Trusted Non-3GPP Access Network Element IP Allocation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for intercommunication between 3GPP and non-3GPP networks, particularly through the S2a interface, lack clarity in tunnel establishment procedures, leading to inefficiencies in user equipment accessing mobile networks via trusted non-3GPP access networks.
Innovation Solution
A method where a trusted non-3GPP access network element establishes a session with a packet data network gateway upon successful authentication, allocates IP addresses based on user equipment requests, and manages PDN types using GTP or PMIP protocols, including IPv4 and IPv6 address management and retrieval mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a trusted non-3GPP access network element uses a vague L3 message to trigger tunnel establishment, then the procedure can be initiated, but the tunnel establishment process becomes unclear and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a clearly defined L3 message format as an intermediary between the UE and TNAN element, and between the TNAN element and P-GW. This message structure serves as a mediator that carries explicit information about PDN types, IP address requirements, and tunnel establishment parameters, eliminating the vagueness of the original message while enabling efficient tunnel setup.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters of the L3 message from vague to structured and explicit. By defining specific message formats with clear fields for PDN type identification, IP address allocation requirements, and tunnel parameters, the system transforms the message into an information-rich carrier that enables precise tunnel establishment without ambiguity.
2Ease of manufacture
If the TNAN element establishes sessions for all PDN types at once, then the setup process is simplified, but the IP address allocation becomes less flexible and may cause resource waste
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the session establishment process into separate PDN type-specific sessions. Instead of establishing one session for all PDN types simultaneously, the system creates distinct sessions for IPv4 and IPv6 PDN types, allowing independent IP address allocation and management for each type. This segmentation enables flexible IP address allocation while maintaining simple session management through standardized procedures for each PDN type.
3Device complexity
If the system waits for UE to request IP address after session establishment, then the process is simpler, but the IP address allocation timing becomes inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the TNAN element prepare and allocate IP addresses before the UE actually needs them. The system pre-establishes IP address pools and allocation mechanisms during session setup, so when the UE requests IP address assignment, the address is already prepared and can be assigned immediately. This eliminates waiting time and improves allocation speed while keeping the process simple through automated pre-preparation.
Data Source
AI summary
A trusted non-3GPP access network element and a method for accessing a mobile network and detachment are disclosed. The method for accessing a mobile network includes: a TNAN network element receives an extensible authentication protocol (EAP) authentication success message or an EAP authentication success triggering message, and then establishes a session with a packet data network gateway (P-GW) of a mobile network; and the TNAN network element receives an IP address request message from user equipment and then allocates an IP address consistent with the packet data network (PDN) type requested by the user equipment to the user equipment.