XCAP Message Routing in VoLTE Roaming Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Roaming terminals in VoLTE networks face challenges in transmitting XCAP messages to the home network, especially when only voice service is allowed, leading to unnecessary internet traffic and costs when attempting to connect through Internet APNs.
Innovation Solution
A method that allows roaming terminals to transmit XCAP messages through Internet or IMS APNs by checking subscription information and network policies, using packet filters to restrict access to only the XCAP server, and modifying internal operations to create dedicated routing tables for XCAP server connections, ensuring efficient and cost-effective message transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the roaming network allows connection to the Internet APN for transmitting XCAP messages, then the terminal can successfully transmit XCAP messages to the home network, but this causes extra Internet traffic in addition to the XCAP message (e.g. automatic updates of Internet connection applications), resulting in unintended cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the data transmission path by creating a dedicated XCAP message transmission path through the IMS APN/PDN, separate from the general Internet APN/PDN. This segmentation allows XCAP messages to be transmitted without triggering general Internet data roaming, thus avoiding unintended costs while maintaining reliable message delivery to the home network
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the IMS network as an intermediary to transmit XCAP messages. Instead of directly connecting to the Internet APN, the terminal transmits XCAP messages through the IMS APN/PDN, which acts as a mediator that enables home network communication without activating general Internet data services that would incur costs
2Reliability
If the roaming network allows only voice service roaming but not data service roaming, then the terminal can maintain voice service connectivity, but the terminal cannot transmit XCAP messages which require Internet PDN connection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the IMS APN/PDN serve multiple functions: it not only carries voice service traffic but also enables XCAP message transmission to the home network. This multi-functionality allows the terminal to maintain both voice service connectivity and message transmission capability under voice-only roaming conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a copy of the Internet connectivity functionality through the IMS network path. Instead of requiring a direct Internet PDN connection, the terminal uses the IMS APN/PDN as an alternative path that replicates the necessary connectivity for XCAP message transmission, enabling message capability without general Internet access
Data Source
AI summary
A method of transferring and receiving data by a mobility management entity (MME) in a mobile communication system according to an embodiment of the present invention includes receiving, from equipment, a message that includes the address of an XML configuration access protocol (XCAP) and is used to access an Internet packet data network (PDN); checking any one of subscription information on the equipment and a network carrier policy, on the basis of the received message; and delivering a create session request message to a gateway on the basis of the received message if the equipment is accessible to the PDN as the result of the check, wherein the create session request message includes an indicator that accesses the XCAP server. according to an embodiment, roaming equipment may transfer and receive an XCAP related message. Moreover, as the roaming equipment receives the XCAP related message, the present invention has an effect of being able to prevent undesired traffic due to another data packet from occurring.