PGW IPv4 Address Release via Binding Revocation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing techniques fail to efficiently handle Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) version 4 address release requests in Proxy Mobile Internet Protocol (PMIP) or General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) Tunneling Protocol (GTP) based networks, leading to potential loss of PDN connections when IP addresses are deleted.

Innovation Solution

A method and system for releasing an IPv4 address by a packet data network gateway (PGW) that allocates both IPv4 and IPv6 addresses to User Equipment (UE), transmitting a binding revocation message to a Serving Gateway (SGW) to release only the IPv4 address, and triggering resource release, with acknowledgment and relay of DHCP messages to maintain active PDN connections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the IP address is deleted in existing techniques, then the address can be released for re-allocation, but the PDN connection is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveIP address re-allocation efficiencyVSAvoidPDN connection stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the IP address management from the PDN connection management. By introducing a binding revocation message that specifically targets only the IP address binding while preserving the underlying PDN connection, the system can release IP addresses for re-allocation without terminating the established data bearer. This allows the PGW to revoke IP bindings independently while maintaining the S5/S8 tunnel and PDN context.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a binding revocation message as an intermediary mechanism between the PGW and SGW. This message acts as a mediator that carries the specific instruction to release only the IP address binding while preserving the PDN connection. The message includes an indication field that distinguishes between releasing only the IP binding versus releasing the entire PDN connection, enabling precise control over resource release.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a binding revocation message is transmitted to release only IPv4 address, then the PDN connection is maintained, but additional signaling overhead is introduced

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovePDN connection continuityVSAvoidsignaling message processing
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the binding revocation functionality with existing PMIP/GTP signaling frameworks. The binding revocation message is integrated into the established S5/S8 interface protocols, utilizing existing message structures and transmission mechanisms. This approach allows the system to add selective IP release capability without creating entirely new signaling paths, thereby reducing the impact of additional signaling overhead.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamic indication fields within the binding revocation message that allow flexible specification of which IP addresses to release. The message can dynamically adapt to release only IPv4, only IPv6, or both types of addresses based on the current PDN connection configuration. This dynamic approach enables precise control over resource release while maintaining connection stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3484129B1Method and system for handling a dynamic host configuration protocol internet protocol version 4 address release
Publication Date: 2020.04.22 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3484129B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3484129B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3484129B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method for releasing an internet protocol (IP) address by a packet data network gateway (PGW) in a mobile communication system comprises allocating, by the PGW, an internet protocol version 4 (IPv4) address and an internet protocol version 6 (IPv6) address to a user equipment (UE) to activate a packet data network (PDN) connection between the UE and the PGW. Receiving, by the PGW, a dynamic host configuration protocol (DHCP) release message from a serving gateway (SGW). Transmitting, by the PGW, to the SGW, a binding revocation message including information indicating release of the IPv4 address with the PDN connection between the UE and the PGW remaining active. Receiving, by the PGW, a binding revocation acknowledge message to acknowledge release of the IPv4 address from the SGW.