Mobile VPN IP Continuity via Dynamic Routing Extension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mobile network technologies face challenges in providing seamless roaming for mobile virtual private networks (VPNs) between cellular radio networks and local wireless access networks, leading to disruptions in IP address continuity and service connectivity when wireless devices roam across different access technologies.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves dynamically extending the virtual routing areas of a home service provider network to the edge of a visited service provider network, allowing wireless devices to maintain their IP address and ensuring uninterrupted service by mapping access channels and routes within the mobile VPN, even when roaming between cellular and WiFi networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If overlay networks are used to tunnel IP flows between WLAN and mobile service provider network, then inter-network connectivity is provided, but service providers cannot enforce traffic policies and services, and additional complexity is introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the IP flow mobility management functionality from the overlay network layer and integrates it directly into the mobile service provider's core packet-switched network. The gateway device is configured to identify IP flows and redirect them between access networks at the network core, eliminating the need for overlay tunnels and allowing service providers to enforce traffic policies directly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a gateway device as an intermediary between the WLAN access network and the mobile service provider network. This gateway device performs IP flow identification, matching, and redirection functions, serving as a mediator that enables seamless IP flow mobility while maintaining service provider control and policy enforcement capabilities.
2Productivity
If wireless devices use local IP address allocated by WLAN for IP flows, then WLAN offload is enabled, but IP address preservation is not provided and seamless roaming cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes IP flow templates in advance that define matching criteria for IP flows. These templates are pre-configured with source/destination IP addresses, ports, and protocols, allowing the gateway device to quickly identify and redirect IP flows without requiring IP address reassignment during roaming transitions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the network path parameter for IP flows while maintaining the same IP addresses. The gateway device modifies the routing behavior by matching IP flow characteristics against templates and redirecting flows through appropriate access networks, enabling seamless mobility without changing IP address parameters.
3Reliability
If roaming wireless device participates in establishing tunnel to connect to anchor point, then connectivity is provided, but additional signaling overhead and complexity is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service IP flow mobility where the gateway device autonomously identifies IP flows using pre-configured templates and automatically redirects them between access networks. The wireless device does not need to participate in tunnel establishment or signaling, as the gateway device independently manages IP flow mobility based on observed traffic patterns.
Data Source
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AI summary
In general, a mobile virtual private network (VPN) is described in which service provider networks cooperate to dynamically extend a virtual routing area of a home service provider network to the edge of a visited service provider network and thereby enable IP address continuity for a roaming wireless device. In one example, a home service provider network allocates an IP address to a wireless device and establishes a mobile VPN. The home service provider network dynamically provisions a visited service provider network with the mobile VPN, when the wireless device attaches to an access network served by the visited service provider network, to enable the wireless device to exchange network traffic with the visited service provider network using the IP address allocated by the home service provider network.