Microslice Packet Routing via DNS Inspection and Supernetting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Complex wireless communication networks face challenges in managing traffic and assigning Quality of Service (QoS) due to the increasing number of subnets and DHCP scopes, especially with web-based and encrypted traffic, which complicates application classification and routing.
Innovation Solution
The method combines individual bridge subnets into a larger subnet, uses DNS traffic inspection for application classification, and dynamically manages QoS by intercepting DNS traffic to create mappings and cache IP addresses, allowing for centralized policy management and reducing the need for manual UE configuration through Supernetting and SDAP integration with UPF.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If individual bridge subnets are maintained separately, then each subnet can be managed independently, but the number of subnets and DHCP scopes increases, placing a burden on network administrators and devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple individual bridge subnets into a single larger subnet by implementing a supernat gateway that performs source NAT operations. This consolidation reduces the number of DHCP scopes from multiple individual scopes to a single scope, thereby reducing the complexity of network management while maintaining the ability to handle traffic from multiple bridges.
2Measurement precision
If traditional application classification approaches are used (transport layer inspection and deep-packet inspection), then application identification can be achieved, but web-based and encrypted traffic cannot be properly classified
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary classification of web-based and encrypted traffic by intercepting and inspecting DNS traffic before the actual application data flows. By analyzing DNS queries and responses, the system pre-identifies the applications being accessed, allowing subsequent encrypted or web-based traffic to be classified based on this preliminary information rather than requiring deep-packet inspection of the encrypted data itself.
3Reliability
If manual UE configuration is performed for different traffic forwarding paths, then proper routing can be established, but the process becomes complex and requires field configuration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service mechanism where the network automatically configures traffic forwarding paths without requiring manual UE configuration. The supernat gateway and policy control network element work together to dynamically establish routing rules based on application classification and QoS requirements, allowing the system to self-configure proper traffic paths while maintaining routing accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
A dynamic Packet Data Network (PDN) context without requiring Access Point Name (APN) configuration on a user equipment (UE) is disclosed. The disclosed method and apparatus eliminate the need for a manual configuration of a UE in the field when different traffic forwarding or routing paths are required. The disclosed method and apparatus also provide for the proper Internet Protocol (IP) address assignment and the management of the Quality of Service (QOS) treatments applied to specific flows based on determined characteristics of the flows.