P-GW Relocation for Seamless Mobile Traffic Offloading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mobile communication systems face challenges in efficiently offloading traffic from user equipment (UE) in connected mode without causing service disruptions, particularly when handovers occur, as conventional Selected IP Traffic Offload (SIPTO) techniques require disconnecting and reconnecting packet data network-gateways (P-GW), leading to service disruptions.
Innovation Solution
A method is proposed to relocate the P-GW for UE in connected mode by determining the capability of both the UE and the other party to support the relocation, and delivering a relocation indication, allowing for seamless handover without disconnecting existing connections, using a node in charge of the control plane to manage the process and create a new packet data network connection with a dedicated bearer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional SIPTO techniques are used to offload traffic, then traffic offloading is achieved, but service disruptions occur during handovers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by establishing a new PDN connection and dedicated bearer before releasing the old P-GW connection. The network node creates the new connection with the target P-GW, configures QoS parameters, and ensures data path establishment in advance, so that when the handover occurs, service continuity is maintained without disruption.
Solution Approach 2:
The network node acts as an intermediary that coordinates the P-GW relocation process. It manages the transition by simultaneously maintaining connections with both source and target P-GWs during handover, ensuring seamless traffic forwarding and preventing service interruption through controlled intermediary management of the data path.
2Reliability
If P-GW relocation is performed during handover, then service continuity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The network node is designed with multi-functionality to handle both conventional traffic offloading and P-GW relocation with dedicated bearers. It can perform multiple functions including PDN connection management, bearer management, QoS configuration, and coordinated control of source and target P-GWs, reducing the need for separate specialized components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes in message signaling to manage P-GW relocation. By modifying parameters in Create Bearer Request, Create Bearer Response, and Delete Bearer Request messages to indicate dedicated bearer requirements and P-GW relocation instructions, the system achieves complex coordination through simple parameter modifications rather than complex procedural changes.
3Manufacturing precision
If dedicated bearers are created during P-GW relocation, then QoS management is improved, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary QoS configuration when creating the dedicated bearer during P-GW relocation. QoS parameters such as QoS Class Identifier (QCI), Guaranteed Bit Rate (GBR), and Maximum Bit Rate (MBR) are configured in advance during the bearer creation process, so that when data transmission begins, precise QoS management is already in place without requiring additional processing time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent ensures continuity of useful action by maintaining the dedicated bearer throughout the P-GW relocation process. The bearer remains active and functional during the transition, allowing data transmission to continue without interruption while QoS parameters are maintained, thus avoiding any loss of processing time while preserving precise QoS management.
Data Source
AI summary
An embodiment of the present description provides a method for rearranging a gateway by a node, which is in charge of a control plane, for a user equipment (UE) in a mobile communication network. The method can comprise the steps of: if a UE performs a handover and both the UE and an opponent device communicating with the UE are capable of supporting rearrangement of a gateway, determining an appropriate gateway for the UE to be rearranged; and transmitting a rearrangement indication to the UE on the basis of the determination.