MPTCP Proxy Routing via Remote Database
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies lack effective mechanisms for locating and routing Multipath TCP (MPTCP) proxy functions across multiple access networks, such as 3GPP and WLAN, which is essential for seamless traffic management and resource optimization in communications networks.
Innovation Solution
A method is introduced to identify and route MPTCP data traffic through a common MPTCP proxy function by using a remote database, such as a User Context Database (UCD) or Home Subscriber Server (HSS), which allows nodes in different access networks to determine and redirect MPTCP data paths, ensuring that MPTCP traffic is routed via a designated proxy node, even when the proxy is located at or between the Packet Data Network Gateway (PGW) and the mobile terminal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If MPTCP proxy function is located at or below PGW, then network resource utilization is improved, but difficulty of locating and routing MPTCP traffic increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a remote database (UCD/HSS) as an intermediary that stores and provides the location information of the MPTCP proxy function. When a node needs to route MPTCP traffic, it queries the remote database to obtain the proxy's identity and location, thereby solving the difficulty of locating the proxy without changing the proxy's optimal network position for resource utilization.
2Productivity
If MPTCP proxy function is located at or below PGW, then throughput is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the MPTCP proxy routing functionality into two parts: (1) the proxy function itself located at or below PGW for efficient traffic handling, and (2) a separate remote database for storing and providing proxy location information. This segmentation allows the proxy to operate at the optimal network position for throughput while the location management complexity is isolated in the database.
Solution Approach 2:
The remote database acts as an intermediary that simplifies the routing mechanism by providing a centralized repository for proxy location information. Nodes can obtain proxy location through simple database queries rather than implementing complex routing algorithms, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining high throughput performance.
3Adaptability or versatility
If MPTCP is introduced incrementally to networks, then adaptability is improved, but reliability of MPTCP communication decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The remote database serves as a reliable intermediary that stores the identity and location of the MPTCP proxy function. Even when MPTCP is incrementally deployed and not all nodes support it, the database ensures that MPTCP-capable nodes can reliably locate and communicate with the proxy, maintaining session reliability during the transition period.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for handling Multipath Transmission Control Protocol, MPTCP, signaling in a communications network. The communications network includes a first node hosting an MPTCP proxy function, and a second node in a second access network. The second node receives from a mobile terminal an attachment request. The second node then sends a message to a remote database and receives a response, the response including an identity of the first node. An MPTCP data path can then be redirected from the second access network to the MPTCP proxy function. Even in cases where the MPTCP proxy function is located at or between the PDN Gateway and the mobile terminal, the second access can be made aware of the location of the MPTCP proxy function and route MPTCP data traffic accordingly.