Virtual Anchor Unit for Mobile Network Administration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Anchorless mobile networks lack a mechanism for device administration services, such as traffic monitoring and policy enforcement, which are typically handled by anchor nodes in conventional networks.
Innovation Solution
A Virtual Anchor Unit (VAU) is instantiated in each mobile electronic device to maintain device administration data, update statistics, and enforce operational rules, associated with a monitoring point to facilitate traffic monitoring and policy enforcement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If anchor nodes are removed to create anchorless mobile networks, then network flexibility and mobility are improved, but device administration services (traffic monitoring, policy enforcement, billing) cannot be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a Virtual Anchor Unit (VAU) as an intermediary component that mediates between the anchorless network architecture and device administration requirements. The VAU is instantiated in the access device and provides the necessary anchoring functions for traffic monitoring, policy enforcement, and billing without requiring traditional anchor nodes, thus resolving the contradiction between network flexibility and service reliability.
2Device complexity
If traditional anchor nodes are eliminated, then network complexity is reduced, but the mechanism for maintaining device administration services is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves the device administration functions from the traditional anchor node dimension to a new dimension by instantiating a Virtual Anchor Unit within the access device. This dimensional shift allows the network to eliminate physical anchor nodes while preserving administration capabilities through virtualization, thus reducing structural complexity while preventing data loss.
3Reliability
If anchor nodes are used to provide device administration services, then service reliability is maintained, but network mobility and handover flexibility are constrained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the access device to self-provide anchoring services through the Virtual Anchor Unit, eliminating the need for external anchor nodes. This self-service approach allows the network to maintain service continuity while enabling faster handovers, as the administration functions are now locally available rather than requiring coordination with distant anchor nodes.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method in a node of a Mobile network. The method comprises: instantiating Virtual Anchor Unit configured to: maintain device administration data pertaining to a respective mobile electronic device, the device administration data including at least one statistic pertaining to traffic to and from the mobile electronic device, and at least one rule for controlling an operation of the mobile electronic device; update the at least one statistic based on the traffic to and from the mobile electronic device; and enforce the at least one rule based on the at least one statistic. The VAU is associated with a monitoring point of traffic to and from the respective mobile electronic device. Operation of the VAU is facilitated using the monitoring point.