Non-3GPP Gateway Handover Using Shared IPsec Context
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 3GPP architectures lack seamless mobility support between different Trusted WLAN Access Network (TNAN) and Non-3GPP Inter-Working Function (N3IWF) access points, leading to disruptions in 5G service connectivity due to the need for re-authentication and re-establishment of IPsec tunnels during handovers.
Innovation Solution
Implement methods and devices that facilitate seamless handover between gateway devices in non-3GPP access by enabling efficient transfer of context information between source and target gateway devices, allowing continuous IPsec tunnel maintenance during transitions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If handover between different gateway devices is implemented in current 3GPP architecture, then mobility between WLAN access points is enabled, but service connectivity is disrupted due to re-authentication and re-establishment of IPsec tunnels
Solution Approach 1:
The target gateway device performs preliminary actions by receiving and storing context information from the source gateway device before the terminal device completes the handover. This includes receiving the handover indication, retrieving the context, and preparing the security associations in advance, so that when the handover is executed, service connectivity is maintained without disruption.
Solution Approach 2:
The source gateway device acts as an intermediary by transferring context information to the target gateway device. This context includes security associations, IPsec tunnel parameters, and terminal device identification information. The intermediary transfer enables the target gateway to assume the role seamlessly, maintaining service connectivity throughout the handover process.
2Reliability
If context information is transferred between gateway devices during handover, then service connectivity is maintained, but signaling overhead and handover complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the context transfer process with the existing handover signaling flow. The handover indication message carries both the handover command and the request for context information simultaneously. This consolidation reduces the number of separate signaling messages and simplifies the overall handover procedure while maintaining service connectivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The context information structure is designed to be universal and multi-functional, containing all necessary elements (security associations, tunnel parameters, terminal identification) that can serve multiple purposes during handover. This universal context framework can be applied across different handover scenarios and gateway types, reducing the need for procedure-specific customizations and lowering overall complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Example embodiments of the present disclosure relate to devices, methods, apparatuses and computer readable storage media for status notifications of access network for time sensitive communication. In example embodiments, a terminal device determines a target access device via which the terminal device communicates with a target gateway device. Further, the terminal device transmits, to a source gateway device with which the terminal device communicates via a source access device, a message indicating a handover from the source access device to the target access device. Moreover, the terminal device communicates with the target gateway device based on the same context associated with the terminal device as the source gateway device does.