Network-Based IP Flow Mobility via Multiple Wireless Accesses
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication technologies lack efficient methods for managing Internet Protocol (IP) flow mobility across multiple wireless access networks, particularly in heterogeneous environments involving both 3GPP cellular and non-3GPP wireless local area networks (WLANs), which limits the flexibility and efficiency of IP flow management in wireless communication devices.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of UE-initiated network-based IP flow mobility (NB-IFOM) solutions, where user equipment (UE) can establish and manage IP flows through multiple wireless access networks by negotiating support for NB-IFOM through Protocol Configuration Options (PCO) in non-access stratum messages and Internet Key Exchange Version 2 (IKEv2) signaling, enabling simultaneous connections and routing rule management across different access networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If wireless communication devices connect to multiple wireless access networks simultaneously, then network flexibility and service availability are improved, but device complexity and management overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments IP flows into different flow types (default flow and non-default flows) and routes them through different access networks separately. This segmentation allows the device to manage multiple connections by treating different traffic types independently, reducing the complexity of managing all traffic uniformly across multiple networks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an IP flow mobility anchor as an intermediary element that coordinates IP flow mobility between different wireless access networks. This anchor point simplifies device complexity by centralizing the mobility management function, allowing the device to connect to multiple networks without having to independently manage all mobility aspects.
2Reliability
If IP flows are managed across multiple wireless access networks, then service continuity and mobility are improved, but routing complexity and management overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments routing complexity by creating separate routing paths for default flows and non-default flows. Default flows are routed through a default access network while non-default flows can be routed through non-default access networks. This segmentation simplifies routing decisions and reduces overall routing complexity while maintaining service continuity.
Solution Approach 2:
The IP flow mobility anchor acts as an intermediary that simplifies routing complexity by providing a centralized point for flow mobility management. It handles the complexity of routing decisions between different access networks, allowing the device to maintain service continuity without having to implement complex routing logic locally.
3Productivity
If multiple wireless access networks are used in parallel, then network utilization and resource optimization are improved, but management complexity and coordination overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments network management by separating default flow management from non-default flow management. This allows the device to optimize network utilization by routing different types of traffic through different access networks based on their specific requirements, while reducing management complexity through this clear separation of responsibilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The IP flow mobility anchor serves as a mediator that coordinates resource optimization across multiple access networks. It manages the complexity of coordinating network resources by providing centralized control over flow mobility, allowing the system to achieve high network utilization without requiring the device to implement complex coordination mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and methods to support IP flow mobility (IFOM) via multiple wireless accesses in a wireless device are disclosed. The wireless device initiates network-based IFOM (NB-IFOM) to establish and manage IP flows. Support for NB-IFOM is negotiated during initial attach procedures to either or both wireless accesses and by using packet data network (PDN) connectivity procedures. The wireless device sends routing rules including priorities to apply to both existing and future IP flows or to future IP flows only. The wireless device requests to move IP flows from a source access to a target access. When a new wireless access is added to an existing PDN connection, an identical IP address for the wireless device is allocated as used for the existing PDN connection. The network establishes a GPRS tunneling protocol (GTP) tunnel for the new wireless access while maintaining a previously established GTP tunnel for the existing wireless access.