Local IP Offload Context Management via Indicator Evaluation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current wireless communication systems face challenges in efficiently managing local Internet Protocol (IP) access and offload, particularly in scenarios involving multiple access points and closed subscriber groups, leading to unnecessary activation and deactivation of IP offload contexts as devices move within or between coverage areas.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of indicators and permissions to manage local IP offload functionality, allowing devices to determine support for local IP offload at specific access points and gateways, and deactivating contexts based on connection parameters to minimize unnecessary activations and deactivations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If local IP offload is continuously activated for devices moving within coverage areas, then access to local resources is improved, but network load increases due to unnecessary activation and deactivation of IP offload contexts

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess efficiency to local resourcesVSAvoidnetwork load
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary evaluation of IP offload eligibility by checking indicators and permissions before activating the offload context. This prevents unnecessary activations when devices are ineligible or when local breakout is not permitted, thereby reducing network load while maintaining efficient access for eligible devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where network nodes continuously monitor device location, coverage area changes, and offload context status. This feedback enables dynamic adjustment of IP offload activation, maintaining it only when beneficial and eligible, thus optimizing the balance between access efficiency and network load reduction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Productivity

If IP offload context is activated for all devices in coverage areas, then access to local resources is improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple indicator and permission checks

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess efficiency to local resourcesVSAvoidcontext management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the IP offload management process into distinct evaluation stages: checking local IP offload indicators, verifying permissions, assessing coverage area eligibility, and determining context activation status. This segmentation simplifies device complexity by providing a structured, modular approach rather than requiring simultaneous evaluation of all parameters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system applies different evaluation criteria and complexity levels based on local conditions at each access point and coverage area. Devices receive tailored IP offload configurations according to their specific location and network conditions, rather than applying uniform complex management rules to all devices, thereby reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Ease of operation

If local IP offload is managed without indicators and permissions, then system operation is simplified, but reliability decreases due to incorrect context activation and deactivation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem operation simplicityVSAvoidcontext management accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary verification of indicators and permissions before IP offload context activation. This preliminary action ensures that only eligible devices with proper authorization receive offload services, preventing incorrect activations while maintaining relatively simple operational procedures for authorized devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Devices automatically perform self-evaluation against stored indicators and permissions, and network nodes autonomously determine context activation status based on received information. This self-service mechanism maintains reliability through automated accurate decision-making while keeping system operation simple by eliminating manual intervention requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3432521B1Method and apparatus for managing local internet protocol offload
Publication Date: 2021.09.08 QUALCOMM INC
  • EP3432521B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3432521B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3432521B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Methods and apparatuses are provided that facilitate establishing packet data context for local internet protocol (IP) offload at a device. One or more indicators regarding local IP offload access or support can be evaluated to determine whether to establish a requested context for the device. Where the one or more indicators allow, a packet data context for local IP offload traffic can be established and associated with a radio bearer at an access point allowing the device to communicate local IP offload data over the radio bearer.