WLAN MPS Tunneling for Reliable Priority Sessions

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Solution Overview

Problem

Managing multimedia priority service (MPS) sessions across different types of networks, particularly when a user equipment device connects to a core network via a non-trusted wireless local area network (WLAN) such as a WiFi network, is challenging due to the inability of these networks to enable MPS sessions and potential congestion issues.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a WLAN interface device, such as an evolved Packet Data Gateway (ePDG) or Non-Third-Generation-Partnership-Project Interworking Function (N3IWF), to authenticate and authorize MPS sessions, generate tunnels with priority, and manage resource allocation to ensure MPS sessions are maintained even in congested conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a user equipment device connects to the core network via a non-trusted WLAN, then network access flexibility is improved, but MPS session reliability deteriorates due to inability of WLAN to enable MPS sessions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork access flexibilityVSAvoidMPS session reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The WLAN interface device acts as an intermediary between the non-trusted WLAN and the core network. It establishes dedicated tunnels with priority markings, translates and forwards packets while maintaining MPS session integrity, and enables reliable MPS sessions over WLAN by mediating between the WLAN's lack of native MPS support and the core network's MPS requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system segments the network path into distinct functional components: the WLAN access segment, the WLAN interface device segment (with tunneling and priority handling), and the core network segment. This segmentation allows each component to operate with its own characteristics while maintaining overall MPS session reliability through the specialized WLAN interface device

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If network resources are shared in congested WLAN environments, then resource utilization efficiency is improved, but MPS session quality deteriorates due to congestion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresource utilization efficiencyVSAvoidMPS session quality

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies different quality treatments to different data flows locally at the WLAN interface device. MPS session packets receive priority marking and dedicated tunnel resources, while other traffic uses shared resources. This local quality differentiation ensures MPS session quality is maintained independently of overall network congestion conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The WLAN interface device performs preliminary actions by establishing dedicated tunnels with priority markings before MPS sessions begin. Resource reservations and priority configurations are set up in advance, ensuring that when congestion occurs, MPS sessions already have guaranteed resources and priority handling in place

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If dedicated tunnels and resource reservation are implemented for MPS sessions, then MPS session reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveMPS session reliabilityVSAvoidWLAN interface device complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The WLAN interface device serves as a specialized intermediary that concentrates the complexity of tunnel establishment, priority marking, and resource management in a single component. This allows the rest of the network (WLAN and core network) to operate with simpler, standard protocols while the intermediary handles the complex MPS session requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS20250365788A1Systems and methods for providing multimedia priority service between a core network and another network

Publication Date: 2025.11.27 VERIZON PATENT & LICENSING INC

AI summary

A device may include a processor configured to receive a request to establish a Multimedia Priority Service (MPS) session for a user equipment (UE) device. The processor may be further configured to generate a General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) Tunnelling Protocol (GTP) tunnel in a core network from the device to a gateway associated with a packet data network (PDN); map an MPS priority to data units associated with the MPS session sent via the generated GTP tunnel; generate an Internet Protocol Security (IPSec) tunnel from the device to the UE device through a wireless local area network (WLAN); and prioritize data units associated with the MPS session through the IPSec tunnel based on the MPS priority.