Self-Organizing MPLS VPN Transport for LTE Scalability
Solution Overview
Problem
The rapid growth in mobile data traffic is challenging legacy network infrastructure, particularly in LTE telecommunication networks, by increasing capacity demands and requiring improved speed, efficiency, and scalability while maintaining service quality, especially in scenarios with tens of thousands of cell sites where conventional network infrastructure faces stress.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a self-organizing and scalable Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) Virtual Private Network (VPN) transport system that dynamically updates outbound route filtering and automates inter-domain label filtering, enabling seamless connectivity and flexible transport between cell sites and the core network, respecting scalability restrictions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If conventional network infrastructure is used to support mobile data transmission, then basic connectivity is maintained, but capacity demand and scalability are insufficient for tens of thousands of cell sites
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network into hierarchical domains (access nodes, aggregation nodes, core network) with specialized functions. Each domain handles specific tasks, allowing independent scaling and management. This segmentation enables the network to support tens of thousands of cell sites by distributing capacity across multiple manageable segments rather than requiring a monolithic infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces MPLS label switching as an additional dimensional layer for traffic management. By adding label-based forwarding dimensions to the traditional IP routing, the network gains multi-dimensional traffic engineering capabilities, enabling scalable support for diverse services and large numbers of cell sites without fundamentally changing the underlying infrastructure.
2Productivity
If MPLS VPN transport is implemented to improve data transmission speed and efficiency, then quality of service is maintained, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action through pre-established MPLS label switched paths (LSPs) and pre-configured virtual private networks (VPNs). By setting up these transport paths in advance and using pre-computed routing information, the system achieves high-speed data transmission without requiring complex real-time decision-making at each node, thereby reducing operational complexity while maintaining high productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses aggregation nodes as intermediaries between access nodes and the core network. These intermediaries simplify the overall network complexity by consolidating MPLS VPN routing functions, performing label switching, and managing outbound route filtering centrally, rather than requiring every access node to handle complex MPLS VPN operations independently.
3Reliability
If outbound route filtering is manually configured to manage traffic in large-scale LTE deployments, then traffic control is achieved, but operational efficiency and scalability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service through automated outbound route filtering (ORF) mechanisms. Access nodes automatically generate and exchange routing information with aggregation nodes using BGP protocols. The system self-configures MPLS VPN routes and automatically updates forwarding tables without manual intervention, maintaining reliable traffic control while dramatically improving operational efficiency in large-scale deployments with tens of thousands of cell sites.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms where access nodes monitor their routing tables and automatically request updates from aggregation nodes when changes are detected. The aggregation nodes receive feedback about routing requirements and dynamically adjust ORF policies accordingly. This closed-loop feedback system ensures reliable traffic control while eliminating manual configuration needs, enabling scalable operation across large LTE networks.
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, an access node of a network may receive a message that is destined for a particular address. The access node can determine that it does not have a border gateway protocol (BGP) label switched path (LSP) mapped for the particular address. The access node can further trigger an aggregation node to update outbound route filtering (ORF) to permit advertisements for the particular address. In response to the updated ORF of the aggregation node, the access node can receive via advertisements a BGP forwarding equivalent class (FEC) for an LSP mapped to the particular address. The access node can further transmit messages destined for the particular address from the access node to a subsequent node of the LSP according to the BGP FEC for the LSP.