LISP-Based Distributed Gateway for 3GPP Handover
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Solution Overview
Problem
The 3GPP network architecture faces inefficiencies due to the use of anchor points, particularly with the serving gateway (S-GW) and packet gateway (P-GW), which are often located far from radio access network components, leading to bandwidth usage inefficiencies and challenges in handover processes.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a distributed gateway architecture using Location Identifier Separation Protocol (LISP) to eliminate the need for anchor points by distributing data plane functions of S-GW and P-GW closer to eNodeB, enabling traffic to bypass distant S-GW and P-GW, and utilizing identifiers/locator separation and mapping systems to facilitate seamless handovers without disrupting connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If anchor points (S-GW, P-GW) are used in 3GPP network architecture, then connection stability is maintained, but bandwidth usage efficiency deteriorates and handover complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the traditional anchor point architecture by separating location identification from data routing. The Location Identifier Separation Protocol divides the gateway functions into location management components and data plane components, allowing data to be routed directly without tunneling through distant anchor points, thus improving bandwidth efficiency while maintaining connection stability through the separation of control and data planes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a location identifier mapping mechanism as an intermediary between the user equipment and the data network. This mapping system translates location-based routing decisions into direct data paths, eliminating the need for traffic to traverse through remote anchor points while preserving the stability benefits of the core network architecture
2Reliability
If anchor points (S-GW, P-GW) are used in 3GPP network architecture, then connection stability is maintained, but handover process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the handover process into independent location management and data routing phases. By separating the location identifier from the data path, the handover procedure only needs to update location mappings rather than re-establishing complex data tunneling paths, significantly simplifying the handover process while maintaining connection stability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary location identifier allocation and registration before actual data transmission begins. This pre-establishes the routing context so that when handover occurs, only the location mapping needs to be updated rather than performing complex real-time routing decisions, reducing handover complexity
3Loss of energy
If distributed gateway architecture with LISP is implemented, then bandwidth usage efficiency is improved, but network complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the location identifier mapping mechanism universal by implementing it at multiple layers of the network architecture. The same separation principle is applied consistently across different network elements, allowing them to handle both location management and data routing functions through standardized interfaces, which manages complexity through uniformity rather than increasing diversity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of network addressing from IP-based to location-identifier-based routing. This parameter change enables direct routing to remote locations without traditional anchor point tunneling, improving bandwidth efficiency. The complexity is managed by introducing a mapping layer that translates between the new location identifiers and existing network infrastructure
Data Source
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AI summary
A method is implemented by a network device in a cellular communication network. The method to improve handover processing by a source evolved universal terrestrial radio access network (E-UTRAN) node B (eNodeB) where the source eNodeB forwards traffic destined for a user equipment (UE) that is transferring its connection to a target eNodeB to enable mobility within the cellular communication network without anchor points. The method including receiving a handover request from the UE identifying the target eNodeB, sending a handover message to the target eNodeB, determining the UE is unavailable to the source eNodeB, and redirecting traffic for the UE to the target eNodeB.