Proactive Packet Capturing in Mobile Packet Core
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mobile network architectures face challenges in efficiently managing network resources, particularly in proactive and intelligent packet capturing, leading to degraded user experiences due to overloaded networks and complex debugging processes in 4G/5G mobile packet cores.
Innovation Solution
Implementing proactive and intelligent tracing and packet capturing techniques that utilize anomaly detection applications, decision tree logic, and GTP-U extension headers to automatically detect anomalies and trigger tracing and packet capturing without manual intervention, enabling per-subscriber selective enablement of debug information tracking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If manual packet capturing and debugging processes are used in mobile packet core, then debugging can be performed with existing tools, but the process becomes complex and time-consuming, leading to degraded user experience
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements proactive tracing that activates packet capturing before anomalies occur by monitoring predictive indicators (signal strength, data usage patterns, location changes). This preliminary action allows the system to prepare debugging data in advance, eliminating the need for complex post-problem debugging processes and reducing overall debugging time
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables automated anomaly detection and tracing activation without requiring manual operator intervention. The mobile packet core autonomously monitors network parameters, detects anomalies using machine learning models, and triggers packet capturing automatically, simplifying the debugging process while reducing time loss
2Loss of information
If comprehensive packet capturing is implemented across all network elements, then complete debugging information can be obtained, but network resources become overloaded and user experience degrades
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements selective packet capturing that activates only at specific network elements where anomalies are detected. Instead of uniform comprehensive capturing across all nodes, the system dynamically enables tracing at particular gateways or base stations based on local anomaly conditions, maintaining debugging information completeness while preserving network resource efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs packet capturing selectively rather than comprehensively by activating traces only when predictive indicators suggest potential anomalies. This partial action approach captures sufficient debugging information for most issues while avoiding the resource overload that would result from continuous comprehensive capturing across all network elements
3Productivity
If reactive packet capturing is used (after problems occur), then network resources are conserved during normal operation, but debugging efficiency is reduced and user experience degrades
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements proactive tracing that activates packet capturing before anomalies occur by monitoring predictive indicators such as signal strength variations, data usage pattern changes, and location transitions. This preliminary action enables the system to capture debugging information at the onset of potential issues, significantly reducing problem detection time while maintaining network resource efficiency through selective activation
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors network parameters and uses machine learning models to analyze patterns that precede anomalies. This feedback mechanism allows the system to predict potential issues and activate packet capturing proactively, transforming the traditional reactive approach into a predictive system that reduces detection time while conserving resources during normal operation
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques that provide proactive and intelligent packet capturing are described herein. In one embodiment, a method includes storing information associated with a plurality of user equipment (UE) sessions of a plurality of UEs within a mobile network; detecting an anomaly associated with at least one UE session of at least one UE based, at least in part, on the information stored for the at least one UE session; and activating a trace for the at least one UE session based, at least in part, on detecting the anomaly associated with the at least one UE session, wherein activating the trace comprises capturing packet information for a data packet flow associated with the at least one UE session at one or more data-path network elements of a plurality of data-path network elements within the mobile network.