WO2012113841A1 - Procédé et système pour router un trafic de données dans un réseau de communication mobile - Google Patents

Procédé et système pour router un trafic de données dans un réseau de communication mobile Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2012113841A1
WO2012113841A1 PCT/EP2012/053029 EP2012053029W WO2012113841A1 WO 2012113841 A1 WO2012113841 A1 WO 2012113841A1 EP 2012053029 W EP2012053029 W EP 2012053029W WO 2012113841 A1 WO2012113841 A1 WO 2012113841A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
user equipment
breakout
network
function
mobility
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/EP2012/053029
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Marco Liebsch
Stefan Schmid
Jun Awano
Original Assignee
Nec Europe Ltd.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Nec Europe Ltd. filed Critical Nec Europe Ltd.
Publication of WO2012113841A1 publication Critical patent/WO2012113841A1/fr

Links

Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
    • H04W8/00—Network data management
    • H04W8/02—Processing of mobility data, e.g. registration information at HLR [Home Location Register] or VLR [Visitor Location Register]; Transfer of mobility data, e.g. between HLR, VLR or external networks
    • H04W8/08—Mobility data transfer
    • H04W8/082—Mobility data transfer for traffic bypassing of mobility servers, e.g. location registers, home PLMNs or home agents
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
    • H04W36/00—Hand-off or reselection arrangements
    • H04W36/08—Reselecting an access point
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
    • H04W40/00—Communication routing or communication path finding
    • H04W40/34—Modification of an existing route
    • H04W40/36—Modification of an existing route due to handover
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
    • H04W8/00—Network data management
    • H04W8/02—Processing of mobility data, e.g. registration information at HLR [Home Location Register] or VLR [Visitor Location Register]; Transfer of mobility data, e.g. between HLR, VLR or external networks
    • H04W8/08—Mobility data transfer
    • H04W8/085—Mobility data transfer involving hierarchical organized mobility servers, e.g. hierarchical mobile IP [HMIP]

