SDN Controller Multi-RAT Network Slicing for IoT Scalability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing general packet radio service (GPRS) tunneling protocol (GTP) tunnel and bearer concepts are not well-suited for the growing number of IoT/M2M devices and applications due to their connection-oriented architecture, which does not scale effectively in networks with billions of IoT/M2M endpoints, particularly in the context of 5G technologies and diverse mobility states.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of an SDN-based framework for application-based multi-RAT control, which configures radio access networks for both connectionless and connection-oriented services through network slicing, allowing for dynamic user plane path configurations based on network and device conditions, enabling efficient routing across multiple RATs and wireline connections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If GTP tunnel and bearer concepts are used to support mobile network connectivity, then connection-oriented services can be provided, but the network cannot scale effectively to support billions of IoT/M2M devices

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection-oriented service supportVSAvoidnetwork scalability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the network control into two distinct planes: a control plane that handles signaling and a data plane that handles user data traffic. This segmentation allows the network to support both connection-oriented services (through control plane signaling) and connectionless services (through data plane packet routing), enabling scalability to billions of IoT devices while maintaining reliable connected services.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent inverts the traditional approach by making the data plane independent and intelligent through SDN controllers that can make routing decisions without requiring connection setup signaling. This inversion allows connectionless packet routing to coexist with connection-oriented services, resolving the scalability contradiction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a single network architecture is used to support all devices, then device compatibility is maintained, but the architecture cannot efficiently support diverse mobility states and application requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupport for diverse mobility states and applicationsVSAvoidnetwork architecture complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal SDN-based network architecture that can perform multiple functions: supporting both connectionless and connection-oriented services, handling diverse mobility states, and accommodating various application requirements. The SDN controller provides multi-functionality by dynamically adapting network behavior based on service type, device mobility, and application needs without requiring separate architectures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamic adaptability where the SDN controller can adjust network behavior in real-time based on mobility states, application requirements, and network conditions. This dynamic approach allows a single architecture to efficiently support diverse scenarios without becoming overly complex, as the system adapts rather than requiring separate static configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If connection-oriented architecture is used, then service reliability is improved, but network resource allocation efficiency decreases for IoT/M2M devices

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveservice reliabilityVSAvoidnetwork resource allocation efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where SDN controllers monitor network conditions, device states, and application requirements to dynamically adjust resource allocation. This feedback loop enables the network to allocate resources efficiently for IoT devices using connectionless packet routing while maintaining service reliability through SDN-controlled policies and monitoring, resolving the contradiction between reliability and resource efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS10965621B2Application-based multiple radio access technology and platform control using SDN

Publication Date: 2021.03.30 AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I L P

AI summary

Concepts and technologies disclosed herein are directed to application-based multiple radio access technologies (“RAT”) and platform control using software-defined networking (“SDN”). According to one aspect of the concepts and technologies disclosed herein, an SDN controller can configure a radio access network (“RAN”) for connectionless services and for connection-oriented services. The RAN can support multiple RATs each capable of providing radio access to a device, such as a UE or an IoT device. The SDN controller can determine a user plane path configuration for an application flow through at least part of the RAN. The SDN controller can provide the user plane configuration to an SDN agent that is stored on and is executable by the device.