SIPTO Offload at Assisting eNodeB for Bearer Traffic

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current wireless communication systems lack the ability to effectively implement Selected Internet Protocol Traffic Offload (SIPTO) for user equipment (UE) when multiple eNodeBs coordinate with each other, limiting the offloading of bearer traffic to assisting eNodeBs rather than the core network.

Innovation Solution

The described techniques enable SIPTO by determining the network address of a local gateway at an assisting eNodeB, establishing a direct path for SIPTO packet data network connections, and managing the transition of SIPTO connections between anchor and assisting eNodeBs to optimize network resource usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If SIPTO is implemented only at anchor eNodeB, then core network resources are conserved, but user plane throughput is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser plane throughputVSAvoidSIPTO implementation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the SIPTO functionality by distinguishing between anchor eNodeB and assisting eNodeB roles. The anchor eNodeB maintains control plane functions while assisting eNodeBs handle user plane offloading. This segmentation allows throughput improvement through additional offloading paths without requiring full SIPTO implementation at all eNodeBs, thus managing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where the anchor eNodeB acts as a coordinator between the core network and assisting eNodeBs. This intermediary manages the SIPTO connections, handles signaling, and coordinates traffic flow, enabling throughput improvement while centralizing complex management functions at the anchor eNodeB.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple eNodeBs are used for UE communication, then network coverage and capacity are improved, but SIPTO implementation becomes undeveloped and complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemulti-eNodeB coordination capabilityVSAvoidSIPTO setup and management ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the SIPTO functionality across multiple eNodeBs by allowing assisting eNodeBs to participate in offloading while maintaining a unified management structure through the anchor eNodeB. This combining approach enables multi-eNodeB coordination for improved adaptability while preserving operational simplicity through centralized control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of requiring each eNodeB to independently implement full SIPTO functionality (which would be complex), the patent inverts the approach by having assisting eNodeBs provide simplified offloading capabilities while the anchor eNodeB handles the complex management and coordination functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Loss of energy

If bearer traffic is offloaded to core network, then QoS is enforced, but network resource efficiency is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecore network resource consumptionVSAvoidQoS enforcement reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by implementing SIPTO at assisting eNodeBs for specific user plane traffic while maintaining core network connectivity for control plane functions and QoS-critical traffic. This localized offloading reduces core network resource consumption for suitable traffic while preserving QoS enforcement through the anchor eNodeB's connection to the core network.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP3157290B1Techniques for selected internet protocol traffic offload support at an assisting enodeb
Publication Date: 2018.04.11 QUALCOMM INC
  • EP3157290B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3157290B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3157290B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

Techniques are described for selected internet protocol traffic offload (SIPTO) support at an assisting eNodeB. A request to establish a bearer for a UE is received and it is determined whether the request is associated with a SIPTO packet data network (PDN) connection for the UE at a second eNodeB. The bearer may be established by communicating with the second eNodeB in response to the determination that the request is associated with the SIPTO PDN connection for the UE at the second eNodeB and a radio bearer corresponding to the SIPTO PDN connection may be established with the UE