Systems and methods for efficient traffic offload without service disruption

• US 10,448,419 B2
• Filed: 09/07/2017
• Issued: 10/15/2019
• Est. Priority Date: 01/17/2013
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Apple Inc.
• Original Assignee: Intel IP Corporation (Intel Corporation)
• Inventors: Stojanovski, Alexandre Saso, Venkatachalam, Muthaiah, Moses, Danny
• Primary Examiner(s): Chan, Sai Ming
• Application Number:
  US15/697,662
• Publication Number:
  US 20180110064A1
• Time in Patent Office: 768 Days
• Field of Search: 370230
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 7/0417 Feedback systems
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 7/0456 Selection of precoding matrices or codebooks, e.g. using matrices antenna weighting
• CPC Class Codes: H04J 3/00 Time-division multiplex systems H04J14/00 takes precedence; relay systems H04B7/14; selecting techniques H04Q
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 1/18 Automatic repetition systems, e.g. Van Duuren systems
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 1/1812 Hybrid protocols; Hybrid automatic repeat request [HARQ]
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 1/1887 Scheduling and prioritising arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 2209/24 Key scheduling, i.e. generating round keys or sub-keys for block encryption
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 2209/80 Wireless network architectures or network communication protocols for wireless network security H04W12/00
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 43/08 Monitoring or testing based on specific metrics, e.g. QoS, energy consumption or environmental parameters
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 5/0035 Resource allocation in a cooperative multipoint environment
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 5/0051 of dedicated pilots, i.e. pilots destined for a single user or terminal
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 5/0055 Physical resource allocation for ACK/NACK for physical mapping arrangements in ARQ protocols H04L1/1861
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 5/0057 Physical resource allocation for CQI
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 5/0062 Avoidance of ingress interference, e.g. ham radio channels
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 5/0076 Allocation utility-based
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 5/0092 Indication of how the channel is divided
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 5/0094 Indication of how sub-channels of the path are allocated
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 5/0096 Indication of changes in allocation
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 5/14 Two-way operation using the same type of signal, i.e. duplex
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 5/1469 using time-sharing
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 5/22 : using time-division multiplexing
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 63/0428 : wherein the data content is protected, e.g. by encrypting or encapsulating the payload
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 63/30 : for supporting lawful interception, monitoring or retaining of communications or communication related information circuit switched telephony call monitoring H04M3/2281
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 65/1104 : Session initiation protocol [SIP]
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 65/611 : for multicast or broadcast systems for broadcast or conference H04L12/18; arrangements for broadcast or distribution combined with broadcast H04H20/00; arrangements for broadcast applications with a direct linkage to broadcast information or to broadcast space-time H04H60/00; selective distribution of broadcast services, e.g. multimedia broadcast multicast service [MBMS], H04W4/06
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 65/65 : Network streaming protocols, e.g. real-time transport protocol [RTP] or real-time control protocol [RTCP]
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 65/762 : at the source reformatting of additional data in video distribution servers H04N21/2355
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 65/80 : Responding to QoS
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/02 : based on web technology, e.g. hypertext transfer protocol [HTTP]
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 9/14 : using a plurality of keys or algorithms
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 12/02 : Protecting privacy or anonymity, e.g. protecting personally identifiable information [PII]
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 12/0431 : Key distribution or pre-distribution; Key agreement
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 12/50 : Secure pairing of devices
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 16/32 : Hierarchical cell structures
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 24/02 : Arrangements for optimising operational condition
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 24/10 : Scheduling measurement reports ; Arrangements for measurement reports
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 28/0231 : based on communication conditions dynamic wireless traffic scheduling definition based on channel quality criteria H04W72/54
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 36/0066 : of control information between different types of networks in order to establish a new radio link in the target network
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 36/0069 : in case of dual connectivity, e.g. decoupled uplink/downlink
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 36/00692 : using simultaneous multiple data streams, e.g. cooperative multipoint [CoMP], carrier aggregation [CA] or multiple input multiple output [MIMO] allocation of physical resources in CoMP or in CA H04L5/0035
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 36/22 : for handling the traffic
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 4/06 : Selective distribution of broadcast services, e.g. multimedia broadcast multicast service [MBMS]; Services to user groups; One-way selective calling services
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 48/08 : Access restriction or access information delivery, e.g. discovery data delivery signalling during connection H04W76/00
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 48/10 : using broadcasted information
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 48/16 : Discovering, processing access restriction or access information
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 48/20 : Selecting an access point
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 52/0251 : using monitoring of local events, e.g. events related to user activity
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 56/001 : Synchronization between nodes
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 68/02 : Arrangements for increasing efficiency of notification or paging channel
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 72/00 : Local resource management
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 72/02 : Selection of wireless resources by user or terminal
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 72/0446 : Resources in time domain, e.g. slots or frames
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 72/046 : the resource being in the space domain, e.g. beams
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 72/12 : Wireless traffic scheduling
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 72/1263 : Mapping of traffic onto schedule, e.g. scheduled allocation or multiplexing of flows
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 72/20 : Control channels or signalling for resource management
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 72/21 : in the uplink direction of a wireless link, i.e. towards the network
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 72/23 : in the downlink direction of a wireless link, i.e. towards a terminal
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 74/00 : Wireless channel access
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 76/11 : Allocation or use of connection identifiers
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 76/14 : Direct-mode setup
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 76/27 : Transitions between radio resource control [RRC] states
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 76/28 : Discontinuous transmission [DTX]; Discontinuous reception [DRX]
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 8/005 : Discovery of network devices, e.g. terminals
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 84/045 : using private Base Stations, e.g. femto Base Stations, home Node B
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 84/12 : WLAN [Wireless Local Area Networks]
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 88/06 : adapted for operation in multiple networks or having at least two operational modes, e.g. multi-mode terminals
• CPC Class Codes: Y02B 70/30 : Systems integrating technologies related to power network operation and communication or information technologies for improving the carbon footprint of the management of residential or tertiary loads, i.e. smart grids as climate change mitigation technology in the buildings sector, including also the last stages of power distribution and the control, monitoring or operating management systems at local level
• CPC Class Codes: Y02D 30/70 : in wireless communication networks

