Mobile Node Multi-Path Location Management for Seamless Handover

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Solution Overview

Problem

In Edge Mobility, mobile nodes cannot connect to multiple wireless access systems concurrently, as the Location Management Device (LMA) cannot manage multiple Mobile Access Gateways (MAGs) as location information, limiting the establishment of multiple communication paths using a single IP address and preventing seamless hand-over between wireless access systems.

Innovation Solution

A mobile node configuration that includes a location registration notification unit, storage unit for path information, and a transmission unit to connect through multiple MAGs, allowing selection and notification of a preferred MAG for packet transmission, enabling concurrent communication across multiple access systems and seamless hand-over.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the LMA manages only a single MAG as location information for a mobile node, then the system structure remains simple, but the mobile node cannot connect to multiple wireless access systems concurrently and cannot establish multiple communication paths

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveAbility to connect to multiple wireless access systemsVSAvoidLocation information management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the location information management by introducing a Primary MAG concept among multiple MAGs. Instead of managing all MAGs uniformly, the system divides them into a primary role (for packet forwarding) and secondary roles (for backup and handover), simplifying the management structure while enabling multi-access connectivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The LMA is enhanced to manage multiple MAGs as location information for a single mobile node, allowing the same location information structure to serve multiple wireless access systems simultaneously. This multi-functional capability enables the mobile node to maintain connections across different access systems through a unified management framework.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If the mobile node switches between wireless access systems, then seamless hand-over can be achieved, but control signals increase and movement processes become complex without pre-established paths

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveCommunication continuity during hand-overVSAvoidTime for control signal processing
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent establishes multiple communication paths in advance by registering multiple MAGs as location information before hand-over is needed. The mobile node and network pre-configure the Primary MAG and alternative MAGs, so that when hand-over is required, the switch can occur immediately without extensive control signaling or path establishment delays.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The LMA acts as an intermediary that maintains multiple MAG registrations and manages the hand-over process centrally. By coordinating the hand-over through the LMA rather than direct mobile node control, the system reduces control signal overhead and simplifies the movement process while ensuring communication continuity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP2169885B1Mobile terminal, location management device, and corresponding communication control methods
Publication Date: 2019.09.04 SHARP KK
  • EP2169885B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2169885B1 patent drawingFigure 2(a)~2(h)
  • EP2169885B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

When a mobile station 1 transmits a packet to a mobile station 2, the mobile station 1 selects an MAG 1 based on a primer flag of the MAG in a default router list, and transmits the packet to the MAG. 1 as a default router. The MAG 1 receives the packet and resolves an LMA by finding that a destination of the packet is not a mobile station associated with the MAG 1 from a location information management table. Then the MAG 1 transfers the packet to the LMA. A transfer unit sets a transfer source as the MAG1 and a transfer destination as the LMA, and transfers the packet by a transfer technique using encapsulation, a transfer technique such as GRE tunneling, or MPLS. The LMA searches the location information management table based on the mobile station 2 as the destination of the packet, acquires an MAG 3 whose primer flag is ON, and then transfers the packet to the MAG 3. This allows each of the mobile stations to establish multiple communication paths via multiple communication networks, and to select an optimal path to deliver a packet in a mobile communication system complying with the Edge Mobility and provided with mobile stations, access gateways, and a location management device.