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a method for routing data traffic in a mobile communication network with a plurality of network levels and network entities and connected to a service network comprising
  • At least two base stations on a second higher network level wherein the at least one user equipment is attached to one of the base stations
  • At least one mobility anchor preferably in form of a mobility gateway, on a fourth network level
  • At least one correspondent node wherein the user equipment and the correspondent node are connectable via at least one of the network entities on at least one of the different network levels comprising the steps of
  • the invention relates also to a system for routing data traffic in a mobile communication network with a plurality of network levels and network entities and connected to a service network, comprising
  • At least two base stations on a second higher network level wherein the at least one user equipment is attached to one of the base stations
  • At least one mobility anchor preferably in form of a mobility gateway, on a fourth network level
  • At least one correspondent node wherein the user equipment and the correspondent node are connectable via at least one of the network entities on at least one of the different network levels, and
  • tapping devices for performing breakout functions, wherein the tapping devices are located on first and second default network level routes between the network entity on the fourth level and each of the network entities on the third level and wherein the tapping devices are operable to analyse data traffic from the at least one user equipment to the correspondent node and to offload at least part of the data traffic of an established data exchange session between the user equipment and the correspondent node on a network level below the fourth level by the first breakout function defining a first offload network level route between the user equipment and the correspondent node, wherein the first offload network level route replaces at least part of the first default network level route.
  • IP Internet Protocol
  • the mobility gateway checks the location of the user equipment and maintains so called forwarding states to route downlink traffic to the user equipment, for example by means of an IP tunnel, which terminates at a mobility agent lower in the mobile communication network topology representing the current location of the user equipment.
  • the mobility gateway can maintain the location of the user equipment with an accuracy of the mobility agent, whereas mobility of the user equipment below the mobility agent is tracked and supported by the mobility agent itself.
  • a mobile communication network in form of a universal mobile telecommunications system (UMTS) network is described.
  • the mobility gateway is represented by a gateway GPRS support node (GGSN)
  • the mobility agent is represented by the radio network controller (RNC).
  • the UMTS Serving GPRS support node (SGSN) is assumed to be co-located with the mobility gateway.
  • Each of the mobility agents in form of the radio network controllers maintains mobility states of the user equipment connected to the radio network controller by tracking the location of the user equipment with an accuracy of a radio base station.
  • the mobility gateway is represented by the Packet Data Network Gateway (PDN GW), whereas the mobility agent is represented by the evolved NodeB (eNB).
  • PDN GW Packet Data Network Gateway
  • eNB evolved NodeB
  • An abstract view of a conventional UMTS network is shown in Fig. 1.
  • the user equipment UE On the lowest network level L1 of the UMTS network 1 the user equipment UE is located and connected to one of the base stations BS1 1 , BS 12, ... BS33 on the second network level L2 forming the lowest radio access network level of the UMTS network 1.
  • BS33 on the second network level L2 are connected to mobility agents MA1 , MA2, MA3 on the third network level L3 which is the highest radio network level in the UMTS network 1.
  • the mobility agents MA1 , MA2, MA3 on the third network level L3 are each connected to a mobility anchor in form of a mobility gateway GW on the forth network level L4, which is the highest core network level in the UMTS network 1.
  • a mobility controller MC located in the mobility gateway GW sets up forwarding tunnels T1 , T2, T3 between the mobility gateway GW and each of the mobility agents MA1 , MA2, MA3 for users' data transfer between the mobility agents MA1 , MA2, MA3 and the mobility gateway GW.
  • the mobility gateway GW is further connected to a router R which can be located either at a border 12 between the UMTS network 1 and a service network 2, for example the Internet, or somewhere in an operator network of the mobile communication operator to provide access to an operator- owned server, for example a local content cache server or to an IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS).
  • the router R takes routing decisions for data traffic between the user equipment UE and the correspondent node CN according to the user equipment's and the correspondent node's IP address.
  • mobility signalling with the mobility controller MC sets up the corresponding forwarding tunnel (in Fig. 1 forwarding tunnel T2) between the mobility gateway GW of the user equipment UE and the current mobility agent MA2 of the user equipment UE.
  • the mobility signalling between the user equipment UE and the mobility controller MC updates a state of the user equipment UE at the mobility gateway GW to forward traffic through a different forwarding tunnel T1 , T3, which is then terminated by the new corresponding mobility agent MA1 , MA3.
  • Data traffic between the user equipment UE and its correspondent node CN always traverses a forwarding tunnel T1 , T2, T3 between the mobility gateway GW and the current mobility agent MA1 , MA2, MA3.
  • the first default network level route comprises the user equipment UE, the base station BS23, the mobility agent MA2, the mobility gateway GW, the Router R and the correspondent node CN.
  • traffic routing may be suboptimal in case the correspondent node CN of a user equipment UE is located below the mobility gateway topology network level or can be better reached via a router R which is located on a lower network level.
  • a further disadvantage of such routing is that routing of traffic always through a high level and a centralized mobility gateway GW leads to an increasing traffic volume on the highest mobile communication network level and further of network traffic related costs, in particular capital expenditure and operational expenditure.
  • One option is to distribute the mobility gateways to a lower network level in the mobile operator network topology, hence terminate the forwarding tunnel on a lower network topology level to allow routing above the low level mobility gateway.
  • the tapping device for performing the breakout function BOF receives data packets being addressed to the user equipment UE, forwards them further to the mobility agent MA1 of the user equipment UE using characteristics of the forwarding tunnel T1 between the mobility gateway GW and the mobility agent MA1. Since offloaded uplink packets, which have been extracted from the forwarding tunnel T1 , carry the source address of the user equipment UE, which is network topologically anchored at the mobility gateway GW, downlink packets from the correspondent node CN would be routed to the mobility gateway GW.
  • the data packet's source address of uplink packets which have been extracted from the forwarding tunnel T1 , is being translated to a topologically correct network address, i.e. a routable network address, via network address translation NAT, before the uplink data packets are forwarded at the tapping device by the breakout function BOF for further routing towards the correspondent node CN.
  • the correspondent node CN will then use the network address translated address to send packets back to the user equipment UE, which ensures that these data packets arrive at the breakout function BOF.
  • the breakout function BOF Before the breakout function BOF inserts these downlink data packets into the forwarding tunnel T1 for being routed to the mobility agent MA the breakout function BOF must reversely translate the data packet's destination address to the user equipment's address via network address translation NAT.
  • the first default network level route comprises the user equipment UE, the base station BS 1 , the mobility agent MA1 , the mobility gateway GW, the Router R and the correspondent node CN.
  • the first offload network level route is included in the first default network level route the latter comprising now the user equipment UE, the base station BS1 , the mobility agent MA1 , the first breakout function BOF1 at the tapping device TD1 , the network address translation NAT, the Router R and the correspondent node CN.
  • the breakout function BOF requires network address translation of the I P address of the user equipment UE to differentiate from routing data packets above the network topology level of the mobility gateway GW.
  • the breakout function BOF inspects the mobility- and radio- specific signalling of the user equipment UE with existing network entities or devices in the mobile operator's network. For example in an UMTS network, the breakout function BOF captures and inspects Radio Access Network Application Part (RANAP) protocol messages between the user equipment UE and the mobility gateway in form of the gateway/serving GPRS support node (G/SGSN).
  • RANAP Radio Access Network Application Part
  • the breakout function BOF "learns" about the identifier of the user equipment UE, its IP address as well as about the associated forwarding tunnel T1 and radio bearer information shown in Fig. 2:
  • Fig. 2 an abstract notation of IP addresses to identify the I P subnet and the individual node within this subnet is used. The notation is as follows: ⁇ IP subnet>:: ⁇ host ID>.
  • the mobility gateway GW having the I P address A:: 1 , has assigned and anchored the IP address A:: 10 of the user equipment U E and maintains the mobility state of the user equipment UE. All downlink packets destined to the user equipment UE will be forwarded to the first mobility agent MA1 through forwarding tunnel T1 according to the mobility state of the user equipment UE at the mobility gateway GW. Downlink packets mean packets to be delivered from an entity on a higher network level to a network entity on a lower network level.
  • the tapping device TD1 for performing the breakout function BOF is located on the path of the first forwarding tunnel T1 having the IP address B::3.
  • the tapping device TD1 listens to or inspects mobility- and radio-specific signalling, for example RANAP protocol messages in a UMTS mobile network, between the first mobility agent MA1 and the mobility controller MC which is assumed in Fig. 2 to be co-located with the mobility gateway GW.
  • the breakout function BOF identifies from such signalling the user equipment UE, its corresponding mobility gateway GW and the corresponding mobility agent MA1 as well as the forwarding tunnel identifiers from the signalling and creates a breakout state or context for the user equipment UE to break out the data traffic of the user equipment UE.
  • a network address translation function NAT co-located in the tapping device sets up a NAT state for the user equipment UE as well as translates the IP address A:: 10 of the user equipment UE to a topologically correct IP address B:: 10 and ensures that downlink packets for the user equipment UE arrive at the first breakout function BOF1. Only a new session can be broken out by the breakout function BOF1 as existing data exchange sessions between user equipment UE and the correspondent node CN must continue using the original path through the mobility gateway GW due to the use of the original IP address A:: 10 of the user equipment UE at the beginning of such data exchange sessions.
