Mobile-to-Ethernet Interface Using IMSI-Based Virtual MACs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobile network architectures require expensive, specialized equipment and expert personnel due to complex protocols like PGWs, which become necessary as user numbers increase, necessitating additional infrastructure for data routing and access.
Innovation Solution
The method replaces conventional PGWs with a software brick that translates mobile network protocols into Ethernet protocols usable by target networks, using a virtual MAC address derived from UE's IMSI for identification, simplifying the interface between mobile and fixed networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional PGWs are used for data routing in mobile networks, then reliable data routing and access control are achieved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the PGW functionality through a software virtualization layer. The virtual network function (VNF) implements PGW capabilities in software form, allowing multiple virtual PGW instances to share physical infrastructure. This copying approach maintains the reliability of data routing while reducing the need for dedicated physical equipment, thereby lowering complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional hardware-based PGW equipment with software-based virtualization. The mechanical/physical system of dedicated network appliances is substituted with a software running on standard server hardware, managed through virtualization technology. This substitution maintains routing functionality while dramatically reducing device complexity and deployment cost.
2Productivity
If more PGW equipment is deployed to handle increased user numbers, then access capacity is improved, but device complexity and operational difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal platform where a single physical infrastructure can host multiple virtual PGW instances, each serving different user groups or service types. The virtualized architecture allows the same hardware resource pool to be dynamically allocated to meet varying access capacity demands, eliminating the need for separate dedicated equipment for each user group and simplifying overall network management.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple PGW functions and user traffic streams into a unified virtualized platform. Instead of deploying separate physical PGW devices for different user groups, the system combines them into shared virtual instances that can be dynamically configured. This merging approach increases access capacity while reducing the total number of physical devices and simplifying operational management.
3Manufacturing precision
If specialized PGW equipment is used for each user group, then access control precision is improved, but ease of operation and maintenance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a virtualization layer as an intermediary between the physical infrastructure and access control logic. This software layer provides standardized interfaces for managing multiple user groups, allowing precise access control policies to be configured and enforced without requiring direct management of complex physical equipment. The intermediary abstraction simplifies operations while maintaining control precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments access control functionality into independent virtual network functions that can be individually configured and managed. Each virtual PGW instance can enforce specific access control policies for different user groups, maintaining precision control. Meanwhile, the segmented virtual functions run on shared infrastructure, simplifying overall operation and maintenance compared to managing monolithic specialized equipment for each user group.
Data Source
AI summary
An interface couples a mobile network of a mobile phone network operator to a fixed access network of a fixed network operator, to allow a user equipment connected to the mobile network to access a private or public target network via the access network. The interface comprises, on the mobile network side, a stack of protocols including: i) an Ethernet link layer, and ii) a mobile network protocol layer incorporating UE's identification data provided by the mobile network. The interface comprises, on the network side, a stack of protocols including an Ethernet link layer with a virtual MAC address. The interface is adapted to generate the virtual MAC address by incorporating a UE-specific unique identifier, derived from the International Mobile Subscriber Identity, IMSI, identifying the UE's user, included in the UE's identification data provided by the mobile network and incorporated in the mobile network protocol layer of the mobile network-side protocol stack, to translate the mobile network protocol into an Ethernet protocol directly usable by the target network after having been analyzed and interpreted by the fixed access network of the fixed network operator.