IP Address Assignment with Mobility Attributes for Session Continuity
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Solution Overview
Problem
In the context of IP address assignment in evolved packet system architectures, the existing methods face challenges with route recurvation, leading to prolonged packet transmission delays and bandwidth wastage, particularly when users move between different network locations, and the complexity of maintaining APN lists across multiple operators results in inefficient IP address selection and session continuity issues.
Innovation Solution
The proposed method involves a converged control function that assigns IP addresses with mobility attributes, allowing user equipment to select appropriate IP addresses based on session continuity requirements, thereby simplifying the process by eliminating the need for separate APN lists for each operator and enabling dynamic updates, and integrates IP address assignment with mobility management to ensure seamless service initiation across different operators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a PGW is deployed at a provincial capital level to ensure IP address continuity, then session continuity is improved, but packet transmission delay increases and bandwidth is wasted due to route recurvation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network gateway functions by introducing local gateways at prefectural-level cities that can independently assign IP addresses for local access, while the provincial capital PGW handles inter-province traffic. This segmentation eliminates route recurvation for local traffic while maintaining session continuity for mobile users through the hierarchical structure.
2Loss of time
If local gateways are deployed at prefectural-level cities to reduce transmission delay, then packet transmission efficiency is improved, but session continuity is lost when users move between management areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds a hierarchical dimension to the gateway structure, creating a two-level system where local gateways handle immediate local access (reducing delay) and the provincial PGW provides overarching session management (maintaining continuity). Users can move between local gateways within the same province while maintaining their IP address through the provincial PGW's coordination.
3Adaptability or versatility
If APN lists are maintained for multiple operators to enable IP address selection, then service initiation capability is improved, but terminal memory consumption increases and update frequency requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal gateway selection mechanism based on operator identification that works across all operators without requiring separate APN lists. The terminal only needs to identify the current operator, and the network automatically routes to the appropriate gateway, making the system multi-functional for all operators while minimizing terminal storage requirements.
4Adaptability or versatility
If APN lists are dynamically updated to accommodate new operators, then adaptability to new operators is improved, but update timeliness deteriorates due to frequent modification requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service mechanism where the terminal automatically detects the current operator and the network automatically provides the appropriate gateway configuration without requiring manual APN list updates. When a terminal connects to a new operator, the network autonomously supplies the necessary routing information, eliminating the need for frequent terminal-side updates and ensuring immediate adaptability to new operators.
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention provide an IP address assignment method and apparatus, and relate to the communications field, so that a terminal can more easily and conveniently select a proper IP address to initiate a service, thereby avoiding a problem that the terminal needs to adapt to different operators due to APN list maintenance. The IP address assignment method includes: sending, by an IP address assignment apparatus, an IP address and a mobility attribute of the IP address to UE; and selecting, by the UE, an IP address corresponding to a mobility requirement of the UE to initiate a service. The present invention is applied to IP address assignment.