  • the correspondent node CN of the user equipment UE having F::5 as IP address may communicate with the user equipment UE through the breakout function BOF1 using the translated address B:: 10 of the user equipment UE via network address translation NAT.
  • the aforementioned objectives are accomplished by the method of claim 1 and the system of claim 16.
  • the method for routing data traffic in a mobile communication network with a plurality of network levels and network entities and connected to a service network comprising
  • At least two base stations on a second higher network level wherein the at least one user equipment is attached to one of the base stations
  • At least two mobility agents on a third network level each connected to at least one base station, at least one mobility anchor, preferably in form of a mobility gateway, on a fourth network level,
  • At least one correspondent node wherein the user equipment and the correspondent node are connectable via at least one of the network entities on at least one of the different network levels comprising the steps of
  • the method is characterized by the steps of
  • At least two base stations on a second higher network level wherein the at least one user equipment is attached to one of the base stations
  • At least one mobility anchor preferably in form of a mobility gateway, on a fourth network level
  • At least one correspondent node wherein the user equipment and the correspondent node are connectable via at least one of the network entities on at least one of the different network levels, and
  • tapping devices for performing breakout functions, wherein the tapping devices are located on first and second default network level routes between the network entity on the fourth level and each of the network entities on the third level and wherein the tapping devices are operable to analyse data traffic from the at least one user equipment to the correspondent node and to offload at least part of the data traffic of an established data exchange session between the user equipment and the correspondent node on a network level below the fourth level by the first breakout function defining a first offload network level route between the user equipment and the correspondent node, wherein the first offload network level route replaces at least part of the first default network level route.
  • the system is characterized in that
  • the tapping devices are operable to hand over the established data exchange session to a second default network level route including the second base station and the second mobility agent when the user equipment switches from the connected base station to a second base station, which is connected to a second mobility agent.
  • a data exchange session is in particular to be understood as every form of data communication between a user equipment and one or more correspondent nodes.
  • a data exchange session for example may include one or more IP-flows.
  • the invention has first been recognized that switching over the user equipment from the connected base station to a second base station, which is connected to a second mobility agent, defining a second default network level route, and handing over the established data exchange session to a second default network level route including the second base station and the second mobility agent enhances the flexibility.
  • the user equipment may then be moved or relocated to a different position and may connect to a different base station respectively a different mobility agent without interrupting the current data exchange session with a correspondent node.
  • handing over the data exchange session provides an easy and cost-effective way to implement the method and the system of the present invention in conventional mobile communication networks.
  • the method comprises the further step of g) Offloading the data traffic of the data exchange session on a network level below the fourth level by a second breakout function defining a second
  • offload network level route wherein the second offload network level route replaces at least part of the second default network level route.
  • the method comprises the further steps of h) Determining a mobility state of the user equipment comprising at least first and/or second default network level route information, i) Selecting the second breakout function for analyzing the data traffic between the user equipment and the correspondent node and j) Transferring the determined mobility state information from the first breakout function to the second breakout function, This further ensures a more reliable handover of the user equipment providing the key steps for determining key information for a potential handover of the user equipment.
  • NAS and preferably RANAP messages of signalling traffic of the user equipment preferably including PDP context or PDN connection information, user equipment identifier, mobility controller identifier, tunnel identifier of a forwarding tunnel and/or mobility agent identifier are inspected by a breakout control function for controlling a breakout function and/or to detect the handover according to step f).
  • a breakout control function for controlling a breakout function and/or to detect the handover according to step f).
  • a breakout context and/or a breakout policy for the user equipment is established by the breakout control function at at least one of the breakout functions.
  • the breakout control function triggers data traffic offload and a breakout function relocation in case of the user equipment's mobility.
  • the breakout control function controls easily the breakout function and sets up a breakout policy and respectively a breakout context for the user equipment at the breakout function.
  • a routing policy function is performed for routing data traffic between the service network and the mobile communication network, preferably a network of a mobile provider.
  • the routing policy function enables inter-working of routing between a local network, for example a network of a mobile provider and a global routing space, for example the internet or a packet data network, in particular enables routing between the routing policy function and the current breakout function of the user equipment.
  • the routing policy function maps an identifier, preferably a network-layer address, of the user equipment, to an identifier, preferably a network-layer address, of the user equipment's current breakout function. This enables in an easy way to map downlink traffic to the current breakout function of the user equipment avoiding a data exchange session interrupt.
  • a network-layer address is for example an IP-address.
  • the first breakout function indicates a router, preferably in form of a gateway, to reach the service network, to the breakout control function.
  • a breakout control function to use the router information to identify the routing policy function and the breakout control function may now signal the routing policy function for example information about the breakout function where downlink data packets must be routed to.
  • a second breakout control function detects a handover according to step f), preferably by inspecting signalling traffic from the user equipment. This enables a reliable detection of a handover and further a corresponding switching of the user equipment from the first mobility agent to a second mobility agent avoiding unnecessary data traffic for handover detection.
  • the second breakout control function identifies the first breakout control function and/or the first breakout function, preferably based on a look-up table, mapping the user equipment to the first breakout function. This provides an even more reliable switching of the data exchange session when handing over the user equipment from the first mobility agent to the second mobility agent.
  • the second breakout control function is enabled to retrieve a breakout context of the user equipment from the first breakout control function.
  • the breakout context of the user equipment is established at the second breakout function by the second breakout control function.
  • the second breakout function is now enabled to route data traffic from the user equipment attached to the second mobility agent in an analogue way according to the breakout context of the first breakout function.
  • at least one forwarding tunnel between the routing policy function and at least one of the breakout functions is established. This provides a reliable downlink route for data traffic of the user equipment between the routing policy function and the current breakout function of the user equipment.
  • the routing policy function is performed by a device inside the mobile communication network on or near a border defined by a border router and outside a network path defined by the mobility gateway, the mobility agents, the base stations and the user equipment.
  • the routing policy function may be co-located in the border router which may be on the border between the mobile communication network and the global network providing a central instance for routing data traffic between the routing policy function and different breakout functions, in particular of the current breakout function of the user equipment.
  • the network address translation is performed by a device inside the mobile communication network on or near the border to the global network, defined by a border router, outside a network path defined by the mobility gateway, the mobility agents, the base stations and the user equipment.
  • This provides a centralized instance for network address translation and in case the routing policy function is also co-located with the border router, enables minimized traffic to exchange signalling, for example to set up a corresponding state in the mapping entity for mapping the identifier of the user equipment and a routable identifier for the service network.
  • the routing policy function and the network address translation is performed at the device for performing the first breakout function.
  • a routing policy function and the mapping is co-located at the device for performing the first breakout function, for example a tapping device, this provides an "anchor" for offloaded traffic to forward data traffic to the user equipment's current breakout function.
  • the breakout control function is performed at the mobility anchor. This avoids multiple breakout control functions but provides a centralized breakout control function controlling the breakout functions at the mobility gateway. Further intra-level signaling connections to control the breakout functions are avoided. As an alternative it is also possible to perform the breakout function at an intermediate serving node between a mobility agent and the mobility anchor splitting a single tunnel between the mobility gateway and the mobility agent into two separate tunnels.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a conventional system
  • Fig. 2 is a schematic view of a further conventional system
  • Fig. 3 is a schematic view of a method according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
  • Fig. 4 is a flow chart of a method according to Fig. 3;
  • Fig. 5 shows a schematic view of a method and a system according to a second embodiment of the present invention
  • Fig. 6 shows a flow chart of a part of the method according to Fig. 5;
  • Fig. 7 shows a flow chart of a part of the method according to Fig. 5;
  • Fig. 8 shows a method and a system according to a third embodiment of the present invention
