Mobility Anchor Switching for Partial Packet Flow Load Distribution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current mobility anchor switching methods in network-based mobility management systems, such as those described in 'Runtime LMA Assignment Support for Proxy Mobile IPv6', are inadequate for actual systems like 3GPP, as they rely on the original mobility anchor for address determination and assume only one active anchor, failing to handle scenarios where multiple anchors are needed for load distribution during data communication.

Innovation Solution

A mobility management system that allows the mobility management node to initiate switching of the mobility anchor during data communication, enabling partial packet routing through multiple anchors without the mobile terminal's awareness, using transmission-path control signals to manage and redirect or duplicate packet flows between the access gateway and mobility anchors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the original mobility anchor determines the address and assumes only one active anchor, then the system follows standardized protocols (PMIPv6, MIPv6), but it fails to handle scenarios where multiple anchors are needed for load distribution during data communication

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveAbility to handle multiple anchors for load distributionVSAvoidSystem complexity in anchor management
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the packet flow by creating multiple transmission paths through different mobility anchors. The mobility management node divides the data communication load by routing different packet flows through different anchors (first mobility anchor and second mobility anchor), enabling load distribution while maintaining protocol compatibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The mobility management node is designed with multi-functionality to both determine addresses using standardized protocols (PMIPv6, MIPv6) and simultaneously manage multiple mobility anchors for load distribution. This universal design allows the system to follow existing protocols while adding the capability to handle multiple active anchors.

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

2Reliability

If mobility anchor switching is initiated by the mobile terminal or external network, then the switching process follows conventional protocols, but it cannot achieve seamless switching during ongoing data communication

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveContinuity of data communication during anchor switchingVSAvoidDifficulty in implementing seamless anchor switching
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The mobility management node performs preliminary actions by proactively determining addresses and establishing transmission paths through multiple mobility anchors before switching is needed. This allows the system to prepare alternative paths in advance, enabling seamless switching during ongoing data communication without disrupting the mobile terminal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The mobility management node acts as an intermediary between the mobile terminal and mobility anchors. It seamlessly manages the switching process by controlling transmission paths and routing packets through different anchors without requiring the mobile terminal to be aware of or participate in the switching decisions, thus achieving reliable continuous communication.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If a single mobility anchor is used for all packet flows, then the system is simple to manage, but it cannot achieve efficient load distribution across multiple anchors

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveEfficiency of load distribution across anchorsVSAvoidComplexity of managing multiple transmission paths
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments packet flows by creating multiple transmission paths, each routed through different mobility anchors. The mobility management node divides the data communication load by routing different packet flows through different anchors, enabling efficient load distribution while maintaining manageable complexity through systematic path control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Adaptability or versatility

If the mobile terminal is made aware of mobility anchor switching, then the terminal can participate in the switching process, but it increases the complexity of mobility management and disrupts ongoing communication

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveTerminal participation in mobility managementVSAvoidComplexity of mobility management procedures
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mobility management node serves as an intermediary that handles all mobility anchor switching operations without requiring mobile terminal participation. It controls transmission paths and routes packets through different anchors transparently, maintaining simplicity while enabling versatile anchor management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP2688325B1Mobility management system, mobility management method, access gateway device and mobility management control device
Publication Date: 2018.08.01 NEC CORP
  • EP2688325B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2688325B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2688325B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

An access GW (201) receives, from a mobility management node (300), a transmission-path control signal for changing a route of only part of a data packet flow that pertains to a mobile terminal (400) and is originally relayed through the access GW (201) and a first mobility anchor (100A). In response to receiving the transmission-path control signal, the access GW (201) establishes a logical transmission path with a second mobility anchor (100B) for transferring the part of the data packet flow, and transfers the part of the packet flow to the second mobility anchor (100B) and also transfers a remaining part of the packet flow to the first mobility anchor (100A) by distinguishing a data packet received from the mobile terminal (400). As a result, for example, a mobility anchor can be switched for a part of data packets relating to the mobile terminal (400) under the initiative of the mobility management node (300).