LTE Mobile Anchoring via Dynamic eNodeB IP Session Handover
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current LTE-based networks face inefficiencies in handling large traffic loads due to the static anchoring function of Packet Gateways (PGWs), which cannot be combined with the functionality of Mobility Management Entities (MMEs) and eNodeBs, leading to increased transport costs and resource utilization when user equipment (UE) roams between eNodeBs.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a dynamic IP provider that allows eNodeBs to inherit anchoring functionality, enabling seamless handovers of UE bearer paths and IP sessions while maintaining the original IP address, by selecting optimal or alternate eNodeBs for handover and managing IP address pools to optimize resource utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If PGW anchoring function is used for roaming UEs, then IP session continuity is maintained, but transport cost and PGW resource utilization increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements localized bearer path anchoring at the eNB level rather than centralized PGW anchoring. When a UE roams between eNBs, the bearer path is anchored at the serving eNB, creating locally optimized routing that reduces transport distance and cost while maintaining IP session continuity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic bearer path anchoring that adapts to UE mobility. The system dynamically determines whether to anchor at PGW or at the serving eNB based on roaming status, allowing the network to optimize resource utilization and transport cost in real-time while maintaining session continuity.
2Reliability
If PGW anchoring function is used for roaming UEs, then IP session continuity is maintained, but PGW resource utilization increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the anchoring function between PGW and eNB. The PGW maintains the IP session control plane, while the serving eNB handles the user plane anchoring for roaming UEs. This segmentation distributes the load, reducing PGW resource utilization while maintaining session continuity through coordinated control-plane anchoring at PGW and user-plane anchoring at eNB.
3Device complexity
If static PGW anchoring is used, then network simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to UE mobility decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static PGW anchoring model into a dynamic system that adapts to UE mobility. The network dynamically switches between PGW anchoring and eNB anchoring based on whether the UE is in home or roaming status, providing adaptability to mobility while maintaining operational simplicity through standardized procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The eNB is赋予 dual functionality: it serves as both a radio access node and a potential bearer path anchor point. This multi-functionality allows the network to maintain simplicity by using existing eNB infrastructure while gaining adaptability to handle roaming scenarios efficiently.
Data Source
AI summary
A device receives roaming information associated with a user equipment (UE), a current eNodeB conducting a current Internet protocol (IP) session with the UE, and a plurality of eNodeBs that are neighboring the current eNodeB. The device also selects, based on the roaming information and from the plurality of eNodeBs, an optimal eNodeB to which to handover the UE, and establishes a preemptive IP session with the optimal eNodeB. The device further initiates a handover of the current IP session and the UE from the current eNodeB to the optimal eNodeB, where the current eNodeB acts as an anchoring point for a bearer path associated with the UE during the handover.