  • Fig. 9 shows a flow chart of a part of the method according to Fig. 8
  • Fig. 10 shows a flow chart of a part of the method according to Fig. 8;
  • Fig. 1 1 is a schematic view of a method and a system according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention
  • Fig. 12 shows a flow chart of a part of the method according to Fig. 1 1 ;
  • Fig. 13 shows a flow chart of a method according to Fig. 1 1 ;
  • Fig. 14 is a schematic view of a system and a method according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.
  • Fig. 15 is a schematic view of a method and a system according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention
  • Fig. 16 is a schematic view of a method and a system according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention.
  • Fig. 1 is a schematic view of a conventional system.
  • Fig. 1 is shown a conventional system with forwarding of a user equipment's data traffic between the user equipment's mobility gateway and a mobility anchor in a region, where the user equipment is currently located.
  • Reference sign 1 denotes in Fig. 1 a mobile communication network.
  • the mobile communication network 1 comprises a plurality of base stations BS 1 1 , BS12, BS 13, BS21 , BS22, BS23, BS31 , BS32, BS33 on the lowest radio access network level L2 in the mobile communication network 1.
  • Each of the base stations BS 1 1 , BS12, BS13, BS21 , BS22, BS23, BS31 , BS32, BS33 is connected to a mobility agent MA1 , MA2, MA3.
  • Fig. 1 are shown three mobility agents MA1 , MA2, MA3 wherein each mobility agent MA1 , MA2, MA3 is connected to three base stations BS1 1 , BS12, BS 13, BS21 , BS22, BS23, BS31 , BS32, BS33.
  • the mobility agents MA1 , MA2, MA3 are located on the highest radio access network level L3 in the mobile communication network 1.
  • Each of the mobility agents MA1 , MA2, MA3 is connected to a mobility gateway GW on a highest core network level L4.
  • the core network and the radio access network are part of the mobile communication network 1.
  • the first default network level route comprises the user equipment UE, the base station BS23, the mobility agent MA2, the mobility gateway GW, the Router R and the correspondent node CN.
  • a mobility controller MC is located for inspecting mobility signalling which sets up forwarding tunnels T1 , T2 and T3 between the mobility gateway GW of the user equipment UE and its current mobility agent MA1 , MA2, MA3, in Fig. 1 MA2.
  • forwarding tunnel T2 is established since the user equipment U E is connected via base station BS23 and mobility agent MA2 to the mobility gateway GW.
  • the mobility gateway GW is further connected to a router R which is located at a border 12 between the mobile communication network 1 and a global network 2 to route data traffic from the user equipment UE from the mobile communication network 1 to a correspondent node CN located in the global network 2.
  • the correspondent node CN may also be located within the mobile communication network 1.
  • a further intermediate serving node may be located on the tunnel path between the mobility gateway GW and the mobility agent MA1 , MA2, MA3, which splits a single tunnel between the mobility gateway GW and the mobility agent MA1 , MA2, MA3 into two separate tunnels.
  • Fig. 2 is a schematic view of a further conventional system.
  • a user equipment UE on the lowest network level L1 which is connected to a first base station BS1 on the lowest radio access network level L2.
  • the first base station BS 1 is connected to a first mobility agent MA1 on the highest radio access network level L3.
  • the first mobility agent MA1 is connected to mobility gateway GW on the highest core network level L4.
  • a second base station BS2 is connected to a second mobility agent MA2 and the second mobility agent MA2 is connected to the mobility gateway GW.
  • Forwarding tunnels T1 , T2 for routing the data traffic between the first and second mobility agent MA1 , MA2 and the mobility gateway GW are established.
  • the mobility controller MC responsible for establishing the forwarding tunnels T1 , T2 is not shown in Fig. 2.
  • a tapping device TD1 for performing a first breakout function BOF1 is located network topologically between the mobility gateway GW and the current mobility agent MA1 of the user equipment UE.
  • the first breakout function BOF1 captures uplink data traffic from the user equipment UE and identifies and extracts data packets from the first forwarding tunnel T1 and forwards the data packets towards their final destination, i.e. to the correspondent node CN.
  • the tapping device TD1 will receive data packets being addressed to the user equipment UE, inserts them into the first forwarding tunnel T1 and forwards them further to the first mobility agent MA1 , using the characteristics of the first forwarding tunnel T1 between the mobility gateway GW and the current mobility agent MA1.
  • the first default network level route comprises the user equipment UE, the base station BS 1 , the mobility agent MA1 , the mobility gateway GW, the Router R and the correspondent node CN.
  • the first offload network level route is included in the first default network level route the latter comprising now the user equipment UE, the base station BS1 , the mobility agent MA1 , the first breakout function BOF1 at the tapping device TD1 , the network address translation NAT, the Router R and the correspondent node CN.
  • the network address translation may also be performed by the tapping device TD 1.
  • the correspondent node CN uses the correct network address to send data packets back to the user equipment UE (downlink data packets) which ensures that these data packets arrive at the first breakout function BOF1 respectively the tapping device TD1.
  • the network address translation NAT at the tapping device TD1 must reversely translate the data packet's destination address to the address of the user equipment UE: In the following an abstract notation of identifiers in form of IP addresses to identify the IP subnet and the individual node within the subnet is used: ⁇ I P subnet»:: ⁇ hostl D>.
  • the mobility gateway GW having an IP address A:: 1 has assigned and anchored the IP address A:: 10 of the user equipment UE and maintains a mobility state of the user equipment UE.
  • a mobility state may include a number of cell reselections or cell changes measured during a specific time period counted by a timer with a threshold value, wherein each base station BS 1 1 , BS12, BS 13, BS21 , BS22, BS23, BS31 , BS32, BS33 covers a certain cell in a mobile communication network. Cell reselection and/or handover to a different base station may occur even when the user equipment UE does not move.
  • a handover is triggered for the purpose of load balancing, user service profile adaption, user equipment capability adaption and/or radio resource management.
  • the tapping device TD1 with the first breakout function BOF1 on the network path of the first forwarding tunnel T1 having the address B::3 listens to mobility- and radio-specific signalling, for example RANAP protocol messages in a UMTS system, between the first mobility agent MA1 and the mobility controller MC, for example co-located with the mobility gateway GW in Fig. 2.
  • the first breakout function BOF1 identifies the user equipment UE, its mobility gateway GW and its mobility agent MA1 as well as the mobility tunnel identifiers corresponding to the first forwarding tunnel T1 from the signalling and creates a breakout context state for the user equipment UE to breakout the data traffic of the user equipment UE.
  • a network address translation (NAT) function co-located in the tapping device TD1 sets up a translation state for the user equipment UE and translates the IP address A:: 10 of the user equipment UE to a network topologically correct I P address B:: 10 and further ensures that downlink data packets for the user equipment UE arrive at the first breakout function BOF1 respectively the tapping device TD1.
  • NAT network address translation
  • the data exchange session between the user equipment UE and the correspondent node CN having the IP-address F::5 is established via a router R through the first breakout function BOF1 using the translated user equipment IP address B:: 10. If the user equipment UE is handed over to the second base station BS2 a second tapping device TD2 having the I P address E::4 for performing a second breakout function BOF2 must continue to use the translated IP address B:: 10 of the user equipment UE from the first breakout function BOF1 , which breaks the downlink routing path as downlink data packets from the correspondent node CN having the I P address: F::5 to the user equipment UE having the IP address B:: 10 will be routed to the previous tapping device TD1 with the first breakout function BOF 1.
  • Fig. 3 shows a location and combination of functional components of the present invention. Detailed inter-working is described in message sequence charts, which explain exemplarily inter-working between the functional components. Message sequences follow the general sequence according to Fig. 4 but comprise also preferred alternatives dependent on the respective architecture and associated co- location of functions.
  • Fig. 3 is a schematic view of a method according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
  • Fig. 3 shows a functional architecture and inter-working between functional components for a mobility support in IP traffic offload enabled systems using a tapping device TD and a breakout function BOF.
  • the user equipment UE is according to Fig. 2 connected via a mobility agent MA1 , a mobility gateway GW and a router R to a correspondent node CN.
  • the connection between the highest radio access network level entity in form of the mobility agent MA1 and a highest core network level entity in form of a mobility gateway GW comprising a mobility controller MC comprises a user equipment specific control plane CP which connects the user equipment UE to the mobility controller MC and a user equipment specific data plane DP which connects the user equipment UE to the mobility gateway GW and further to a correspondent node CN.
  • a breakout function BOF inspects data traffic in the user equipment specific data plane DP for breaking out data traffic from the user equipment UE.
  • a breakout control function BCF which may be co-located in the tapping device TD inspects in the user equipment specific control plane CP and controls the breakout function BOF in the user equipment specific data plane DP.
  • reference sign (A) denotes the step of notifying the breakout function BOF by the breakout control function BCF about a data traffic of the user equipment UE to breakout, a corresponding tunnel identification, bearer identification, flow info, user equipment identification and user equipment IP address.
  • the breakout control function BCF informs a new or second breakout function BOF about the previous first breakout function BOF, for example by transmitting the IP address of the tapping device TD for performing the first breakout function BOF.
  • the previous first breakout function BOF may inform the breakout control function BCF about a preferred (border) router R to access a target PDN/INET comprising the correspondent node CN from the viewpoint of the previous first breakout function BOF in case that the breakout control function BCF does not have this information.
  • the breakout control function BCF further sets up and maintains a routing state in a routing policy function (step (C)) to configure a downlink data route for user equipment data traffic between the routing policy function RPF and the current breakout function BOF of the user equipment UE.
  • the routing policy function sets up a translation state for the user equipment UE in the network address translation NAT.
