Load Distribution Logic for Mobile Core Network Scalability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile core networks face challenges in distributing load across multiple data plane processing entities while maintaining session continuity and minimizing latency, especially when scaling up or down without exposing internal deployment to external routers.
Innovation Solution
A system with load distribution decision logic and data distribution entities that dynamically assigns data packets to data processing entities using algorithms, allowing for elastic scalability and minimizing inter-entity forwarding, using a virtual optimized core that presents a unified logical core network node to external entities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple data plane processing entities are deployed for load distribution, then system capacity and scalability are improved, but device complexity and routing management increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple data plane processing entities into a unified logical core network node that presents a single interface to external routers. This merging approach allows the system to deploy multiple physical entities for load distribution while maintaining simplified routing management through a unified virtualization layer that abstracts the complexity of individual entity management.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a load distribution decision logic as an intermediary component that sits between external routers and multiple data plane processing entities. This mediator receives routing decisions from external routers and intelligently distributes traffic across multiple entities, thereby improving system capacity while preventing the propagation of routing complexity to external network elements.
2Productivity
If data is redistributed across multiple entities, then load balancing is improved, but latency increases due to additional forwarding hops
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-calculating and storing optimal routing paths and entity mappings in routing tables before data traffic arrives. The load distribution decision logic proactively establishes routing configurations and prepares forwarding paths in advance, allowing data packets to be distributed across multiple entities with minimal processing delay and reduced forwarding hops.
3Adaptability or versatility
If data plane entities are scaled dynamically, then adaptability is improved, but session continuity may be compromised during transitions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the load distribution decision logic continuously monitors the state of data plane processing entities, including active sessions and load conditions. During scaling operations, this feedback enables the system to dynamically adjust routing decisions, maintain session state information, and ensure continuous service delivery even as entities are added or removed from the network.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and an algorithm in a mobile core network to distribute the data load across multiple data processing entities. The system is seen as having one data plane entity to the external entities like routers; hence the system can scale without needing to update the external nodes. In general when a data plane processing entity is added or removed, a new distribution rule is provided to the remaining data plane processing entities. Only after some number of sessions have been migrated does the new distribution get provided to the data distribution entities. This delay allows sufficient sessions to be migrated to minimize the overall number of packets that have to be forwarded for processing. This benefit can be maximized by taking advantage of cellular network's idle mode behavior and by migrating the sessions while they are in idle mode.