Virtual Mobility Anchor for MVNO Core Network Cost Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Network sharing in telecommunications requires each operator to manage a complex set of core network functions, leading to high capital and operational costs for Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs), as they need to own and manage their own core networks, including mobility management entities, packet gateways, and serving gateways, while the radio network is shared.
Innovation Solution
A virtual mobility anchor network element that allows MVNOs to leverage both radio and core networks from Mobile Network Operators (MNOs), eliminating the need for MVNOs to manage core network functions by hosting standard IP-based cloud services, thereby reducing costs and retaining control over mobility and IP anchoring of subscriber sessions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If MVNOs own and manage their own core networks, then they have full control over network operations, but capital and operational costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the core network management functions from the MVNO's responsibility and relocates them to the MNO's infrastructure. The MVNO only needs to manage lightweight network elements (gateway, PCRF, HSS) while leveraging the MNO's core network for mobility management, thereby reducing capital and operational costs while maintaining essential control over network operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary arrangement where the MNO's core network acts as a mediator between the MVNO's lightweight network elements and the actual network operations. This allows the MVNO to maintain control over service delivery while the MNO handles the complex core network management, resolving the contradiction between control and cost.
2Quantity of substance
If MVNOs lease access to core network elements from MNOs, then costs are reduced, but control over mobility and IP anchoring may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network control functions into two layers: the MNO retains control over core network mobility management, while the MVNO maintains control over IP anchoring and service delivery through its lightweight network elements. This segmentation allows cost reduction through leasing while preserving essential control over mobility and IP anchoring through clear functional boundaries.
3Ease of operation
If MVNOs manage complex core network functions, then service control is improved, but device complexity and operational burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex core network management burden from the MVNO and places it on the MNO's infrastructure. The MVNO only needs to manage simplified network elements (gateway, PCRF, HSS) while leveraging the MNO's core network, thereby reducing device complexity and operational burden while maintaining service control capability.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments are directed to a virtual mobility anchor network element to receive, from a packet gateway (PGW) node, a request for an internet protocol (IP) address for a mobile device, establish an IP address for the mobile device; and provide the IP address to the PGW node in response to the request for the IP address for the mobile device. The virtual mobility anchor network element is configured to receive IP traffic from a network location; determine a target destination for the IP traffic based on a destination IP address, the destination IP address comprising the second IP address; and forward the IP traffic to the PGW node associated with the destination IP address. The virtual mobility anchor network element is also configured to receive IP traffic from the PGW node; determine a target destination for the IP traffic; and route the IP traffic to the target destination.