Mobile Traffic Routing via VPN Selector and Broker
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for mobile devices to route traffic across multiple network interfaces lack clarity on when to use alternate air-interface technologies and fail to effectively set up virtual private network (VPN) tunneling for accessing operator services when the primary network is unavailable.
Innovation Solution
A mobile device system that uses a broker to identify destination IP addresses and determine whether traffic is associated with operator or non-operator applications, routing traffic via VPN when the operator network is unavailable, utilizing traffic selectors and local policies to make routing decisions across multiple network interfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If mobile devices use multiple network interfaces for data access, then network coverage and accessibility are improved, but routing complexity and interface selection difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a VPN concentrator as an intermediary component that centralizes the routing decision-making process. The concentrator receives routing information from multiple network interfaces and determines the appropriate path for data packets, thereby relieving the mobile device of routing complexity while maintaining multi-interface accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the VPN concentrator continuously monitors network interface availability and performance, then dynamically adjusts routing decisions based on this feedback. This allows the system to adapt to changing network conditions without increasing device complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If VPN tunneling is used to access operator services via alternate networks, then service accessibility is improved, but setup complexity and configuration difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automatic VPN tunnel setup where the system self-configures the tunnel parameters and routing rules without requiring manual user input. The VPN concentrator and mobile device automatically negotiate connection parameters, establish encryption channels, and configure routing tables, thereby maintaining service accessibility while eliminating configuration complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring VPN tunnel templates and routing policies before actual network connectivity is needed. When alternate networks become available, the pre-configured templates are automatically instantiated, eliminating the need for real-time setup and reducing operational complexity.
3Productivity
If automatic routing decisions are implemented across multiple interfaces, then routing efficiency is improved, but decision-making complexity and policy management difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the routing decision-making process into distinct components: interface monitoring, packet classification, policy evaluation, and path selection. Each component handles a specific aspect of routing, allowing for independent optimization and simplified management of individual policy elements while maintaining overall routing efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
Method and system for routing traffic across multiple network interfaces with use of VPN traffic selector as part of decision making, for example, in the context of a mobile communication network. A packet data unit (PDU) is generated in association with an application that can be selectively activated on a mobile device and carries a destination Internet protocol (IP) address representing a server that supports the application. A broker associated with the mobile device retrieves information relating to traffic selectors and determines whether the PDU is associated with an operator application or a non-operator application based on the destination IP address and the information relating to traffic selectors. The broker routes the PDU to one of the multiple network interfaces based on whether the PDU is from an operator application traffic and local policies. When the PDU is associated with an operator application and the mobile device is not connected to its operator network, the PDU is routed via a virtual private network (VPN) selector.