Multipath TCP Dual LTE IP Address Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 3GPP specifications face challenges in managing multi-access connectivity, particularly with Multipath TCP (MPTCP) over dual LTE connections, due to limitations in IP address management and radio resource control, leading to suboptimal performance and lack of quality of service (QoS) assurance across different cell layers.
Innovation Solution
Configuring and assigning distinct IP addresses for data paths over dual LTE connections, allowing MPTCP to operate across different LTE base stations and cell layers, with signaling mechanisms to manage traffic routing and resource allocation, ensuring better control and load balancing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If distinct IP addresses are assigned to different LTE data paths for MPTCP, then connection robustness and load balancing capability are improved, but IP address management complexity and radio resource control difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the LTE connection into multiple independent data paths, each with its own IP address. This allows MPTCP to establish separate TCP connections over different LTE bearers, improving connection robustness while managing complexity through structured segmentation of network resources.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces network-side intermediaries (network elements in the LTE infrastructure) that manage IP address allocation and bearer configuration. These intermediaries handle the complexity of multi-IP management, shielding end devices from the full complexity while enabling robust MPTCP operation.
2Productivity
If multiple IP addresses are configured for dual LTE connections, then quality of service assurance and load balancing are improved, but signaling overhead and resource allocation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple LTE bearers into a unified MPTCP connection framework, allowing traffic to be distributed across multiple IP addresses while maintaining a single logical connection. This consolidates signaling management and reduces overhead compared to handling multiple independent connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal MPTCP framework that can operate over multiple LTE bearers simultaneously. This multi-functional approach allows the same protocol stack to handle both single and multi-path scenarios, reducing the need for additional signaling mechanisms.
3Reliability
If MPTCP operates over different cell layers via dual LTE connections, then radio access robustness and connection stability are improved, but path management complexity and routing control difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables MPTCP endpoints to autonomously manage multiple paths by selecting appropriate IP addresses based on connection requirements. This self-service capability reduces the need for complex network-controlled path management while maintaining radio access robustness through intelligent path selection.
Data Source
AI summary
It is provided a method, comprising configuring a first internet protocol address and a second internet protocol address different from the first internet protocol address for a connection between an apparatus performing the method and a packet data network; assigning the first internet protocol address to a first data path for the connection and to assign the second internet protocol address to a second data path for the connection, wherein at least a part of the first data path belongs to a radio access technology; at least a part of the second data path belongs to the radio access technology; and the part of the first data path is different from the part of the second data path.