User Plane Device Packet Routing with Network Instance Identifier
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Solution Overview
Problem
In 5G communications systems, user plane devices face challenges in accurately forwarding packets due to the lack of a specific solution for identifying access network devices with the same IP addresses, leading to ambiguity in determining the packet receiver.
Innovation Solution
A communication method and apparatus that involve receiving a message with a network instance identifier and network address from a session management device, allowing the user plane device to determine a packet forwarding address based on these identifiers, ensuring unique identification and accurate packet routing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If access network devices use the same IP address for resource efficiency, then device resource utilization improves, but packet routing accuracy deteriorates due to inability to uniquely identify the receiver
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a Network Instance Identifier (NI ID) as an intermediary parameter to resolve the conflict between IP address reuse and routing accuracy. The NI ID acts as a mediator that distinguishes between different network instances sharing the same IP address space, allowing the user plane device to uniquely identify the target access network device by combining both the IP address and NI ID, thus maintaining routing accuracy while enabling IP address reuse across different network instances
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a new dimension (Network Instance Identifier) to the existing IP address identification space. Instead of relying solely on the IP address (one-dimensional identification), the system now uses a two-dimensional identification space comprising (IP address, Network Instance Identifier) pairs. This dimensional expansion allows multiple access network devices to share the same IP address in different network instances while maintaining unique identifiability for packet routing purposes
2Measurement precision
If each device has a unique IP address for accurate identification, then packet routing accuracy improves, but network resource utilization deteriorates due to inability to reuse addresses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network into multiple isolated Network Instances, each with its own address space. This segmentation allows the same IP address to be reused across different network instances (e.g., different slices or virtual networks) while maintaining unique identification within each instance. The Network Instance Identifier serves as a segment label that distinguishes between different address spaces, enabling both address reuse and accurate identification
3Adaptability or versatility
If network instances are introduced for address reuse, then IP address utilization improves, but system complexity increases due to additional identification parameters
Solution Approach 1:
The Network Instance Identifier is designed with multi-functionality to minimize added complexity. It serves multiple purposes: (1) distinguishing between different network instances for address reuse, (2) acting as a routing parameter alongside the IP address, and (3) enabling network instance-specific policy enforcement. By consolidating these functions into a single identifier parameter, the patent reduces the overall system complexity compared to introducing multiple separate identification mechanisms
Data Source
AI summary
A communication method in which access network devices belonging to a same network instance have different network addresses, where the method includes uniquely identifying an access network device based on a network address of the access network device and a first network instance identifier to which the access network device belongs, and determining a packet forwarding rule for sending a packet to the access network device. In this way, the packet can be accurately routed.