Service Identifier in GTP-U Header for Mobile Network Resource Allocation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mobile communication networks face challenges in efficiently managing radio resources, particularly for services like instant messaging that consume significant bandwidth, as existing Quality of Service (QoS) mechanisms are inadequate for identifying and controlling such data flows.
Innovation Solution
The method involves adding a Service Identifier (SI) or indicator to data packets in a GTP-U message, allowing the mobile communication network to identify services and allocate radio resources based on specific policies, using a database to associate session identifiers with service policies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If QoS mechanisms are used to manage data flows, then performance guarantee is improved, but service identification capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the QoS mechanism by introducing a separate Service Identifier (SI) field in the GTP-U header that is independent from the existing QoS parameters. This allows service identification to be separated from performance guarantee mechanisms, enabling precise service pattern recognition without compromising QoS functionality. The SI field can identify services at a granular level (e.g., specific IM applications) while QoS parameters continue to handle performance guarantees.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces the Service Identifier as an intermediary element between the data flow and the network management system. The SI acts as a mediator that carries service-specific information through the GTP-U header, enabling the network to identify and classify services without directly modifying the QoS parameter structure. This intermediary approach allows service recognition while maintaining existing QoS performance guarantees.
2Device complexity
If radio resources are allocated based on general QoS, then resource allocation is simplified, but resource utilization efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables dynamic resource allocation by introducing service-specific identifiers that allow the network to adapt resource allocation policies based on the actual service pattern. Instead of static QoS-based allocation, the SI field enables the network to dynamically identify services (e.g., IM, video streaming) and apply appropriate resource allocation strategies. This dynamic approach improves resource utilization efficiency while maintaining manageable complexity through standardized SI formatting.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the allocation parameter by adding the Service Identifier as a new dimension for resource management. The SI field provides additional information that transforms generic QoS-based allocation into service-aware allocation. Network nodes can use the SI to retrieve service-specific policies from databases, enabling efficient resource utilization for different service types without significantly increasing allocation complexity.
3Productivity
If service-specific control is implemented, then resource management efficiency is improved, but network complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves service-specific control with minimal added complexity by making the GTP-U header universal. The Service Identifier field is integrated into the existing GTP-U protocol structure, allowing the same header format to handle both traditional QoS traffic and service-specific traffic. This universal approach enables service-specific control mechanisms to work across different network nodes and service types without requiring separate protocols or complex modifications to existing infrastructure.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for transferring a data packet associated with a service from a packet data network to a mobile communication network, be characterized by comprising steps of: forming a message by adding either a service identifier (SI) for identifying the service or an indicator for indicating that the data packet is associated with the SI to the data packet, the SI corresponding to a session identifier for the data packet; and sending the message from the packet data network to the mobile communication network.