Wireless Session Management Using Dual IP Address Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current session management in cellular networks is complex due to connection-oriented approaches, particularly inefficient for IoT devices that do not require frequent mobility, leading to unnecessary network resource overload with control plane signaling.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a connectionless mechanism using native IP-based protocols that provide two types of IP addresses: interface IP addresses for physical network attachment and session IP addresses for application services, managed by a controller to optimize network resource usage and simplify handover processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If connection-oriented control procedures are used for session management, then session reliability is improved, but device complexity and network overhead increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments session management into two independent parts: session establishment (control plane) and data transmission (user plane). The control plane handles session setup, modification, and teardown through signaling messages, while the user plane handles actual data packets independently. This segmentation allows session management to be simplified without compromising reliability, as the control plane can establish robust sessions while the user plane handles traffic efficiently.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a session management function (SMF) as an intermediary between the control plane and user plane. The SMF acts as a mediator that receives session establishment requests, allocates session identifiers, and manages session state without requiring complex peer-to-peer negotiation between network elements. This intermediary simplifies the overall system architecture while maintaining session reliability through centralized control.
2Reliability
If connection-oriented procedures are implemented for all devices, then session control is improved, but energy consumption increases for IoT devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic session management where the session state can be adjusted based on device type and traffic patterns. For IoT devices with periodic or bursty traffic, the system can transition between active and inactive states, releasing control plane resources when not in use. This dynamic approach maintains reliable session control when needed while conserving energy during idle periods by reducing signaling overhead.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the session management parameters based on device characteristics and traffic patterns. For energy-constrained IoT devices, the system can use simplified session parameters, extended idle timers, and deferred session establishment until actually needed. This allows reliable session control to be maintained when required while reducing energy consumption through parameter optimization for different device types.
3Reliability
If traditional session management with PDP contexts is used, then network control is improved, but network resource overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the session management functionality from the traditional PDP context mechanism and implements it as a separate, lightweight session establishment procedure. Instead of requiring full PDP context setup with multiple network elements for every data session, the system establishes simplified sessions with minimal signaling, taking out only the essential session management functions needed for reliable control while eliminating unnecessary overhead.
4Reliability
If mobility management procedures are implemented for seamless handover, then session continuity is improved, but control plane signaling overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary session establishment where the session is set up in advance with predicted mobility patterns. Handover preparation can be initiated before the actual handover event, with session parameters pre-configured for seamless transition. This preliminary action ensures session continuity during mobility while reducing the signaling overhead at the critical handover moment, as much of the session management has already been accomplished in advance.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for session management in a wireless network are disclosed. For example, a user endpoint (UE) device, sends a request for a session internet protocol (IP) address assignment using an interface IP address, configures the UE device with the session IP address, provides to a controller an association of the interface and session IP addresses, and receives packets addressed to the session IP address via an access network entity associated with the interface IP address. In one example, a controller receives an association of an interface IP address with a session IP address from an attached UE device, provides to a network node an update on a route to reach the session IP address through the interface IP address, identifies an active interface IP address to receive packets, and configures an open flow switch or router for routing the packets towards the active interface IP address.