PGW Data Service Control for LTE Traffic Savings
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Solution Overview
Problem
In LTE data services, users incur unnecessary data traffic charges when the data service switch is turned off, as downlink data packets continue to be sent despite the user's request to suspend all data transmissions, leading to wastage of data traffic.
Innovation Solution
A data service control method where a packet data network gateway (PGW) determines the status of the data service switch of user equipment (UE) and discards or forwards data packets based on this status, ensuring that only specified types of packets are processed when the switch is turned off, thereby avoiding unnecessary charges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the data service switch is turned off to suspend uplink data packets, then data transmission control is improved, but downlink data packets continue to be sent causing unnecessary data traffic charges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes unnecessary downlink data packets at the PGW when the data service switch is turned off. The PGW identifies and discards non-IMS data packets while preserving IMS data packets, thereby eliminating unnecessary data traffic charges without affecting critical services.
Solution Approach 2:
The PGW acts as an intermediary between the UE and the PDN network. It intercepts downlink data packets, determines whether they are IMS-related based on APN matching, and selectively forwards or discards them. This intermediary function resolves the contradiction by controlling downlink traffic based on the data service switch status.
2Loss of energy
If all data packets are blocked when the data service switch is off, then unnecessary data traffic is prevented, but important services like IMS services are also affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different quality treatment to different types of data packets. IMS data packets are preserved and forwarded with normal quality, while non-IMS data packets are discarded. This local quality differentiation ensures that important services maintain reliability while unnecessary traffic is prevented.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments downlink data packets into two categories: IMS-related packets and non-IMS packets. This segmentation is achieved by matching the APN of incoming packets against the APN configured for IMS services. The segmented treatment allows selective forwarding of important services while blocking unnecessary traffic.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the PGW forwards all downlink data packets, then service completeness is maintained, but unnecessary data traffic charges are incurred
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic packet forwarding behavior at the PGW based on the data service switch status. When the switch is on, all packets are forwarded; when the switch is off, only IMS packets are forwarded. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between service completeness and traffic charge reduction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the forwarding parameter of the PGW based on the data service switch status and packet type. The forwarding decision parameter is adjusted dynamically: forward all packets when switch is on, forward only IMS packets when switch is off. This parameter change enables selective traffic management.
Data Source
AI summary
A data service control method and a related device are disclosed. The method includes: determining, by a PGW, a status of a data service switch of UE; if the status of the data service switch is that the data service switch is turned off, after the PGW receives a first data packet that comes from or goes to the UE, determining, by the PGW, whether the first data packet belongs to a specified type; and forwarding, by the PGW, the first data packet if the first data packet belongs to the specified type; or discarding, by the PGW, the first data packet if the first data packet does not belong to the specified type. During implementation of embodiments of the present disclosure, when the data service switch of the UE is turned off, data traffic of the UE can be saved.