Virtual Gateway for Multi-Packet Core IP Continuity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies fail to seamlessly transition between multiple packet cores, leading to loss of IP continuity and inability to aggregate bandwidth or provide fault-tolerance across different wireless networks, as they anchor IP sessions within a single provider's network, limiting seamless handovers and network operator control.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a virtual gateway that assigns distinct IP addresses to user equipment (UE) for communication across multiple packet cores, allowing for policy-based traffic steering and multi-path routing, thereby unifying multiple packet cores into a single network without requiring consent or participation from the packet core owners or UE manufacturers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If IP sessions are anchored within a single provider's network at the MAC layer, then seamless roaming within the provider network is achieved, but transitions to other networks become challenging or impossible and IP continuity is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism at the network layer that mediates between the MAC layer anchoring and multi-network transitions. This intermediary enables IP continuity to be maintained while allowing transitions between different packet cores, resolving the contradiction between seamless roaming within a provider network and the ability to transition to other networks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent moves the anchoring function from the MAC layer to the network layer, adding a new dimensional approach to IP session management. This dimensional shift allows the system to maintain IP continuity while enabling transitions across different networks, as the anchoring occurs at a higher layer that can coordinate multi-network operations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If switching between independent networking stacks is used to bridge packet cores, then connectivity between different packet cores is achieved, but IP continuity is lost and operator control is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple independent networking stacks into a unified network layer structure that maintains a single IP session. By combining the functionality of multiple stacks while preserving IP continuity, the system achieves connectivity between different packet cores without losing the reliability of continuous IP addressing.
3Ease of operation
If end-user or external components drive switching decisions between stacks, then flexibility in network selection is achieved, but operator-side control of the decision process is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the network layer monitors network conditions and automatically makes switching decisions based on operator-defined policies. This feedback loop maintains operator control while achieving flexible network selection, as the system continuously adjusts its behavior based on network state and operator preferences.
Data Source
AI summary
A method in a computer network in which a user equipment (UE) connects to multiple packet cores, wherein each of said multiple packet cores assigns the UE a corresponding network address, the method comprising: (A) a virtual gateway associating a first network address with said UE and providing the UE with a second network address for communicating with and/or through said virtual gateway, said first network address and said second network address being distinct from the network addresses assigned to the UE by the packet cores; and (B) said virtual gateway communicating with said UE via one or more of said multiple packet cores, wherein the virtual gateway and the UE communicate using the first network address and the second network address, and wherein the virtual gateway acts as a gateway for the UE.