Non-disruptive Node Insertion in 3GPP Transport Protocol
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 3GPP networks face disruptions and high operational costs when introducing new nodes, such as mobile data offload gateways, due to the need for reconfiguration and termination of existing communications sessions, which is inefficient and service-disruptive.
Innovation Solution
A system learning entity within the transport protocol stack captures and configures state information to enable a new node to independently communicate with existing nodes without terminating the existing communications session, allowing seamless integration and offloading of traffic without disrupting operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a new node (e.g., MDO-GW) is introduced between RNC and SGSN to offload Internet bound traffic, then traffic offloading capability is improved, but existing communications sessions must be terminated and nodes must be reconfigured, causing service disruption and increased operational cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the new node capture and store state information (such as sequence numbers, checksums, and protocol parameters) from the existing communications session between RNC and SGSN before inserting itself into the communication path. This pre-captured state information enables the new node to independently communicate with both RNC and SGSN without terminating the existing session, thus maintaining service continuity while enabling traffic offloading capability
Solution Approach 2:
The new node acts as an intermediary by inserting itself between RNC and SGSN in the communication path. It uses the captured state information to independently communicate with both endpoints, mediating traffic flow and enabling Internet bound traffic to be offloaded while maintaining the appearance of direct communication between RNC and SGSN, thus avoiding service disruption
2Adaptability or versatility
If existing nodes (RNC, SGSN) are reconfigured to introduce a new node, then network functionality is improved, but operational cost increases and services are disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The new node performs self-service by autonomously capturing state information from the existing communication stream between RNC and SGSN and using this information to configure its own transport protocol layers. This eliminates the need for manual reconfiguration of existing nodes (RNC, SGSN) and reduces operational costs, as the new node independently integrates itself into the network without requiring service disruption or manual intervention on existing nodes
3Adaptability or versatility
If transport protocol layers are reconfigured to insert a new node, then new node integration is achieved, but existing communications sessions must be terminated
Solution Approach 1:
The transport protocol layer of the new node performs preliminary action by capturing state information (sequence numbers, checksums, protocol parameters) from the existing communication session between RNC and SGSN before the node is fully integrated. This pre-captured information allows the new node to independently establish its own transport protocol connections without terminating the existing session, thus achieving node integration while avoiding session termination time loss
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques for inserting a new node into a communications path of existing nodes of a 3GPP network are described herein. According to one embodiment, state information is captured within a transport protocol layer of a first node. The state information pertains to an existing communications session between a second node and a third node, while the first node routing packets exchanged between the second and third nodes via the existing communications session. The transport protocol layer of the first node is then configured using the captured state information to enable the transport protocol layer of the first node to independently communicate with a transport protocol layer of the second node and the third node respectively without terminating the existing communications session.