Transport Protocol Server Relocation via Declarative Signaling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing server relocation methods in transport protocol environments, such as those in 3GPP, face challenges in maintaining session continuity and optimizing data paths when user equipment (UE) moves, often resulting in inefficient data routing and complex network functionality requirements.
Innovation Solution
A method for server relocation that involves initiating a transport protocol path with a client, receiving an offer from another server to take over the session, deciding based on policy rules, and transferring the session while updating the local anchor point or breakout, using protocols like multipath TCP or QUIC, to ensure seamless session continuity and optimal data routing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a central anchor point is used for client IP POP, then network control is simplified, but data routing efficiency deteriorates when UE moves to different locations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the anchor point functionality into multiple distributed anchor points located at different local sites. Each anchor point serves a specific geographic area, allowing the system to maintain simplified control within each segment while improving overall routing efficiency through local化的 anchor selection based on UE location
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a geographic dimension to anchor point selection by distributing anchor points across multiple locations. The system selects anchor points based on the UE's geographic position, transforming the single-point control model into a multi-dimensional spatial distribution model that optimizes routing paths
2Speed
If local caching is implemented at multiple sites, then access speed improves, but network topology complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-distributes content to local caches at multiple sites before users request them. The system proactively replicates content to edge caches based on predicted demand patterns, so that when users access content, it is already available locally, reducing access latency without requiring complex real-time routing decisions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces local caches as intermediary nodes between the central network and end users. These caches act as mediators that store content locally and serve requests directly, reducing the need for complex direct routing between users and central servers while improving access speed through local fulfillment
3Reliability
If session state is maintained at the original server, then session continuity is ensured, but data path efficiency deteriorates when UE relocates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges session state management capabilities across multiple servers through state synchronization mechanisms. When a UE relocates, the new serving server can access and continue the session state from the original server, allowing the data path to be optimized locally while maintaining session continuity through combined state management
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where servers exchange session state information and relocation notifications. When a UE moves to a new location, the system receives feedback about the relocation and automatically updates session state routing, ensuring continuity while adapting the data path to the new geographic context for improved efficiency
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for server relocation in a packet data network. A transport protocol session is established between a client 20 and server 14_1 to transfer content from the server to the client in data packets. As well as transmitting data packets to the client, the server additionally transmits declarative information as signaling packets. The declarative information includes an identifier of the content being transmitted in the ongoing session. This allows other servers 14_2 with the same content to identify the existence of the session and gives them the opportunity to volunteer to take over the session, for example if they can see that the client is now closer to them than the server currently serving the content. The two servers can then coordinate transfer of the session, whereafter the session continues with the second server transmitting content to the client.