Multihomed Cellular Device Routing via ANDSF Priority Rules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for multi-homed cellular devices to route IP packets across multiple PDN connections are suboptimal, lacking operator policies and failing to consider transport costs, leading to inefficient traffic routing.
Innovation Solution
A method for a cellular device to obtain routing rules from a routing server, allowing it to route uplink IP packets through established PDN connections over the same cellular radio interface, using identification information like IP 5-tuples and prioritized lists of APNs to select the most appropriate PDN connection for traffic classes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a multi-homed cellular device establishes multiple PDN connections to access different IP networks in parallel, then the device can access multiple networks (Internet, IMS, corporate intranet) simultaneously, but the device faces difficulty in selecting the correct IP interface for routing IP packets, leading to inefficient traffic routing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary routing mechanism that acts as a mediator between the multi-homed device and multiple PDN connections. The system provides automated routing rules that determine which PDN connection should be used for specific traffic types, eliminating the need for manual routing decisions by the device user while maintaining the ability to access multiple networks simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the routing parameter from manual interface selection to automated policy-based selection. By introducing routing rules that consider transport cost and network-specific parameters, the system dynamically determines the optimal PDN connection for each IP packet, transforming the routing decision from a complex user task to an automated process.
2Ease of operation
If the device uses static configuration to define one interface as primary for all traffic, then routing operation is simplified, but traffic routing becomes inefficient as it does not consider transport cost or network-specific requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms static routing configuration into a dynamic system where routing rules can be updated and adjusted based on network conditions and transport cost. The routing mechanism adapts to different traffic types and network states, allowing the system to maintain operational simplicity while improving routing efficiency through policy-based decisions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the routing parameter from a fixed primary interface to a flexible policy-based selection that considers multiple factors including transport cost, network type, and traffic characteristics. This allows the routing operation to remain simple from the user perspective while achieving efficient traffic routing through automated parameter optimization.
3Productivity
If the device uses load sharing between multiple interfaces, then traffic routing efficiency improves by distributing load, but the mechanism remains suboptimal as it does not consider transport cost or network-specific requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating routing rules that are specific to each network and traffic type rather than applying a uniform load-sharing approach. Each PDN connection is optimized for its specific purpose and cost characteristics, allowing the system to achieve both efficient traffic distribution and network-specific optimization simultaneously.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the device uses trial-and-error mechanisms for routing selection, then network-specific optimization may be achieved, but routing time increases and overall efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring routing rules that determine the optimal PDN connection for different traffic types before actual data transmission occurs. This eliminates the need for trial-and-error mechanisms during runtime, as the routing decision is made in advance based on established policies and network characteristics.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and a user equipment (UE) for routing a data packet in a wireless communication network are discussed. The method according to an embodiment includes establishing, by the UE, a packet data network (PDN) connection via a 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) cellular network; obtaining, by the UE from an Access Network Discovery and Selection Function (ANDSF) server, a routing rule including information on an access point name (APN) and a priority of the APN, the APN identifying a packet data network (PDN) connection; and performing, by the UE, an offload function by selecting a gateway via the 3GPP cellar network based on the priority of the APN. The routing rule comprises identification information in the form of an IP 5-tuple allowing the UE to route the data packet.