Virtual Home Gateway Data Path Reconfiguration
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Solution Overview
Problem
The transition of devices from a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) to a Long Term Evolution (LTE) network can lead to sub-optimal data paths, causing increased latency and degrading the user's quality of experience, especially when endpoints are far apart in the infrastructure.
Innovation Solution
Implementing Identifier Locator Network Protocol (ILNP) mobility signaling and Software Defined Networking (SDN) to dynamically reconfigure data paths, allowing seamless flow mobility between fixed and mobile networks, ensuring optimal routing and minimizing latency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If devices switch from WLAN to LTE network, then connectivity is maintained, but latency increases and quality of experience degrades
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic data path reconfiguration by receiving mobility signaling from the mobile device, determining a new data path through the BNG, and updating the RGW configuration to tunnel traffic over the LTE interface. This dynamic adaptation allows the network to respond to device mobility and select optimal routing paths in real-time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where the BNG acts as a mediator between the mobile device and the RGW. The BNG receives mobility signaling, determines appropriate data paths, and coordinates the reconfiguration process, enabling seamless transition and optimal routing without direct client-initiated changes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If EPG and BNG are located far apart in infrastructure, then network flexibility is improved, but latency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses dynamic path selection to address the distance between EPG and BNG. By receiving mobility signaling and determining optimal data paths in real-time, the system can dynamically route traffic through intermediate nodes (such as the RGW) to minimize the effective distance and latency, while still maintaining the architectural flexibility of having EPG and BNG separated.
3Adaptability or versatility
If LTE interface is used for data transmission, then mobile connectivity is enabled, but data paths become sub-optimal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the BNG receives mobility signaling from the mobile device, determines the current optimal data path based on network conditions, and provides this information back to the RGW through configuration updates. This feedback loop enables the system to adapt the data path to current network conditions and device location.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically determines data paths based on real-time mobility signaling and network conditions. The BNG evaluates the signaling message, selects optimal routing paths, and updates the RGW configuration accordingly, allowing the data path to adapt to the mobile device's current location and network state rather than following a fixed route.
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure include methods and apparatuses for enabling data path selection. In an EPG, ILNP mobility signaling is received. The ILNP signaling may include a destination locator for a BNG. A signaling message is sent to the BNG in response to the received ILNP signaling. An acknowledgement is received from the BNG. Traffic is tunneled between a mobile device and a RGW over a LTE interface. In a BNG, a signaling message is received. A message is sent to a SDN controller. A notification is received from the SDN controller that configuration of a RGW to tunnel traffic over a LTE interface is complete. An acknowledgement is sent to an EPG. In a RGW, a message is received from a SDN controller. Traffic is tunneled between a NAS and an EPG over a LTE interface based on the message received from the SDN controller.