Multi-Access Network Terminal Traffic Marking for Packet Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Access providers and service providers lack the ability to monitor or obtain information about the selection and aggregation functions used by terminals connected to multiple access networks, leading to inadequate network management and quality of service.
Innovation Solution
A method and device for differentiating traffic by inserting primary and complementary marking information in packets, allowing networks to distinguish between nominal and offload modes, and providing granular packet processing based on this information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If terminals connect simultaneously to multiple access networks using aggregation functions, then network capacity and service reliability are improved, but access providers and service providers lack the ability to monitor or obtain information about the selection and aggregation functions used by terminals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by inserting marking information into packets before they are transmitted through the network. The terminal device marks packets with identification information indicating the access network type (e.g., 3GPP or non-3GPP) before transmission, allowing network devices to recognize and monitor the aggregation function usage in advance without requiring complex monitoring mechanisms during transmission.
2Ease of operation
If marking information is inserted in packets to enable network monitoring, then network management capability is improved, but packet processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the marking information into different types (first marking information for access network type, second marking information for additional network identification) and inserting them into different fields of the packet header. This segmentation allows network devices to process only the relevant marking information needed for specific management tasks, reducing overall processing complexity while maintaining comprehensive monitoring capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by making the marking information insertion conditional and location-specific. The first marking information is inserted only when the packet is sent via an additional access network, and the second marking information is inserted only for specific offload scenarios. This localized approach ensures that marking operations are performed only where necessary, minimizing unnecessary processing overhead.
3Productivity
If terminals use aggregation module to connect to multiple networks, then network throughput is improved, but the ability to differentiate and manage traffic from different networks deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-marking packets with access network type information before they enter the aggregation process. The terminal device inserts first marking information indicating whether the packet originates from a 3GPP or non-3GPP access network before transmission, enabling network devices to differentiate and manage traffic from different networks throughout the transmission path without requiring complex analysis at later stages.
Data Source
AI summary
A terminal that can be connected simultaneously to multiple access networks including an access network referred to as the “nominal” access network and at least one access network referred to as the “additional” access network is described, as well as a method for differentiating traffic emitted by the terminal, and a device and method for managing the traffic. The method for differentiating emitted traffic includes inserting at least one item of primary tag information into a first field of a packet when the packet is intended to be sent via the additional access network, and sending the packet to a destination device via the additional access network.