Network Element System Packet Processing Engine Latency Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional LTE networks face latency issues due to multiple transport tunnels and managing multiple user IP addresses, which complicates mobility management and lawful intercept, while existing solutions either increase latency or complicate network operations.
Innovation Solution
The network element system separates control and user plane functionalities into distinct entities within the LTE network, allowing dedicated bearers to be set up without default bearers, and integrates packet processing engines outside the core network to route user traffic directly, reducing latency and maintaining lawful intercept capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple transport tunnels are used for data routing between UE and PGWs, then data connectivity and service reliability are improved, but network latency increases and operational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network architecture by separating control plane entities (MME, SGW, PGW) from user plane packet processing functions (PPE). This allows control functions to remain distributed for reliability while user data traffic can be routed through fewer, optimized paths via the PPE, reducing latency without sacrificing connectivity reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The PPE acts as an intermediary between the core network and external PDNs. It receives user plane traffic from the SGW and forwards it directly to external networks without requiring traversal through multiple PGWs, thereby maintaining reliable data connectivity while reducing the number of tunnel hops and associated latency.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple PGWs are deployed for different APNs, then network versatility and service coverage are improved, but device complexity and management overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The PPE is designed as a universal user plane entity that can handle traffic for multiple APNs and external PDNs simultaneously. Instead of requiring separate PGW instances for each service, the single PPE provides multi-functional user plane processing, reducing the number of network elements from 3 to 1 while maintaining versatility across Internet, IMS, and other external networks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the user plane functions of multiple PGWs into a single PPE entity. This consolidation reduces the number of network elements that need to be managed, configured, and maintained, while the PPE maintains the ability to serve multiple APNs through its multi-functional design.
3Reliability
If dedicated bearers are set up through central PGW, then QoS management and control are improved, but setup latency and signaling overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the user plane packet processing functions from the central PGW and places them in distributed PPE entities. This allows dedicated bearer setup to be initiated by the SGW directly with the appropriate PPE, bypassing the need for complex centralized PGW coordination for user plane establishment, thereby reducing setup latency while the MME retains QoS control authority.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present application relates to a network element system for use in a wireless telecommunications network having a mobility management entity (MME), the network element system comprising: a first control entity; a second control entity; a first packet processing engine (PPE); and a second packet processing engine (PPE), wherein: the first control entity is configured to control the first PPE and the second control entity is configured to control the second PPE such that user plane traffic is routed through the first PPE and the second PPE; and the first control entity and the second control entity are located within a core network of the wireless telecommunications network, whilst the first PPE and the second PPE are located outside the core network.