Segment Routing User Plane for Wireless Core Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication networks, particularly those using GPRS, face challenges in scalability and flexibility due to the limitations of the GTP protocol, which was developed for smaller and less flexible networks, and require a more flexible user plane protocol for 5G and future networks without a feasible migration path.
Innovation Solution
Implementing segment routing (SR) in the user plane without modifying the 3GPP control plane, by equipping mobile user plane functions with both GTP and SR modules, allowing translation between GTP and SR, and using tandem nodes to convert between SR and GTP packets, thereby enabling a migration path from GTP to SR.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If GTP protocol is used in the user plane, then compatibility with existing 3GPP control plane is maintained, but scalability and flexibility for 5G networks are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces SRv6 as an intermediary protocol layer between the existing GTP user plane and the future 5G control plane. The SRv6 header is inserted between GTP-U and IP headers, acting as a mediator that enables source routing capabilities without disrupting the existing GTP control plane architecture. This allows the user plane to adopt more flexible routing while the control plane continues to operate with standard GTP procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the protocol stack by introducing a distinct SRv6 layer between GTP-U and IP protocols. This segmentation allows independent evolution of the user plane routing mechanism without affecting the control plane GTP operations. The SRv6 segment provides source routing functionality that can be independently configured and managed, enabling scalability and flexibility improvements in the user plane while maintaining GTP compatibility in the control plane.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a new flexible user plane protocol is implemented, then scalability and flexibility improve, but compatibility with existing control plane deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
SRv6 serves as an intermediary that bridges the gap between the existing GTP control plane and the need for flexible user plane routing. By placing SRv6 in the user plane data path while keeping the control plane signaling unchanged, the invention maintains control plane compatibility and reliability while enabling enhanced connectivity flexibility in the user plane through source routing capabilities.
3Ease of operation
If GTP tunnels are used for user traffic, then existing network architecture is maintained, but routing flexibility and source routing capability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional GTP tunnel-based mechanical routing system with an SRv6-based source routing system. Instead of relying on pre-established GTP tunnels with fixed endpoints, the SRv6 header enables dynamic source routing where the route is determined by the segment list in the SRv6 header. This substitution provides finer-grained routing control and flexibility while maintaining a relatively simple network architecture by leveraging standard IPv6 routing infrastructure.
Data Source
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AI summary
Apparatus and methods are taught for utilizing Segment Routing (SR) in a user plane for a wireless network which utilizes a control plane configured for GPRS Tunneling Protocol (GTP).