Small Cell Gateway Selective Data Path Offload
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Solution Overview
Problem
In 3G small cell networks, the data throughput handling capacity of the Small Cell Gateway (HNB-GW) presents a bottleneck, leading to scalability issues and increased costs, especially in virtualized deployment environments, as it handles both control and data traffic, and existing offload solutions do not effectively address data path handling during handover scenarios.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for selective data path offload from the HNB-GW, which includes a proxy node configured with a decision module and an offload module, allowing it to bypass the HNB-GW for certain data paths, thereby enabling direct communication between core network nodes and security gateways, without requiring functional changes to existing core network nodes, and creating new network routes for core nodes to reach security gateway subnets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the HNB-GW handles all data traffic in 3G small cell networks, then data path control is simplified, but the data throughput handling capacity becomes a bottleneck reducing network scalability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the data path control function from the HNB-GW by introducing a controller that manages data paths independently. The HNB-GW retains only control plane functions while data plane traffic is routed directly between base stations and core network elements, eliminating the throughput bottleneck without complicating data path control.
2Device complexity
If the HNB-GW handles both control and data traffic, then a single gateway structure is maintained, but virtualization deployment faces capacity limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates control plane and data plane functions, allowing the control plane to remain at the HNB-GW while data plane traffic flows directly through virtualized network functions. This enables flexible virtualization deployment without being constrained by the HNB-GW's data throughput capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a controller as an intermediary that manages data path routing between base stations and core network elements. This controller enables virtualized network functions to handle data traffic independently of the HNB-GW, providing the adaptability needed for virtualization deployments.
3Productivity
If existing offload solutions are used, then some data traffic can be offloaded, but data path handling during handover scenarios is not effectively addressed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the controller continuously monitors data path status and dynamically adjusts routing during handover scenarios. When a handover is detected, the controller receives feedback about the current data path and reconfigures it to maintain optimal routing, ensuring reliable data path handling during mobility events.
Data Source
AI summary
An example method is provided in one example embodiment and includes receiving an assignment request from a core node in a network to establish a tunnel for user plane traffic; forwarding first parameters to a controller of an enterprise network, wherein the first parameters include a tunnel identifier and a network address associated with the core node; receiving an assignment response; and forwarding second parameters to the core node, wherein the second parameters include a tunnel identifier and a network address associated with the controller. In some instances, the assignment request can be a request to establish a tunnel for user plane data traffic. In some instances, the assignment request can be a request to establish a tunnel for user plane voice traffic.