MPTCP Flow Mapping for Aggregated Throughput
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 3GPP LTE networks and wireless-local-area-networks (WLANs) do not effectively aggregate capacities across multiple serving eNodeBs for a single application service, limiting throughput and simultaneous use of multiple access technologies.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a multipath TCP connection protocol (MPTCP) that maps multiple TCP flows to multiple EPS bearers routed through multiple eNodeBs, allowing for aggregated resource utilization across different technologies and service providers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single EPS bearer is used for an application in DC-1A mode, then the bearer can be served by a single eNB, but the throughput is limited to the capacity of one eNB and cannot aggregate capacities from multiple eNBs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments a single application's data flow into multiple TCP sub-flows, each mapped to a separate EPS bearer. This allows the application to utilize multiple eNBs simultaneously by distributing different sub-flows through different bearers, thereby aggregating throughput from multiple eNBs while maintaining manageable bearer structures through automated mapping rules.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple EPS bearers carrying different TCP sub-flows into a unified service for a single application. The network infrastructure combines the capacities of multiple eNBs by routing aggregated traffic through multiple bearers that converge at the application layer, effectively merging resource capacities while preserving application-level performance.
2Productivity
If MAPCON or IFOM techniques are used to enable multiple access packet data network connectivity, then devices can use separate IP addresses for different access networks, but any given application can only use one access at a time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the application's traffic into multiple TCP sub-flows that can be independently routed through different access networks (3GPP LTE and WLAN). Each sub-flow is assigned to a specific access network based on available bearers, enabling simultaneous utilization of multiple accesses for a single application without requiring complex multi-IP address management at the application layer.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces the PGW (Packet Data Network Gateway) as an intermediary that performs intelligent routing of TCP sub-flows to appropriate access networks. The PGW acts as a mediator between the application and multiple access networks, automatically managing bearer selection and traffic distribution without requiring complex client-side IP address management or application-level multi-homing support.
Data Source
AI summary
In a method for providing application services to a user in a communications network, a first multi-path transport control protocol (MPTCP) flow is mapped to a first evolved packet system (EPS) bearer associated with a first serving base station for the user, and a second MPTCP flow is mapped to a second EPS bearer associated with a second serving base station for the user. The first MPTCP flow is output on the first EPS bearer for delivery to the user through the first serving base station, and the second MPTCP flow is output on the second EPS bearer for delivery to the user through the second serving base station. Each of the first and second MPTCP flows correspond to a same multipath transport control protocol MPTCP connection for an application.