPFs collectively manage all gateway interactions rather than requiring complex coordination between multiple full-featured gateways.
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a network communication method and device of an internet of things device. The method includes: determining a target UPF to which an internet of things device belongs in response to receiving a plurality of pieces of communication data between the internet of things device and a network device, the target UPF being configured to provide a routing and forwarding function of a user plane data packet, where each UPF is connected to at least two gateways and realizes load balancing by crossed GRE tunnels; determining a GRE tunnel corresponding to each of at least two gateway devices corresponding to the target UPF; and transmitting the plurality of pieces of communication data through the GRE tunnel, where the plurality of pieces of communication data include first communication data and second communication data.