SIPTO via Local Network Traffic Offload
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing traffic offload via local network techniques are inadequate, particularly in supporting Selected IP Traffic Offload (SIPTO) at a local network, which may impact user experience due to potential service alterations and lack of functionality in external networks compared to the operator's EPC network.
Innovation Solution
Enhancements to user subscription information in the Home Subscriber Server (HSS) and S1-AP signaling to enable Selected IP Traffic Offload (SIPTO) via local networks, including the use of a SIPTO Permissions flag and indication of Local Gateway capabilities for traffic offload, ensuring user consent and proper network functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traffic is offloaded via local network using existing techniques, then network capacity is improved, but service continuity deteriorates due to lack of support for Selected IP Traffic Offload (SIPTO)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments traffic into different categories by introducing APN-specific SIPTO permissions. The network can selectively offload only certain traffic types (based on APN) while maintaining others through the core network, thus achieving both capacity improvement and service continuity for critical services.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic traffic offload control by allowing the network to adaptively select which traffic to offload based on subscription permissions and network conditions. The MME dynamically determines SIPTO applicability per PDN connection, enabling flexible resource allocation that maintains service continuity while optimizing capacity.
2Ease of operation
If SIPTO via local network is implemented, then user experience is improved through local access, but service alteration risks increase due to lack of functionality in external networks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by allowing SIPTO only for specific APNs that are permitted in the user's subscription. Different APNs can have different SIPTO permissions, enabling local network access for appropriate services while maintaining core network routing for services requiring specific functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces the MME as an intermediary that mediates between the UE and the local network. The MME evaluates SIPTO permissions and network conditions, making intelligent routing decisions that balance user experience improvement with service functionality preservation.
3Reliability
If traffic offload control is enhanced with SIPTO permissions, then service continuity is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional HSS and S1-AP signaling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enhances existing HSS and S1-AP signaling structures to serve multiple purposes. The SIPTO permission flags are integrated into existing subscription data structures, and S1-AP messages are extended to carry both traditional and SIPTO-related information, reducing the need for entirely new signaling mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for offloading traffic in a wireless communication system, receiving, by a user equipment (UE), a deactivate bearer request indicating reactivation is required for a packet data network (PDN) connection, wherein the deactivate bearer request is triggered by a Mobility Management Entity (MME) which has obtained subscription data for the UE from a Home Subscriber Server (HSS) and has received local gateway (L-GW) information indicating a transport layer address of a L-GW being capable of offloading the traffic, wherein the subscription data for the UE is defined based on an Access Point Name (APN), wherein the subscription data for the UE includes a first information element indicating whether a corresponding traffic associated with the APN is allowed for Selected IP Traffic Offload (SIPTO) and a second information element indicating whether the corresponding traffic associated with the APN is allowed for Selected IP Traffic Offload via Local Network (SIPTO@LN).