Roaming Data Path Segmentation With Local U-Plane Gateway
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Solution Overview
Problem
International roaming through inter-carrier connections causes delays due to increased communication distance and network hops, particularly when IoT devices with SIM cards from one carrier are used outside their home network area.
Innovation Solution
A second network system is established that allows direct access to a computer network via a visiting gateway, bypassing the home carrier, by selecting a U-plane gateway based on network IDs and forming a tunnel between the second network and a third network, thereby reducing communication delays.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If international roaming is implemented to allow IoT devices to access networks abroad, then network accessibility is improved, but communication delay increases due to triangle routing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a local gateway in the visiting network as an intermediary that enables direct data transmission between the IoT device and external networks. This local gateway acts as a mediator that bypasses the traditional path through the home network, thereby reducing communication delay while maintaining network accessibility through international roaming arrangements
2Device complexity
If data is transmitted through the home network location, then authentication and network management are simplified, but communication distance increases causing delay
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network functions by separating control plane operations (authentication, billing, mobility management) which remain centralized in the home network, from user plane data transmission which is localized through the visiting gateway. This segmentation allows simplified home network management while reducing communication distance for actual data transfer
3Loss of time
If a direct tunnel is established to the home gateway, then data transmission path is shortened, but network infrastructure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic tunnel establishment where the direct data transmission path between the visiting gateway and home gateway is created on-demand based on actual communication needs. The tunnel is dynamically set up when an IoT device needs to access external networks and torn down when not needed, allowing shortened data transmission paths without permanently increasing network infrastructure complexity
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a second network which communicates with a communication system for providing access to a network other than a first network, via the second network, to a wireless terminal on which an identification number for accessing the first network is stored. The second network comprises: means for receiving an Access Point Name, APN, and a first connection initiation request on C-plane from the wireless terminal to send a second connection initiation request corresponding to the first connection initiation request to the communication system; means for obtaining an IP address corresponding to the APN; means for sending the second connection initiation request to the IP address; means for receiving a gateway ID of a gateway on U-plane to the network connected to the second network; and means for establishing a communication path between the gateway on U-plane designated by the gateway ID.