Network Slicer for Non-Intrusive Traffic Segregation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless network systems lack efficient methods to segregate control plane and user plane functionality for different groups of mobile users without impacting existing network configurations or requiring significant updates to core network nodes.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a network slicer that can be inserted between left and right side network elements to selectively route traffic through the correct Gateway (SGW, PGW, or GGSN) based on configured policies, allowing for flexible network slicing without altering existing network functions or topology, and can operate in non-intrusive or minimally intrusive modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a GTP Proxy is deployed as an intermediary node to route traffic between roaming networks and home networks, then interoperability and traffic control are improved, but network complexity and the number of intermediary nodes increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the intermediary principle by introducing a GTP Proxy as a mediator node between roaming networks and home networks. This proxy terminates roaming traffic and proxies it to the real GGSN/PGW, enabling interoperability while hiding the topology of network elements. The intermediary handles GTP signaling and user plane traffic, resolving the contradiction by providing controlled access without exposing internal network complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If network slicing is implemented to segregate control plane and user plane functionality for different user groups, then network flexibility and security are improved, but device complexity and configuration requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements network slicing by segmenting the core network into multiple virtual networks or slices, each with dedicated control plane and user plane functionality for different user groups. This segmentation allows operators to create isolated network instances with specific policies and characteristics, improving flexibility and security while maintaining the underlying physical infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The GTP Proxy is designed with multi-functionality to handle both traditional GTP proxying operations and network slicing functions. It can operate in non-intrusive or minimally intrusive modes, performing gateway selection based on configured policies while maintaining compatibility with existing network elements and protocols, thus avoiding significant configuration changes.
3Stability of the object's composition
If existing network functions and topology are preserved without updates, then network stability is improved, but the ability to implement advanced features like network slicing is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The GTP Proxy serves as an intermediary that enables advanced network slicing features without requiring modifications to existing network functions. By positioning the proxy between network elements, it can implement gateway selection policies and traffic segregation while existing nodes continue to operate with their original configurations, preserving stability while adding capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary gateway selection and slice determination at the GTP Proxy before traffic reaches the core network elements. This preliminary action allows the proxy to establish appropriate routing paths and apply slicing policies in advance, enabling advanced features while existing network elements simply forward traffic without needing to understand or configure slicing parameters.
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments disclosed herein relate to systems and methods for network slicers. Network slicers can receive creation request messages and select network slices based on policies. A network slicer can indicate to next hop routers that it has lower routing costs in order to receive messages, and inspect the received messages to identify creation request messages. A network slicer can indicate to a DNS server that it has a higher priority than other network elements, and receive creation request messages based on the higher priority. New creation request messages can be sent to the selected network slices based on received creation request messages. The network can also create and send appropriate response messages to the creation request to establish future communications with the selected network slice.