Intelligent Traffic Routing via SDN Mediator

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Solution Overview

Problem

The increasing complexity and inefficiency in managing and routing traffic across different radio technologies in telecommunications networks, particularly due to varying device types and network conditions, lead to suboptimal utilization of network resources and user experiences.

Innovation Solution

Implementing intelligent traffic routing using software-defined network (SDN) principles to dynamically route packets based on network and device conditions, decoupling control and data planes, and utilizing IP protocols to optimize connectivity and resource allocation across various radio access technologies.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional radio technology management mechanisms are used, then each radio technology can be managed independently, but the interfaces between radio technologies become complex and cumbersome

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility across radio technologiesVSAvoidinterface complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a mobility management entity (MME) as an intermediary component that mediates between different radio access technologies (E-UTRAN, GERAN, UTRAN). The MME provides a standardized interface (S1 interface) that abstracts the heterogeneity of different radio technologies, allowing them to interoperate without direct complex interfaces between each other. This mediator handles mobility management, session management, and authentication across technology boundaries.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the network into distinct functional components: the mobility management entity (MME) for control plane functions, serving GPRS support nodes (SGSN) for legacy network compatibility, and gateway GPRS support nodes (GGSN) for packet data network access. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while working together through standardized interfaces, reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If LTE network with GTP tunneling is used for stationary M2M devices, then connectivity is provided, but network resources are not efficiently utilized

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveconnectivityVSAvoidnetwork resource utilization

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic routing and resource allocation mechanisms where the MME can select different serving nodes (SGSN or directly GGSN) based on device characteristics, mobility state, and network conditions. For stationary M2M devices, the system can optimize by using direct MME-GGSN connectivity without establishing full GTP tunneling through SGSN, thereby reducing network resource consumption while maintaining connectivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes operational parameters based on device type and conditions. For M2M devices, the patent modifies the default LTE attachment procedure by allowing direct attachment to GGSN without requiring SGSN involvement, changing the routing parameters and resource allocation to better suit low-mobility, data-efficient applications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple radio technologies are supported with separate management mechanisms, then diverse device requirements are met, but the control framework becomes cumbersome

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupport for diverse device typesVSAvoidmanagement complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The MME is designed as a universal control entity that can manage multiple types of user equipment (UE) including mobile phones, tablets, and M2M devices across different radio access technologies. It provides unified mobility management, session management, and authentication functions that work across E-UTRAN, GERAN, and UTRAN, eliminating the need for separate management mechanisms for each device type and technology.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The MME acts as a universal intermediary between the core network and various radio access technologies, providing a standardized control interface that abstracts the underlying technology differences. This allows diverse device types to be managed through a single control framework rather than requiring separate management mechanisms for each radio technology.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS10285110B2Intelligent traffic routing

Publication Date: 2019.05.07 AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I L P

AI summary

Intelligent traffic routing may be utilized to route packets of information to one or more radio access technologies and/or cells/access points based on network and/or UE conditions. Packet routes dynamically may be adjusted based on the best radio technology, cell layer, service provider specified criteria, or the like. In an example configuration, intelligent traffic routing may be SDN based utilize a simple Internet protocol.