LIPA Connection Context Exchange for Service Continuity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for managing Local IP Access (LIPA) connection releases in wireless networks, such as those in the 3GPP LTE system, face challenges in maintaining service continuity and efficient resource management, particularly when a user equipment (UE) moves out of the residential or enterprise network coverage, leading to unwanted disconnections and authentication complications.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves providing context information in context request and response messages between Mobility Management Entities (MMEs) to determine if LIPA service continuity is provided, including identifiers like resource IDs, CSG IDs, and L-GW addresses, to manage LIPA PDN connection releases effectively, ensuring appropriate bearer resource allocation and preventing unnecessary detachment of UE from the network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If LIPA connection is released when UE moves out of coverage, then resource management is simplified, but service continuity is broken and unwanted disconnections occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of connection release criteria from purely location-based (UE moving out of coverage) to context-based (determining whether LIPA service continuity is provided through message exchange between MMEs). This allows the system to maintain connections when service continuity is supported even after movement, resolving the contradiction between resource management and service continuity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the target MME sends context information back to the source MME to determine if LIPA service continuity is provided. This feedback loop enables informed decisions about connection release, preventing unwanted disconnections while maintaining resource management efficiency.
2Reliability
If context information is exchanged between MMEs to determine LIPA service continuity, then service continuity is maintained, but network signaling overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by including context information in the initial message exchange between MMEs during mobility events. This allows the source MME to determine LIPA service continuity status in advance, avoiding unnecessary connection releases and reducing subsequent signaling overhead for re-establishing connections.
3Reliability
If LIPA PDN connection is maintained during mobility, then service continuity is improved, but authentication complications and resource management difficulties arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the MME context information exchange as an intermediary mechanism to coordinate authentication and resource management during mobility. The target MME provides context information that enables the source MME to make informed decisions about maintaining or releasing LIPA connections, simplifying the overall authentication and resource management process while maintaining service continuity.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method, system and device are provided for managing LIPA and/or SIPTO connection releases by providing predetermined context information in either the context request message or response thereto exchanged between source and target Mobility Management Entity (MME) devices to allow the appropriate MME device to determine if LIPA service continuity is provided or not.