  • the network address translation NAT maps between the user equipment's I P address in the mobile communication network 1 and a routable ID address in the global network 2 or between a user equipment's I P address and an IP address, which is being used as unique identifier for the user equipment UE which can be mapped to the user equipment's current breakout function BOF.
  • the breakout function BOF may set up the translation state for the user equipment UE in the network address translation NAT in case the network address translation NAT is co-located with the breakout function BOF in a step ( ⁇ ').
  • the network address translation NAT maps between the user equipment's I P address and a different routable unique I P address.
  • the breakout function BOF may in an alternative step (C) set up and maintain a routing state in the routing policy function RPF to configure a downlink data route for user equipment data traffic between the routing policy function RPF and the user equipment's current breakout function BOF in case the routing policy function RPF is co-located in the tapping device TD for performing the first breakout function BOF of the user equipment UE.
  • step (D) in case of the need to relocate the current breakout function BOF1 and in case of a plurality of different breakout control functions BCF, the breakout control functions BCF are responsible for the previous and the new breakout function BOF.
  • the new breakout control function BCF retrieves the breakout context or state from the previous breakout control function BCF.
  • the previous breakout control function BCF can also push breakout context or breakout state to the new breakout control function BCF.
  • the first breakout control function BCF can resolve the remote breakout control function BCF using a look-up table that maps the identifier of the remote mobility agent.
  • the mobility agent identifier is signalled as part of an existing handover and bearer establishment procedure and thus may be tapped by the breakout control function BCF in the tapping device TD mapping the remote or second mobility agent identifier to the corresponding remote breakout control function BCF and a second breakout function BOF.
  • the new breakout function retrieves information about the user equipment's network address translated IP address from the previous breakout function BOF.
  • Fig. 4 is a flow chart of a method according to Fig. 3.
  • a first breakout control function BCF 1 inspects NAS and preferably RANAP messages, to retrieve an user equipment's context or state for breakout, comprising user equipment identification, user equipment I P address, and/or forwarding tunnel parameters. If the first breakout control function BCF1 is co-located with a first breakout function BOF1 in the same tapping device, this facilitates a configuration of the first breakout function BOF1.
  • the first breakout control function BCF1 may identify the relevant first breakout function BOF1 from a topology map taking the mobility tunnel endpoints, for example the mobility gateway GW and the corresponding mobility agent connected to the user equipment UE, and corresponding identifiers, for example a local IP-address as keys.
  • the first breakout control function BCF1 establishes an initial breakout context or state for the user equipment at the first breakout function BOF1.
  • the first breakout function BOF1 indicates a preferred (border) router R as gateway to reach the global network, in particular in form of a packet data network PDN or the internet INET.
  • the first breakout control function BCF1 uses the router information about the preferred (border) router R to identify a routing policy function RPF, which may be located on or close to the identified (border) router R.
  • the first breakout control function BCF1 signals to the routing policy function RPF information about the first breakout function BOF1 , where downlink data packets must be routed to.
  • the first breakout control function BCF1 may send information about the network address translation NAT to be used in case such a network address translation NAT is not co-located with the routing policy function RPF on a common device but for example co-located in the tapping device TD, with the first breakout function BOF1.
  • the routing policy function RPF sets up a translation context or state at the network address translation NAT to map the user equipment's I P address, which is originally anchored at the mobility gateway GW to a different address for routing the (border) router R.
  • the network address translation NAT acknowledges the translation context establishment to the routing policy function RPF in a fifth substep (5') and the routing policy function RPF acknowledges in a further fifth substep (5") the establishment of the translation context at the network address translation NAT to the first breakout control function BCF1.
  • a user equipment UE is switched from a first mobility agent MA1 to a second mobility agent MA2 in a handover procedure. This handover requires a relocation from the first breakout function BOF1 to a second breakout function BOF2, as the first breakout function BOF1 is not on the mobility tunnel path of the user equipment UE anymore.
  • the second breakout control function BCF2 identifies the handover and new tunnel endpoints from the mobility signalling of the user equipment UE, for example by inspecting RANAP messages.
  • the second breakout control function BCF2 resolves information about the first breakout function BOF1 and the first breakout control function BCF1 based on a lookup table that maps source mobility agent identifiers - which are signalled as part of the existing handover procedures in a mobile communication network and thus can be tapped by the second breakout control function BCF2 - to the corresponding breakout control function and breakout function BCF, BOF, i.e. here the first breakout control function BCF1 and the first breakout function BOF1.
  • the second breakout control function BCF2 retrieves the breakout context of the user equipment UE from the first breakout control function BCF1 , including information about the used routing policy function RPF and the network address translation context respectively translation state, in particular the user equipment's IP address and the translated IP address according to the network address translation NAT. ln a ninth step (9) the first breakout control function BCF1 notifies the second breakout control function BCF2 about the user equipment's breakout context.
  • the second breakout control function BCF2 establishes the user equipment's breakout context at the second breakout function BOF2.
  • the second breakout function BOF2 acknowledges the establishment of the user equipment's context to the second breakout control function BCF2.
  • the second breakout control function BCF2 identifies from the user equipment's breakout context the routing policy function RPF being used and signals downlink data route information to the routing policy function RPF to enable that downlink data traffic is routed from the routing policy function RPF to the second breakout function BOF2.
  • the routing policy function RPF can establish the user equipment's translation context at the network address translation NAT on the second breakout function BOF2.
  • the second breakout control function BCF2 when co-located with the second breakout function BOF2 and with the network address translation NAT, or the second breakout function BOF2, when co-located with the network address translation NAT can set up the (network address) translation context locally, for example by means of inter-process communication.
  • Fig. 5 shows a schematic view of a method and a system according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
  • Fig. 5 is shown a system using a single network address translation NAT and routing policy function RPF in combination at or close to a border router, denoted with reference sign R.
  • the user equipment UE located on the lowest network level L1 having the network address A:: 10 is connected to a first base station BS1 and further to a first mobility agent MA1 having network address C::3 and further via a first tapping device TD1 having the address B::3 for performing a first breakout function BOF1 and a first breakout control function BCF1 and via a first forwarding tunnel FT1 to a routing policy function RPF, a network address translation NAT and the border router R and finally to the correspondent node CN.
  • the correspondent node CN has a topologically correct IP address F::5.
  • the network address translation NAT located at the border router R translates the I P address of the user equipment A:: 10 to a routable IP address B:: 10 so that the correspondent node CN having the IP address F::5 can communicate with the topologically correct I P address B:: 10 of the user equipment UE.
  • the first breakout function BOF1 and the first breakout control function BCF1 are connected with the routing policy function RPF via the first forwarding tunnel FT1 and a second breakout function BOF2 and a second breakout control function BCF2 are connected to the routing policy function RPF via a second forwarding tunnel FT2.
  • the second breakout function BOF2 and the second breakout control function BCF2 correspond to a second mobility agent MA2 having the IP-address D::7 to which the user equipment UE is connected when handing over from the first base station BS 1 to a second base station BS2.
  • the second base station BS2 is connected to the second mobility agent MA2.
  • the second breakout control function BCF2 and the second breakout function BOF2 are located on a second tapping device TD2, having the IP address E::4.
  • the second tapping device TD2 inspects traffic on a second tunnel T2 (endpoints A:: 1 and D::7) for breakout in accordance to the first tapping device TD1 and the first tunnel T1 between A:: 1 and C::3.
  • the first default network level route comprises the user equipment UE, the base station BS 1 , the mobility agent MA1 , the mobility gateway GW, the Router R and the correspondent node CN.
  • the first offload network level route is included in the first default network level route the latter comprising now the user equipment UE, the base station BS1 , the mobility agent MA1 , the first breakout function BOF1 at the tapping device TD1 , the routing policy function RPF, the network address translation NAT, the Router R and the correspondent node CN.
  • the second default network level route comprises the user equipment UE, the base station BS2, the mobility agent MA2, the mobility gateway GW, the Router R and the correspondent node CN.
  • the second offload network level route is included in the second default network level route the latter comprising now the user equipment UE, the base station BS2, the mobility agent MA2, the second breakout function BOF2 at the tapping device TD2, the routing policy function RPF, the network address translation NAT, the Router R and the correspondent node CN.
  • Fig. 6 shows a flow chart of a part of the method according to Fig. 5.
  • Fig. 6 a message sequence to establish an initial breakout context at the first breakout function BOF1 according to the system of Fig. 5 is shown.
  • the first breakout control function BCF 1 inspects NAS and preferably RANAP messages, in particular PDP context, user equipment IP, user equipment identifier, mobility controller identifier, tunnel identifier and first mobility agent identifier of the NAS signalling between the user equipment UE and the correspondent node CN and between the first mobility agent MA1 and the mobility controller MC of the NAS signalling.
