Multiplexing Mobile Services on Single APN via Traffic Steering
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing APN system in mobile networks faces scalability issues with the introduction of smartphones, as it requires multiple APNs to be provisioned for different services, limiting the number of entries to four, which complicates service routing and billing, especially with the emergence of new wireless carrier services and devices like the Apple iPhone.
Innovation Solution
A traffic steering server in the mobile network uses a generic APN to multiplex multiple services, employing deep packet inspection and carrier-defined workflow rules to route IP packets to their appropriate destinations, enabling differentiated billing and service delivery on a single APN across 3G and 4G networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate APNs are used to provide different mobile services, then service differentiation and routing capability are improved, but device provisioning complexity and scalability are worsened due to the four-entry limit
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple service-specific APNs into a single generic APN that serves multiple services. Instead of having separate APNs for WAP, MMS, and other services, a single generic APN is used, and service differentiation is achieved through packet inspection and workflow rules in the network rather than through multiple APN entries in the device.
Solution Approach 2:
The generic APN is designed to be universal and perform multiple functions simultaneously. It can handle various mobile services (WAP, MMS, internet access, etc.) through a single configuration, making the device's APN provisioning system universal rather than service-specific.
2Device complexity
If a single generic APN is used to multiplex multiple services, then device provisioning simplicity and scalability are improved, but service identification and routing precision are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (packet inspection and workflow rule system) between the generic APN and the service delivery. This intermediary examines the packet content and applies workflow rules to accurately identify services and route them to the appropriate destinations, compensating for the lack of service-specific APN information.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameters used for service identification from APN-specific parameters to packet-content-based parameters. Instead of relying on the APN name to identify services, the system inspects packet content, protocols, and other parameters to accurately identify and route services.
3Ease of operation
If traditional APN-based service routing is used, then service identification is simplified, but billing accuracy and mediation capability are worsened for diverse services
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where packet inspection results and workflow rule evaluations provide information back to the billing system. This feedback loop enables accurate service identification and billing by continuously monitoring packet flows, identifying services based on actual usage patterns, and generating appropriate billing records.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical APN-based routing system with an information-processing system that uses packet inspection and workflow rules. This substitution enables more precise service identification and billing by analyzing actual packet content and usage patterns rather than relying on pre-configured APN mappings.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, for multiplexing multiple mobile services on a single mobile access point name (APN). A method includes, in a General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) network, examining Internet Protocol (IP) packets that traverse a mobile GN link of a Gateway GPRS Support Node (GGSN), and applying a combination of packet protocols coupled with a carrier defined set of work flow rules to route the IP packets to their next destination and earmark billing CDRs for mediation and correlation by back office IT systems residing with a carrier in the mobile network.