IP Combiner and Gateway Selection in LTE Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current telecommunications networks, such as 3GPP SAE/LTE and 4G, face challenges in efficiently routing communications and establishing connections, particularly in terms of latency and quality of service, due to limitations in gateway selection and data packet combining processes.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves a mobile telecommunications network architecture that allows intelligent selection of gateway devices for routing communications, incorporates an IP combiner for data packet combining, and implements a split ciphering architecture with token-based authentication to reduce latency and enhance security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple network gateway devices are used for routing communications, then network reliability and load distribution are improved, but gateway selection complexity and routing latency increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting gateway selection based on multiple parameters including signal quality, network load, and device capabilities. The system evaluates and changes gateway parameters in real-time to optimize routing decisions, thereby improving reliability while managing selection complexity through structured parameter assessment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the network continuously monitors gateway performance metrics and uses this information to refine future routing decisions. This feedback loop allows the system to learn from past routing outcomes and improve gateway selection over time, balancing reliability improvements with complexity management.
2Reliability
If data packets are combined from multiple access points, then data quality and reliability are improved, but processing time and network latency increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-processing and buffering data packets from multiple access points before final combining. This allows the system to prepare data for combination in advance, reducing the actual processing time when combining is needed. The preliminary organization of packets enables faster merging while maintaining data quality standards.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the data combining process into distinct stages: reception, buffering, quality assessment, and final merging. This segmentation allows parallel processing of different packet streams and enables selective combining of only those packets that meet quality criteria, thereby improving data quality while minimizing unnecessary processing time.
3Speed
If user plane connection is established before control plane connection, then connection establishment speed is improved, but network security and control reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the connection establishment process adaptive and conditional. Rather than rigidly enforcing a fixed sequence, the system dynamically adjusts the order and timing of user plane and control plane connections based on security requirements, network state, and service type. This allows fast connection establishment when security permits while maintaining security protocols when required.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by applying different security and establishment procedures to different parts of the connection process. Critical control functions maintain strict security sequencing, while less sensitive user data transfers can utilize faster parallel establishment. This localized approach to connection management allows speed improvements in appropriate contexts without compromising overall network security.
Data Source
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AI summary
Various advantageous arrangements for use with the proposed SAE/LTE or 4G mobile telecommunications system are disclosed. An arrangement for allowing a mobile terminal/UE (1) to transmit data packets to duplicate access points (5) is disclosed. An IP combiner (20) receives the duplicate data packets from the respective access points (5), together with quality indicators, and determines which data packet should be passed onwardly to the network. An arrangement is also disclosed which allows a particular MME (7) (corresponding to the 3G SGSN) to be selected for a particular access point (5). A particular MME may be selected depending on various criteria, such as to distribute the load evenly between the MMEs (7) of the network or to take a particular MME (7) out of service temporarily in a managed manner.; Further, an arrangement is disclosed which enables the more rapid establishment of the user plane bearer between the mobile terminal/UE (1) and the network. In the arrangement the control plane is subsequently established through the already established user plane. This may reduce the start-up delay significantly. Additionally, various security features are disclosed. For example, an access point (5) is disclosed which has incorporated therein or associated therewith a smart card (15A), which is analogous to a SIM or USIM used with a 2G, 2.5G or 3G network. This allows the access point (5) to be authenticated with a security store (30) of the network in a similar manner to which a SIM or USIM of a mobile terminal/UE is authenticated with the network in a 2G, 2.5G or 3G mobile telecommunications network.; A split ciphering architecture is also discussed where three separate cipher links are provided: a ciphered Non-Access Stratum control plane, a ciphered Access Stratum control plane and a ciphered user plane.