  • NAS and preferably RANAP messages in particular PDP context, user equipment IP, user equipment identifier, mobility controller identifier, tunnel identifier and first mobility agent identifier of the NAS signalling between the user equipment UE and the correspondent node CN and between the first mobility agent MA1 and the mobility controller MC of the NAS signalling.
  • the first breakout control function BCF1 establishes a breakout context at the first breakout function BOF1 for the user equipment UE, including the user equipment IP address, the routing policy function RPF and network address translation NAT information as well as first mobility agent MA1 information.
  • the first breakout control function BCF1 establishes downlink data route between the routing policy function RPF and the first breakout function BOF1.
  • a fourth step (4) the routing policy function RPF establishes a network address translation state for the user equipment UE at the network address translation NAT so to map the original user equipment IP address to a (network address) translated user equipment IP address, which is used for routing between the router R and the correspondent node CN.
  • the first breakout function BOF1 extracts user equipment's uplink data packets from the first tunnel T1 and forwards the uplink data packets to the routing policy function RPF/network address translation NAT, for example by using the first forwarding tunnel FT1 or a (direct) source routing.
  • the network address translation NAT translates the (source) local address of the user equipment (IP address A::10) to a user equipment's offload traffic IP address B:: 10 being globally routable.
  • a seventh step (7) the network address translation NAT translates vice versa a destination address for the downlink data packets from the user equipment's offload traffic IP address B:: 10 to the user equipment local IP address A::10.
  • the routing policy function RPF looks up a route for routing the data packets in a look-up table by taking the user equipment IP address as a key and the routing policy function RPF forwards the data packets to the first breakout function BOF1 , for example by using the first forwarding tunnel FT1 or source routing.
  • the first breakout function BOF1 encapsulates the downlink data packets and forwards the encapsulated downlink data packets to the first mobility agent MA1 using a user equipment's tunnel T1.
  • Fig. 7 shows a flow chart of a part of the method according to Fig. 5.
  • Fig. 7 is shown a breakout function relocation sequence for a system according to Fig. 5.
  • a first step (1 ) the user equipment UE is handed over to the second mobility agent MA2.
  • the second breakout control function BCF2 identifies a handover of the user equipment UE from the first mobility agent MA1 to the second mobility agent MA2 by inspecting mobility signalling between the second mobility agent MA2 and the mobility control MC, for example by inspecting RANAP messages with the mobility controller MC.
  • the mobility gateway GW updates the user equipment's tunnel T1 to the new tunnel T2 to terminate at the second mobility agent MA2.
  • the second breakout control function BCF2 requests a user equipment breakout context from the first breakout control function BCF1 , and identifies the first breakout function BOF1 and the first mobility agent MA1.
  • the first breakout control function BCF 1 and the first breakout function BOF1 are identified by means of a lookup table that maps source mobility agent identities to corresponding breakout control functions BCF1 , BCF2 and breakout functions BOF1 , BOF2.
  • the first breakout control function BCF1 retrieves additional user equipment's context from the first breakout function BOF1 , such as routing policy function RPF identifier and/or NAT identifier in case the first breakout control function BCF1 does not have this information.
  • the first breakout control function BCF1 notifies the second breakout control function BCF2 about the additional user equipment context.
  • the second breakout control function BCF2 establishes the user equipment's breakout context at the second breakout function BOF2.
  • the second breakout control function BCF2 updates then a downlink data route between the routing policy function RPF and the second breakout function BOF2 in an eighth step (8).
  • the second breakout function BOF2 extracts uplink data traffic from the second tunnel T2 and forwards the uplink data traffic to the routing policy function RPF and/or the network address translation NAT, for example using the second forwarding tunnel FT2 or source routing.
  • the network address translation NAT translates the source address from the user equipment's IP address A:: 10 to a user equipment's offload traffic IP address B:: 10.
  • the network address translation NAT translates a destination address for downlink data traffic to the user equipment UE from the user equipment's offload traffic IP address B:: 10 to the user equipment's IP address A:: 10.
  • the routing policy function RPF looks up the route for the user equipment taking the user equipment's I P address as key. The routing policy function RPF forwards then data packets to the second breakout function BOF2, for example using the second forwarding tunnel FT2 or source routing.
  • the second breakout function BOF2 encapsulates downlink data packets and forwards the encapsulated downlink data packets to the second mobility agent MA2 by using the second user equipment's tunnel T2.
  • the dotted lines around the reference signs BOF1 and BCF1 respectively BOF2 and BCF2 as well as RPF and NAT denotes corresponding devices, for example providing the breakout function BOF1 and the co-located breakout control function BCF1. This correspondingly applies to Fig. 9, 10 and 12 and 13.
  • Fig. 8 shows a method and a system according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
  • a system according to Fig. 5 is shown.
  • a single routing policy function RPF at or close to the border router R and multiple network address translation NAT and breakout function BOF combinations are used.
  • a first network address translation NAT1 is located on the path between the first mobility agent MA1 and the mobility gateway GW and a second network address translation NAT2 is located on the path between the second mobility agent MA2 and the mobility gateway GW.
  • the NAT according to Fig. 5 close or at the border router R is not necessary anymore.
  • the tapping devices TD1 , TD2 are therefore operable to perform breakout functions BOF1 , BOF2, breakout control functions BCF1 , BCF2 and network address translation NAT1 , NAT2 respectively.
  • Fig. 9 shows a flow chart of a part of the method according to Fig. 8.
  • Fig. 9 a message sequence to establish an initial breakout context at the first breakout function BOF1 for to the system of Fig. 8 is shown. To establish an initial breakout context the following steps are performed:
  • the first step (1 ) and the second step (2) of Fig. 9 correspond to the steps (1 ) and (2) of Fig. 6.
  • a downlink data route between the routing policy function RPF and the first breakout function BOF1 and the first network address translation NAT1 is established. Further, in this step (3) the routing policy function RPF is notified by the first breakout control function BCF1 about the first network address translation NAT1 and the user equipment's (network address) translated address.
  • a fourth step (4) the routing policy function RPF sets up a translation state for the user equipment UE at the first network address translation NAT1 comprising the user equipment's IP address and the (network address) translated address as well as the address of the routing policy function RPF and the (border) router R to use for uplink data packets.
  • a step (4') may be performed including that the first breakout function BOF1 can set up the translation state, including the user equipment's IP address and the network address translated address as well as the address of the routing policy function RPF and the address of the (border) router R, at the co-located first network address translation NAT1.
  • the first breakout function BOF1 extracts uplink data packets from the user equipment UE from the first tunnel T1 and forwards them to the first network address translation NAT1.
  • the first network address translation NAT1 translates the source or local address from the IP address A:: 10 to the user equipment's offload traffic or routable IP address B::10, so that uplink data packets arrive at the correspondent node CN.
  • the first network address translation NAT1 translates a destination address from the user equipment's offload traffic IP address B::10 to the user equipment local IP address A:: 10 so that downlink data traffic from the correspondent node CN to the first breakout function BOF1 is enabled.
  • the first breakout function BOF1 encapsulates downlink data packets and forwards the encapsulated downlink data packets to the first mobility agent MA1 using the user equipment's first tunnel T1.
  • Fig. 10 shows a flow chart according to a part of the method according to Fig. 8. ln Fig. 10 a breakout function relocation sequence for a system according to Fig. 8 is shown.
  • the breakout function relocation sequence comprises several steps: The first three steps (1) to (3) correspond to the steps according to Fig. 7.
  • the second breakout control function BCF2 contacts the first breakout control function BCF1 to retrieve the breakout context to identify the first breakout function BOF1 and the first mobility agent MA1.
  • the first breakout control function BCF1 retrieves additional user equipment context from the first breakout function BOF1 such as routing policy function identifier in case the first breakout control function does not have this information in a fifth step (5).
  • the first breakout control function BCF1 notifies the second breakout control function BFC2 about additional user equipment context.
  • the second breakout control function BCF2 establishes the retrieved user equipment's breakout context at the second breakout function BOF2.
  • the second breakout control function BCF2 establishes a downlink data route between the routing policy function RPF and the second breakout function BOF2 and the second network address translation NAT2 for the user equipment's network address translated IP address.
  • a ninth step (9) the routing policy function RPF sets up the user equipment's state at the second network address translation NAT2 comprising the user equipment's IP address and its (network address) translated address as well as the address of the routing policy function RPF and/or the address of the (border) router R to use for uplink data packets.
  • a step (9') may be performed: The step (9') sets up the translation state by the second breakout function BOF2, comprising the user equipment's IP address and its (network address) translated IP address as well as the address of the routing policy function RPF and/or the (border) router R address, at the co-located second network address translation NAT2.
  • the second breakout function BOF2 extracts user equipment's uplink data packets from the second tunnel T2 and forwards the uplink data packets to the second network address translation NAT2.
  • the second network address translation NAT2 translates the source or local address from user equipment's IP address A:: 10 to the user equipment's offload traffic or routable IP address B::10 and forwards offloaded data traffic to the configured routing policy function RPF and router R, for example by means of source routing or by the second forwarding tunnel FT2.
  • the routing policy function RPF forwards uplink data packets through the router R to the correspondent node CN.
