Port Mapping for Multi-Access Data Connections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems face challenges in efficiently managing port mappings for multi-access data connections, particularly in configuring proxy functions within user plane functions to handle inbound TCP connections across 3GPP and non-3GPP access networks, leading to difficulties in mapping external ports to internal ports for reaching local services.
Innovation Solution
The method involves a user equipment (UE) and user plane function (UPF) communicating to establish a multi-access data connection, where the UE requests a port mapping list with suggested external ports, and the UPF responds with assigned external ports, enabling the UPF to map external ports to internal ports for inbound TCP connections, utilizing protocols like MPTCP and ATSSS to facilitate simultaneous communication over multiple access networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If port mapping is configured for multi-access data connections, then service accessibility and communication reliability are improved, but device complexity and configuration difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automatic port mapping configuration where the network side (UPF) autonomously assigns external ports and generates mapping rules without requiring manual user configuration. The UE receives pre-configured port mapping lists through standardized signaling messages, eliminating complex manual setup while ensuring reliable multi-access connectivity
Solution Approach 2:
A standardized signaling interface acts as an intermediary between the UPF and UE for port mapping configuration. The SMF mediates the interaction by transmitting port mapping information through structured messages, simplifying the complexity by providing a standardized communication channel rather than requiring direct complex interactions between network functions and user devices
2Ease of operation
If port mapping lists are transmitted through signaling messages, then service accessibility is improved, but signaling overhead and network load increase
Solution Approach 1:
Port mapping configurations are performed in advance during PDU session establishment or modification procedures. The complete port mapping list is pre-configured and transmitted to the UE before actual data transmission begins, allowing the system to handle service accessibility requirements without generating additional signaling overhead during active data sessions
Solution Approach 2:
The port mapping configuration mechanism is integrated into existing standardized signaling procedures (PDU session establishment, modification, and release). By reusing existing signaling message structures and transport mechanisms, the system achieves service accessibility enhancement without requiring separate dedicated signaling channels or increasing overall network signaling load
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatuses, methods, and systems are disclosed for port mapping for a multi-access data connection. One apparatus includes a processor that communicates with a mobile communication network via a non-third generation partnership program access network and via a third generation partnership program access network. The apparatus includes a transmitter that transmits a first message requesting a multi-access data connection with the mobile communication network. The first message includes a first port mapping list, each element in the first port mapping list includes an internal port and a suggested external port, and the first port mapping list is to be applied by a proxy function in the mobile communication network. The apparatus includes a receiver that receives a second message accepting the multi-access data connection. The second message includes a second port mapping list.