PDU Session Anchor Switching via Gratuitous ARP
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current communication systems face inefficiencies in switching protocol data unit (PDU) session anchors, particularly in 5G networks, where changing the PDU session anchor for Ethernet or Unstructured Data sessions does not require signaling with the user equipment, and existing methods may involve resource-intensive signaling and potential connectivity interruptions.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves determining a new PDU session anchor and transmitting a gratuitous address resolution protocol (ARP) request to update switch forwarding tables, allowing for seamless anchor changes without involving the user equipment, thus eliminating the need for signaling and minimizing resource usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If traditional PDU session anchor switching methods are used in 5G networks, then connectivity can be maintained, but network resource consumption increases due to signaling with user equipment and potential connectivity interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the ARP request function from traditional signaling protocols and applies it directly to switch forwarding tables in the data network. By sending a gratuitous ARP request from the new PDU session anchor, the system updates network switches without involving user equipment signaling, thereby reducing network resource consumption while maintaining connectivity continuity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a gratuitous ARP request as an intermediary mechanism between the new PDU session anchor and network switches. This intermediary updates forwarding tables automatically without requiring direct signaling with user equipment, thus resolving the contradiction between reduced resource consumption and maintained connectivity reliability.
2Ease of operation
If signaling with user equipment is performed during PDU session anchor changes, then connectivity can be maintained, but device complexity and resource usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The new PDU session anchor performs self-service by automatically sending gratuitous ARP requests to update its own forwarding table entries in network switches. This eliminates the need for complex signaling with user equipment and other network entities, thereby simplifying the anchor switching operation while reducing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical signaling system (requiring coordinated communication with user equipment) with an automated ARP-based mechanism. The gratuitous ARP request automatically updates network switches without manual intervention or complex signaling sequences, thus improving ease of operation while reducing overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Various communication systems may benefit from improved network communication setup. A method, in certain embodiments, may include determining at a network entity a new protocol data unit session anchor of a protocol data unit session with a user equipment. The method may also include transmitting from the network entity to the new protocol data unit session anchor a request to establish the new protocol data unit session anchor. In addition, the method may include transmitting an indication from the network entity to a radio access network. The indication may notify the radio access network to switch paths to the new protocol data unit session anchor. Further, the method includes sending from the network entity a gratuitous address resolution protocol request to the determined new packet data unit session anchor. The gratuitous address resolution protocol request may comprise an address of the user equipment in the protocol data unit session.