P2P Traffic Localization in Mobile Networks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing P2P streaming systems face inefficiencies in mobile networks due to triangle routing and resource wastage, as all IP traffic must pass through a single packet gateway node, leading to wasted backhaul and core network resources, with no effective solutions for localized traffic recognition and enforcement in mobile networks.

Innovation Solution

A method and modified packet gateway node (P-GW) and mobile management function entity (MME) collaborate to detect P2P traffic, generate traffic localization policies, and initiate localized traffic routing by selecting a common local gateway for peer-to-peer traffic, considering load, security, and charging requirements, allowing direct communication between peers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If all IP traffic is routed through a single packet gateway node (P-GW/GGSN) as per current mobile network principles, then network control and security are maintained, but backhaul and core network resources are wasted due to triangle routing when peers are located in the same area

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebackhaul and core network resource wastageVSAvoidtraffic routing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments traffic routing into two paths: general traffic continues through the P-GW for centralized control, while identified P2P traffic between peers in the same area is segmented into a localized path through the S-GW. This segmentation reduces resource wastage for P2P traffic while maintaining centralized control for other traffic types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The S-GW acts as an intermediary node that receives P2P traffic from the P-GW and redirects it to the appropriate peer without requiring full routing through the P-GW. This intermediary approach enables localized routing while maintaining the P-GW's role as the primary anchor point.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If P2P traffic localization is implemented to reduce resource wastage, then resource efficiency improves, but traffic recognition accuracy and policy enforcement complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource efficiencyVSAvoidtraffic recognition difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The P-GW implements feedback mechanisms by monitoring traffic patterns and identifying P2P traffic flows. Based on this feedback, the system dynamically determines whether to apply localization policies, adjusting routing decisions based on real-time traffic analysis and peer location information.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual traffic analysis with automated detection mechanisms that use traffic flow characteristics, peer identifiers, and location data to automatically recognize P2P traffic. This substitution reduces the complexity of manual traffic recognition while improving accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Loss of energy

If traffic localization is enforced for all P2P traffic, then resource wastage is minimized, but security requirements such as lawful interception and charging considerations are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork resource wastageVSAvoidsecurity and charging compliance
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different routing qualities to different traffic flows: P2P traffic between peers in the same area receives localized routing treatment, while other traffic maintains standard routing through the P-GW. This local quality approach ensures security and charging compliance are maintained for non-P2P traffic while optimizing P2P traffic paths.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts routing policies based on traffic type, peer location, security requirements, and charging considerations. Rather than enforcing static localization for all P2P traffic, the system adapts routing decisions in real-time based on changing conditions and policy requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2856741B1Peer-to-peer traffic localization
Publication Date: 2016.02.03 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)
  • EP2856741B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2856741B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2856741B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a method for localization of peer-to-peer packet data traffic in a mobile network comprising a core network (420) and at least one radio access network, RAN (411). The method comprises the steps of first obtaining (501) data traffic information for a packet data connection (441) between two peers (Α1, Β1) located in the RAN (411) and where the connection (441) is passing through a packet gateway node P-GW (422) in the core network (420). If it is determined that the packet data connection (441) is carrying peer-to-peer traffic, the PG-W (422) requests localization policy information from a policy control function entity PCRF (434), The PCRF (434) returns localization policy information related to the two peers (A1, B1) and if localization is permitted, the P-GW (422) requests a mobile management function entity MME (435) to move the data traffic from the existing packet data connection (441) to another packet data connection (442, 443) passing through another (local) packet gateway node L-GW (425, 426) which could be located in the same RAN as the peers (A1, B1).