Mobile IP Traffic Stream Consolidation for Network Routing Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for routing traffic flows in mobile IP networks require each traffic stream to have its own context and IP address, leading to high complexity in the end device and limited control over routing decisions, especially when differentiating between traffic streams with varying destination networks and Quality of Service (QoS) requirements.
Innovation Solution
A method and computer program that consolidate multiple traffic streams into a single carrier or context for transmission, allowing the local network access node to route them based on configurable rules and filter criteria, independent of destination networks and QoS, thereby simplifying the end device's role and enhancing network control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If each traffic stream is assigned its own context and IP address, then routing decisions can be made at the end device, but the complexity in the end device increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The routing decision function is extracted from the end device and transferred to the network infrastructure (gateway/router). The end device only needs to mark packets with identification information, while the complex routing logic resides in the network, reducing end device complexity while preserving routing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
A gateway or router acts as an intermediary between the end device and destination networks. This intermediary receives marked packets from the end device, performs the complex routing decisions based on the markings, and forwards packets to appropriate destinations, thereby shielding the end device from complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple contexts are used for different traffic streams, then network control over routing is improved, but the end device must maintain multiple IP addresses and contexts
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple traffic streams with different routing requirements are merged into a single context at the end device. The end device uses one IP address and a single context, marking packets differently to indicate routing preferences. The network then separates these streams based on markings, combining network control flexibility with simplified end device configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of changing the structural parameter of using multiple contexts/IP addresses at the end device, the invention changes the marking parameter of packets. The end device adds routing marking information to packets while maintaining a single context, and the network uses these markings to apply different routing policies, achieving versatility without increasing device complexity.
3Extent of automation
If the end device makes routing decisions, then specific IP addresses are assigned for each connection, but full network control over routing is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The end device performs preliminary action by marking packets with routing identification information before transmission. This marking indicates the end device's routing preferences or requirements. The network then uses these markings to make final routing decisions, combining end device autonomy in expressing preferences with network control in executing routing policies.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by having the network observe the routing markings made by the end device and adjust routing decisions accordingly. The end device expresses its routing preferences through markings, and the network provides feedback by actually routing packets according to these markings while maintaining overall control, creating a cooperative routing mechanism.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for routing streams of traffic in IP networks, particularly in mobile IP networks. The invention involves a plurality of streams of traffic to be transmitted being routed such that they are transmitted in a carrier/context (7). The plurality of streams of traffic at different destination networks (5; 6) and/or demands on transmission quality for the respective stream of traffic are merged and are transmitted from a terminal (3) via one carrier/context (7) to a network access node (4) in the IP network and are routed from there to the respective destination networks and devices.