Gateway Control User Plane Resource Allocation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Legacy wireless communication systems, such as those using Evolved Packet System (EPS), face challenges in efficiently allocating Internet Protocol (IP) addresses and Tunnel Endpoint Identifiers (TEIDs) for both control and user planes, leading to limitations in network flexibility and resource management.
Innovation Solution
The separation of control and user plane functionalities in gateway nodes, such as the Serving Gateway (SGW) and Packet Gateway (PGW), allows for separate allocation of IP addresses and TEIDs, enabling more flexible and efficient resource management and network operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If control and user plane functionalities are combined in gateway nodes, then device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but network flexibility and resource allocation efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the gateway node into separate control plane and user plane entities. The control plane entity handles signaling and resource allocation, while the user plane entity handles data forwarding. This architectural segmentation enables independent optimization of each plane, improving network flexibility and resource allocation efficiency without significantly increasing overall system complexity.
2Productivity
If separate allocation of IP addresses and TEIDs is implemented, then resource allocation efficiency is improved, but device complexity and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the resource allocation function into separate IP address allocation and TEID allocation processes handled by different entities. This allows each resource type to be managed independently, improving allocation efficiency and flexibility while distributing complexity across multiple specialized components rather than concentrating it in a single complex allocation system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary entities (control plane entity and user plane entity) that mediate between the network core and user equipment. These intermediaries handle the complexity of separate resource allocation by providing standardized interfaces and abstraction layers, thereby improving resource allocation efficiency without exposing the full complexity to end systems.
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate allocation of IP addresses and TEIDs is implemented, then adaptability and resource management flexibility are improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universal interfaces and standardized protocols that allow the same operational procedures to work across both control plane and user plane entities. This multi-functionality approach enables operators to use consistent management tools and procedures for both resource types, maintaining ease of operation while achieving the flexibility benefits of separate allocation.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and methods for allocating resources (e.g., an IP address, a TEID) for a user plane node in a network providing wireless communications. A serving gateway (SGW) control plane (SGW-C) node of a core network can allocate a resource for a SGW user plane (SGW-U) node. The SGW-U can allocate a resource and communicate to the SGW-C. A packet data network gateway (PGW) control plane (PGW-C) node can allocate a resource for a PGW user plane (PGW-U). The PGW-U can al locate a resource and communicate to the PGW-C.