Terminal Device IP Address Allocation for Multi-Device PDN Connections
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Solution Overview
Problem
In mobile communications systems, when a terminal device is connected to multiple devices, it can only assign an IP address to one device, limiting the functionality of the other devices connected to it, as they cannot access the packet core network for network access and communication.
Innovation Solution
The terminal device sends a second connection request to the packet core network device to establish a new PDN connection, allowing it to assign a separate IP address to each connected device by parsing and encapsulating access point information to identify the requested service type and network domain, enabling accurate and quick IP address assignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the terminal device assigns only one IP address to a connected device, then the terminal device can maintain simple address management, but other connected devices cannot access the packet core network for network access and communication
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the address management by establishing separate PDN connections for different devices. Each device receives its own IP address through individual PDN connections to the packet core network device, allowing independent network access while maintaining organized management through the terminal device's coordination role.
Solution Approach 2:
The terminal device is enhanced to perform multiple functions: it acts as both a regular device accessing the network and as an address management coordinator that can establish multiple PDN connections simultaneously. This multi-functionality enables it to manage IP address assignment for multiple connected devices while maintaining its own network access.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the terminal device establishes multiple PDN connections to assign separate IP addresses to multiple devices, then all connected devices can access the packet core network, but the complexity of address management increases
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal device serves as an intermediary between multiple connected devices and the packet core network device. It coordinates the establishment of multiple PDN connections, manages the assignment of IP addresses to different devices, and handles the routing of data traffic, thereby simplifying the overall system architecture while enabling multi-device access.
Solution Approach 2:
The terminal device performs preliminary actions by pre-establishing multiple PDN connections to the packet core network device before devices need to access the network. This allows IP addresses to be ready and assigned promptly when devices connect, reducing the complexity of on-demand address management.
3Device complexity
If the terminal device uses a single PDN connection for all connected devices, then the address assignment process remains simple, but devices cannot perform independent network access and communication functions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network connection by creating separate PDN connections for each device that needs network access. Each device receives its own IP address through its dedicated PDN connection, ensuring independent and reliable network communication while the terminal device coordinates the overall connection management.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of connection multiplicity by allowing the terminal device to establish multiple PDN connections simultaneously with the packet core network device. This parameter change from single to multiple connections enables each connected device to have independent network access while maintaining manageable complexity through the terminal device's coordination role.
Data Source
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AI summary
This application provides an address assignment method and a related device. The method includes: after assigning a first IP address to a first device, receiving an address assignment request of a second device, where the address assignment request of the second device is used to request a second IP address; sending a second connection request to a packet core network device, where the second connection request is used to establish a second PDN connection; and receiving a second IP address assigned by the packet core network device in the second PDN connection, and assigning the second IP address to the second device. Therefore, when the terminal device is connected to two or more devices, the terminal device assigns an IP address to each of these devices, so that it can be ensured that these devices normally function.