User Equipment Discovery for Packet Data Gateway Connectivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional solutions do not provide suitable mechanisms for a user device to connect to a core network via an access network, leading to inefficiencies and delays in identifying and attaching to packet data gateways that support next-generation functionality.
Innovation Solution
A user equipment (UE) initiates a discovery procedure through an access network to identify and select a packet data gateway that supports next-generation packet data gateway (ngPDG) functionality, generating a discovery query that specifies the type of PDG, transmitting it through the access network, and receiving a response to establish connectivity with a PDG that supports ngPDG functionality, allowing secure attachment to a cellular core network without re-authentication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a conventional connection mechanism is used to attach to a packet data gateway, then the user device can connect to the core network, but it cannot efficiently identify and attach to a PDG that supports next-generation functionality, leading to delays and inefficiencies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the UE perform a discovery procedure before establishing connectivity to the core network. The UE sends a discovery query to identify available PDGs that support ngPDG functionality, receives a discovery response with identified PDGs, and then establishes connectivity to a suitable PDG. This preliminary identification step ensures that the UE connects to a gateway with next-generation capabilities from the outset, avoiding delays that would occur if the UE had to later discover or switch to a more capable gateway.
2Measurement precision
If no specific discovery mechanism is implemented, then the system remains simple, but the user device cannot distinguish between PDGs that support next-generation functionality and those that do not
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an intermediary approach by introducing a structured discovery procedure that acts as a mediator between the UE and the PDG selection process. The discovery query and discovery response messages serve as intermediary communication mechanisms that carry specific information about PDG functionality. This intermediary layer enables precise identification of ngPDG-capable gateways without requiring complex changes to the underlying network infrastructure or PDG devices themselves.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and devices for wireless communications are described that supports connectivity to a core network via an access network. A user equipment (UE) may establish connectivity with an access network and perform a discovery procedure to identify and select a packet data gateway that provides connectivity to a core network via a core network node. The UE may perform an authentication procedure with the core network node via the packet data gateway to be authenticated with the core network for establishing connectivity with the packet data gateway. The UE may receive a set of control plane addressing information via the packet data gateway corresponding to a secure tunnel established between the UE and the packet data gateway. The UE may perform an attach procedure via the secure tunnel with the core network node without re-authenticating the UE.