Proxy Mobile IP Flow Handover via Address Translation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Proxy Mobile IPv6 lacks support for hand-over of individual traffic flows between interfaces of a multi-homed mobile node, leading to conflicts and limitations in simultaneous multi-access scenarios.

Innovation Solution

Implementing forward and reverse address translation between IP addresses at the mobile node and mobility anchor function to redirect traffic flows transparently, ensuring the mobile node uses configured IP addresses on sending/receiving interfaces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If Proxy Mobile IPv6 is used for mobility management, then transparency to mobile node is improved, but support for hand-over of individual traffic flows between interfaces is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransparency to mobile nodeVSAvoidsupport for hand-over of individual traffic flows

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments traffic flows by introducing flow identification mechanisms (such as 5-tuple: source IP, destination IP, source port, destination port, protocol) that allow individual traffic flows to be distinguished and handled separately. This enables the system to perform flow-specific routing decisions while maintaining the overall Proxy Mobile IPv6 architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary function (such as a gateway or router) that performs address translation and flow routing between the mobile node's interfaces and the network. This intermediary enables traffic flow handover by translating addresses and redirecting flows appropriately without requiring mobile node involvement in the signaling process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple interfaces are configured on mobile node for simultaneous multi-access, then adaptability is improved, but conflicts arise due to identical IP address assignments

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimultaneous multi-access capabilityVSAvoidIP address conflict

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by allowing different IP addresses to be assigned to different interfaces of the mobile node. Each interface maintains its own IP addressing scheme, and the system performs address translation when routing traffic between interfaces. This prevents conflicts by ensuring that each interface has unique address characteristics suitable for its specific network connection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Adaptability or versatility

If address translation is implemented for traffic flow redirection, then seamless hand-over is achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetraffic flow redirection capabilityVSAvoidaddress translation function

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements address translation in network entities (such as gateways or routers) that already perform other functions like routing and packet forwarding. By making these existing entities multi-functional, the system avoids adding dedicated address translation hardware or software, thereby reducing the overall complexity increase while still achieving seamless traffic flow handover.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS8873578B2Method and apparatus for use in a communications network

Publication Date: 2014.10.28 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)

AI summary

A method of routing traffic in a communications network employing Proxy Mobile IP is disclosed. According to the method, a traffic flow has been transferred from a first interface of a multi-homed mobile node, having a first IP address, to a second interface of the multi-homed mobile node, having a second IP address. The method further involves, at the mobile node and at a mobility anchor function, performing forward and reverse address translation between the first IP address and the second IP address.