  • the routing policy function RPF looks up the downlink data route for downlink data traffic in a lookup table taking the user equipment's (network address) translated IP address as a key or identifier and forwards the downlink data packets to the second network address translation NAT2 and to the second breakout function BOF2.
  • Fig. 1 1 is a schematic view of a method and a system according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
  • a system is shown using a single routing policy function and a single network address translation at the initially assigned first breakout function, which serve as anchor to forward data traffic to the user equipment's current breakout function, for example by means of a forwarding tunnel.
  • Fig. 1 1 shows a system according to Fig. 8.
  • the system of Fig. 1 1 includes only one network address translation NAT located at the first breakout function BOF1 in the first tapping device TD1.
  • the routing policy function RPF is not located at the (border) router R but also located at the initial first breakout function BOF1 in the first tapping device TD1.
  • a forwarding tunnel is established between the routing policy function RPF and the second breakout function BOF2 at the second tapping device TD2 enabling a connection between the first breakout function BOF1 and the second breakout function BOF2 directly.
  • Uplink data traffic from the user equipment UE to the correspondent node CN is offloaded at the first breakout function BOF1 and routed to the correspondent node CN.
  • Downlink data traffic from the correspondent node CN to the user equipment UE is rerouted at the first breakout function BOF1 via a forwarding tunnel FT between the routing policy function RPF on the first tapping device TD1 and the second breakout function BOF2 on the second tapping device TD2 and further to the user equipment UE via second mobility agent MA2 and second base station BS2 when the user equipment UE is handed over from the first base station BS 1 to the second base station BS2.
  • Fig. 12 shows a flow chart of a part of the method according to Fig. 1 1.
  • Fig. 12 a message sequence to establish an initial breakout context at the first breakout function BOF1 according to a system of Fig. 1 1 is shown: the message sequence comprises a plurality of steps:
  • the first step (1 ) and the second step (2) correspond to the first and second steps (1 ), (2) according to Fig. 9. ln a third step (3) the first breakout control function BCF1 establishes a user equipment's state at the routing policy function RPF for later use after a handover of the user equipment UE. Further the first breakout control function BCF1 notifies the routing policy function RPF about the network address translation NAT1 and the user equipment's (network address) translated address. The routing policy function RPF may not yet been used, hence an establishment of the user equipment's state is optional.
  • the routing policy function RPF sets up the user equipment's state at the (network address) translation NAT1 comprising the user equipment's IP address and the network address translated IP address as well as the router address to use for uplink data packets.
  • a step (4') may be performed.
  • the first breakout function BOF1 may set up the (network address) translated state at the co-located network address translation NAT1.
  • the network address translated state i.e. the translation state comprises the user equipment's IP address and the (network address) translated IP address as well as the (border) router address.
  • the first breakout function BOF1 extracts for uplink data traffic the user equipment's uplink data packets from the first tunnel T1 and forwards them to the network address translation NAT1.
  • the network address translation NAT1 translates source address for the user equipment UE from the user equipment's IP address A::10 to the user equipment's offload traffic IP address B::10 so that uplink data traffic is routed to the correspondent node CN.
  • the network address translation NAT1 translates for downlink data traffic the destination address from the user equipment's offload IP address B::10 to the user equipment's IP address A::10 so that downlink data traffic from the correspondent node CN to the user equipment UE may be correctly routed.
  • the first breakout function BOF 1 encapsulates downlink data packets and forwards them to the first mobility agent MA1 using the user equipment's mobility tunnel T1 between the first mobility agent MA1 and the mobility gateway GW.
  • Fig. 13 shows a flow chart of a method according to Fig. 1 1.
  • a breakout function relocation sequence for a system according to Fig. 1 1 is shown.
  • the breakout function relocation sequence comprises a plurality of steps:
  • the first six steps (1 ) to (6) correspond to the corresponding steps of Fig. 10.
  • a seventh step (7) the second breakout control function BCF2 establishes a user equipment's breakout context at the second breakout function BOF2.
  • the second breakout control function BCF2 establishes forwarding states at the routing policy function RPF, for example to establish a forwarding tunnel FT between the routing policy function RPF and the second breakout function BOF2.
  • user equipment's traffic specific bi-directional forwarding between the routing policy function RPF and the second breakout function BOF2 is established, for example by using a tunnel.
  • the routing policy function RPF informs the network address translation NAT1 to forward uplink data packets through the routing policy function RPF.
  • the second breakout function BOF2 extracts for uplink data traffic user equipment's uplink data packets from the second tunnel T2.
  • the second breakout function BOF2 forwards uplink traffic to the routing policy function RPF using the established forwarding tunnel FT.
  • the routing policy function RPF delivers the data packets to the network address translation NAT's for being (network address) translated from a user equipment IP address A:: 10 to the established (network address) translated address B:: 10. From the network address translation NAT1 , the data packets are routed via the (border) router R to the correspondent node CN.
  • a fourteenth step (14) for downlink data traffic downlink data packets which arrive at the network address translation NAT1 from the correspondent node CN via the (border) router R the network address translation NAT1 translates the user equipment's network address translated address B:: 10 into the user equipment's I P address A:: 10 and provides the data packets to the routing policy function RPF.
  • the routing policy function forwards RPF the downlink data packets to the user equipment's current second breakout function BOF2 according to the configured routing policy using the established forwarding approach, in Fig. 1 1 the forwarding tunnel FT.
  • the second breakout function BOF2 encapsulates the downlink data packets and forwards the downlink data packets to the second mobility agent MA2 using the user equipment's tunnel T2.
  • Fig. 14-16 illustrate setups with a single breakout control function BCF being co-located with the mobility gateway GW of the user equipment UE.
  • the signalling interface according to reference sign (D) in Fig. 3 is not needed.
  • Message sequences follow the procedure according to the setups in Fig. 5, 8 and 1 1 respectively.
  • a single breakout control function BCF resolves first breakout control function BOF1 and second breakout control function BOF2 using the same mechanism as described for the signalling interface according to reference sign (D) in Fig. 3.
  • Fig. 14 shows a schematic view of a system and a method according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. ln Fig. 14 an implementation of a system according to Fig. 5 using a single breakout control function in a mobility gateway and a single network address translation NAT/routing policy function RPF combination at or close to a border router R is shown.
  • Fig. 14 shows therefore in general a system according to Fig. 5.
  • a single breakout control function BCF is located in or at the mobility gateway GW.
  • Fig. 15 shows a schematic view of a method and a system according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.
  • Fig. 15 is in general shown a system according to Fig. 8.
  • a single breakout control function BCF is located at the mobility gateway GW.
  • Fig. 16 shows a schematic view of a method and a system according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention.
  • Fig. 16 shows in general a system according to Fig. 1 1.
  • the system of Fig. 16 uses a single breakout control function BCF on the mobility gateway GW and use a single routing policy function RPF and a single network address translation NAT at the initially assigned first breakout function BOF1 , which serve as anchor to forward data traffic to a user equipment's current breakout function BOF1 , BOF2, for example by means of the forwarding tunnel FT.
  • the breakout control function BCF is therefore located in the mobility gateway GW instead of located at the breakout function BOF1 in Fig. 1 1.
  • the present invention provides a breakout function relocation during a user equipment's handover.
  • the present invention further provides an establishment of the user equipment's existing breakout session states at a handover target breakout function and provides maintenance of routing to receive the user equipment's downlink data packets always at the current breakout function.
  • the target or source breakout control function taps mobility agent relocation during a user equipment's handover through inspection of existing handover signalling messages from the user equipment.
  • the source or target breakout control functions and/or breakout functions are identified based on a look-up table, that maps source or target mobility agent identifiers which are signalled as part of the existing handover procedures and thus can be tapped by the target or source breakout control function to the corresponding source or target breakout control function and/or breakout function.
  • Such a look-up table may be either statically configured or managed on the breakout control functions or the breakout control function may perform a look-up on a dedicated function which maintains the mappings.
  • the present invention further provides an establishment of the user equipment's existing breakout session states at a handover target breakout function BCF through context or state transfer between the target and the source breakout control functions, initiated either by the target or the source breakout control function.
  • a maintenance of routing to receive the user equipment's downlink data packets always at the current breakout function even after breakout function relocation is provided.
  • breakout functions distributed to cover all possible or a reasonable number of mobility tunnel paths for breakout may be preferred, for example if due to Quality of Service restrictions alternative routes for the tunnels T1 , T2 have to be established.
  • One breakout control function, co-located with each breakout function or a single breakout control function distributed from breakout functions and responsible for multiple breakout functions is further preferred.
  • a single routing policy function on the network border for example on a border router or a single routing policy function co-located with the initial breakout function, i.e. that the first breakout function used by the user equipment for data traffic breakout of a particular PDP context/PDN connection is preferred.
  • the breakout function may breakout the data traffic by inspecting the data traffic via Deep Packet inspection.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Databases & Information Systems (AREA)
  • Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
  • Signal Processing (AREA)
  • Mobile Radio Communication Systems (AREA)

