Mobile Edge Traffic Steering with Distributed BGP Route Rules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional traffic steering in 5G networks requires continuous updates and manual configuration of packet filter rules for new servers, leading to increased processing power and storage demands, and inefficient management of network functions.
Innovation Solution
Implementing packet detection rules (PDRs) with route rules that include forwarding action instructions, allowing dynamic traffic steering based on packet attributes, and utilizing border gateway protocol (BGP) for route rule establishment, reducing the need for centralized rule storage and management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional packet filter rules are continuously updated for new servers, then traffic steering accuracy is improved, but processing power and storage demands increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the centralized rule management system into distributed BGP route servers and network functions. Each network function maintains its own routing information through BGP peering, eliminating the need for continuous centralized updates and reducing processing overhead while maintaining accurate traffic steering to new servers.
Solution Approach 2:
Network functions autonomously obtain routing information through BGP protocol interactions with route servers. This self-service mechanism eliminates manual configuration and continuous centralized updates, allowing the system to adapt to new servers automatically without increasing processing power demands on central controllers.
2Ease of operation
If manual configuration of packet filter rules is performed, then traffic steering control is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The BGP protocol enables network functions to automatically obtain and update routing information without manual configuration. Route servers autonomously advertise routes to connected network functions, eliminating complex manual rule configuration while maintaining precise traffic steering control through standardized BGP attributes.
3Stability of the object's composition
If centralized rule storage is used, then rule management consistency is improved, but adaptability to local network changes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides centralized rule storage into distributed BGP routing information stored locally at each network function. This segmentation allows each network function to independently adapt to local network changes through BGP route updates while maintaining overall network consistency through standardized BGP protocols and attributes.
Solution Approach 2:
BGP routing information is dynamically updated through protocol interactions between route servers and network functions. This dynamic mechanism allows network functions to automatically adapt to local network changes such as new servers or route modifications without requiring centralized rule reconfiguration, while maintaining consistency through BGP's inherent update mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a system and method for steering traffic on a local edge network. A network function (NF) located on the edge network installs one or more packet detection rules (PDRs), wherein the one or more PDRs includes a first route rule with a routing tag. The NF receives a data packet and identifies one or more packet attributes of the data packet. The NF examines the one or more packet attributes against the one of the one or more PDRs, wherein examining the one or more packet attributes includes matching the one or more packet attributes to the first PDR. The NF may route the data packet in accordance with a forwarding action rule (FAR) attached to the first PDR to a local data network of an edge network.