Traffic Offload Path Configuration in Mobile Network Switches
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mobile communication networks face challenges in scalability and mobility due to the increasing number of high-performance mobile terminals, leading to traffic congestion and issues with Wi-Fi offloading, where mobility and efficient traffic offloading control are not effectively implemented.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a switch between two networks and offloading determination means that configures an offload path to bypass the first network, allowing traffic to be forwarded directly to the second network, enabling scalable and mobile traffic offloading.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traffic offloading is implemented using conventional methods (LIPA, SIPTO), then network traffic can be redirected to alternative networks, but mobility cannot be implemented and additional network facilities are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the traffic offloading function from traditional network core infrastructure and relocates it to the access network side (base station). By setting up local gateway functions and offload paths at the base station, traffic can be redirected to alternative networks without requiring additional core network facilities, thus reducing network complexity while maintaining offloading capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a local gateway as an intermediary component at the base station that mediates between the mobile terminal and alternative networks. This local gateway establishes offload paths that enable traffic redirection without involving the core network, serving as a local mediator that simplifies the overall network architecture
2Productivity
If Wi-Fi offloading is used to handle increasing traffic, then traffic can be offloaded to Wi-Fi networks, but mobility cannot be effectively implemented
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic offload path management that can be established and released based on mobile terminal movement. The base station dynamically sets up local gateway functions and offload paths when terminals are in coverage, and releases them when terminals move away, enabling mobility support that adapts to terminal position changes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary establishment of offload paths and local gateway functions at the base station before traffic offloading is needed. This preliminary setup ensures that when mobile terminals move into coverage areas, offloading can immediately begin without requiring complex real-time path establishment, thus supporting mobility efficiently
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention provides a system in which addition of a network facility due to an increase in traffic is reduced and mobility for traffic offloading is implemented. Provided a switch between a first network (CN) and a second network (PDN) and offloading determination means that determines whether or not to offload traffic for the first network, and configures an offload path to bypass the first network for the switch when the offloading is performed. When the traffic is offloaded, the switch forwards a packet to be offloaded to the offload path.