Abstract

La présente invention se rapporte à un procédé adapté pour router un trafic de données dans un réseau de communication mobile. Ledit réseau de communication mobile comprend une pluralité de niveaux de réseau et une pluralité d'entités de réseau, et il est connecté à un réseau de services. Le procédé selon l'invention comprend les étapes consistant : a) à connecter l'équipement d'utilisateur à l'une des stations de base, ladite station de base étant connectée à un premier agent de mobilité; b) à établir une session d'échange de données pour les communications de données de l'équipement d'utilisateur via au moins l'un des réseaux sur chacun des niveaux de réseau entre l'équipement d'utilisateur et le nœud correspondant, de sorte à définir une première route de niveau de réseau par défaut; c) à analyser un trafic de données entre le ou les équipements d'utilisateur et le nœud correspondant au moyen d'une première fonction de décrochage; et d) à délester au moins une partie du trafic de données de la session d'échange de données à un niveau de réseau inférieur au quatrième niveau au moyen de la première fonction de décrochage, de sorte à définir une première route de niveau de réseau de délestage entre l'équipement d'utilisateur et le nœud correspondant. Dans la présente invention, la première route de niveau de réseau de délestage remplace au moins une partie de la première route de niveau de réseau par défaut. Le procédé selon l'invention consiste en outre : e) à accomplir une commutation de l'équipement d'utilisateur, de la station de base connectée à une seconde station de base qui est connectée à un second agent de mobilité, de sorte à définir une seconde route de niveau de réseau par défaut; et f) à transférer la session d'échange de données établie à une seconde route de niveau de réseau par défaut comprenant la seconde station de base et le second agent de mobilité.
PCT/EP2012/053029 2011-02-22 2012-02-22 Procédé et système pour router un trafic de données dans un réseau de communication mobile WO2012113841A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP11001457 2011-02-22
EP11001457.8 2011-02-22

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2012113841A1 true WO2012113841A1 (fr) 2012-08-30

Family

ID=45875928

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/EP2012/053029 WO2012113841A1 (fr) 2011-02-22 2012-02-22 Procédé et système pour router un trafic de données dans un réseau de communication mobile

Country Status (1)

Country Link
WO (1) WO2012113841A1 (fr)

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2014042570A1 (fr) * 2012-09-14 2014-03-20 Telefonaktiebolaget L M Ericsson (Publ) Planification coopérative à base de qos pour gestion de trafic de données
WO2015009939A1 (fr) * 2013-07-17 2015-01-22 Interdigital Patent Holdings, Inc. Gestion répartie et dynamique de la mobilité dans un réseau programmable
WO2015028090A1 (fr) * 2013-08-30 2015-03-05 Nokia Solutions And Networks Oy Procédés et appareil
CN106162801A (zh) * 2015-03-27 2016-11-23 中兴通讯股份有限公司 实现缺省路由决策的方法、核心网网元、用户设备及系统

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20080259873A1 (en) * 2007-04-20 2008-10-23 Ahmavaara Kalle I Method and Apparatus for Providing Gateway Relocation
WO2009034071A2 (fr) * 2007-09-10 2009-03-19 Nokia Siemens Networks Oy Procédé, système radio et station de base
WO2011018235A1 (fr) * 2009-08-13 2011-02-17 Nec Europe Ltd. Système et procédé permettant de supporter une connectivité ip locale pour un noeud b évolué
WO2011095358A1 (fr) * 2010-02-05 2011-08-11 Nec Europe Ltd. Procédé de routage d'un trafic à l'intérieur d'un réseau et réseau

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20080259873A1 (en) * 2007-04-20 2008-10-23 Ahmavaara Kalle I Method and Apparatus for Providing Gateway Relocation
WO2009034071A2 (fr) * 2007-09-10 2009-03-19 Nokia Siemens Networks Oy Procédé, système radio et station de base
WO2011018235A1 (fr) * 2009-08-13 2011-02-17 Nec Europe Ltd. Système et procédé permettant de supporter une connectivité ip locale pour un noeud b évolué
WO2011095358A1 (fr) * 2010-02-05 2011-08-11 Nec Europe Ltd. Procédé de routage d'un trafic à l'intérieur d'un réseau et réseau

Non-Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
"3rd Generation Partnership Project; Technical Specification Group Services and System Aspects; Local IP Access and Selected IP Traffic Offload (Release 10)", 3GPP STANDARD; 3GPP 23.829, 3RD GENERATION PARTNERSHIP PROJECT (3GPP), MOBILE COMPETENCE CENTRE ; 650, ROUTE DES LUCIOLES ; F-06921 SOPHIA-ANTIPOLIS CEDEX ; FRANCE, no. V1.3.0, 22 September 2010 (2010-09-22), pages 1 - 44, XP050442123 *
NEC: "Support of operator control for SIPTO/LIPA traffic", 3GPP DRAFT; S2-095291, no. Kyoto; 20090904, 31 August 2009 (2009-08-31) - 4 September 2009 (2009-09-04), XP050396780 *

Cited By (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2014042570A1 (fr) * 2012-09-14 2014-03-20 Telefonaktiebolaget L M Ericsson (Publ) Planification coopérative à base de qos pour gestion de trafic de données
US10057847B2 (en) 2012-09-14 2018-08-21 Telefonaktiebolaget Lm Ericsson (Publ) QOS-based cooperative scheduling for handling of data traffic
WO2015009939A1 (fr) * 2013-07-17 2015-01-22 Interdigital Patent Holdings, Inc. Gestion répartie et dynamique de la mobilité dans un réseau programmable
US9998967B2 (en) 2013-07-17 2018-06-12 Interdigital Patent Holdings, Inc. Software defined networking distributed and dynamic mobility management
US10349327B2 (en) 2013-07-17 2019-07-09 Interdigital Patent Holdings, Inc. Software defined networking distributed and dynamic mobility management
WO2015028090A1 (fr) * 2013-08-30 2015-03-05 Nokia Solutions And Networks Oy Procédés et appareil
US10305784B2 (en) 2013-08-30 2019-05-28 Nokia Solutions And Networks Oy Methods and apparatus for use in local breakout or offload scenarios
CN106162801A (zh) * 2015-03-27 2016-11-23 中兴通讯股份有限公司 实现缺省路由决策的方法、核心网网元、用户设备及系统

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US10694432B1 (en) Inter-MeNB handover method and device in a small cell system
US9794970B2 (en) Decentralizing core network functionalities
US8463926B2 (en) Technique for providing support for a plurality of mobility management protocols
KR101361978B1 (ko) 네트워크 구조 내에서 트래픽을 제어하는 방법 및 네트워크 구조
US8412230B2 (en) Configuring relations between cells in different radio access networks
WO2003098959A1 (fr) Systeme d'identification universel pour points d'acces de reseaux d'acces sans fil
CN109905904B (zh) 一种接入控制方法
JP2012531762A (ja) ２ｇ／３ｇネットワークからｌｔｅネットワークへのｃｓｉｒａｔハンドオーバを管理するための方法
CN111641986B (zh) 一种通信方法、设备和计算机设备
US9014142B2 (en) Cellular network mobility
WO2012113841A1 (fr) Procédé et système pour router un trafic de données dans un réseau de communication mobile
EP3466156B1 (fr) Sélection assistée de passerelle distribuée
WO2013139200A1 (fr) Procédé d'adressage pour un transfert intercellulaire, et dispositif d'adressage correspondant
Liu et al. Heterogeneous network handover using 3GPP ANDSF
US9277457B2 (en) Efficient data delivery in cellular networks
KR101407455B1 (ko) 네트워크 시스템, 네트워크 장치 및 그 장치의 구동 방법, 다중 인터페이스를 이용한 데이터 처리 방법

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application

Ref document number: 12710047

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1

NENP Non-entry into the national phase

Ref country code: DE

122 Ep: pct application non-entry in european phase

Ref document number: 12710047

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1