Abstract

Methods, systems, and devices for offloading traffic flows without service disruption are disclosed herein. User equipment (UE) is configured to receive an indication that a current packet data network (PDN) connection can be optimized. The current PDN connection is established over a first PDN gateway (PGW). The UE requests connection over a new PDN connection to a same type of service as the current PDN connection without releasing the connection over the first PGW. The UE routes new traffic flows over a second PGW corresponding to the new PDN connection and routes old traffic flows over the first PGW.

Claims

1. An apparatus for a user equipment (UE), the apparatus comprising:

a memory to store first data associated with a first non-access stratum (NAS) message provided by a mobility management function of a network, the first NAS message to indicate a request for user plane connection relocation by release of a first user plane connection to the network after establishment of a second user plane connection to the network; and

circuitry configured to;

process the first data associated with the first NAS message to decide whether to initiate a procedure for establishment of the second user plane connection;

in response to the initiation of the procedure, generate second data associate with a second NAS message for the mobility management function, the second NAS message to request establishment of the second user plane connection;

generate both new traffic flows over the second user plane connection and old traffic flows over the first user plane connection; and

generate third data associated with a third NAS message for the mobility management function, the third NAS message to request release of the first user plane connection.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, in which the circuitry is further configured to generate the third data in response to consolidation of traffic via the second user plane connection.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, in which the circuitry is further configured to generate the third data in response to the first user plane connection being no longer needed.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, in which the circuitry is further configured to generate the third data in response to expiration of an event associated with the first user plane connection.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, the new traffic flows over the second user plane connection being different from the old traffic flows over the first user plane connection.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, in which the second user plane connection includes a new internet protocol (IP) address that is different from an old IP address of the first user plane connection.

7. A computer readable medium to store instructions that, when executed by a processor of a user equipment (UE), cause the UE to:

receive a first non-access stratum (NAS) message provided by a mobility management function of a network, the first NAS message to indicate a request for user plane connection relocation by release of a first user plane connection to the network after establishment of a second user plane connection to the network;

transmit a second NAS message for the mobility management function, the second NAS message to request establishment of the second user plane connection;

generate both new traffic flows over the second user plane connection and old traffic flows over the first user plane connection; and

transmit a third NAS message for the mobility management function, the third NAS message to request release of the first user plane connection.

8. The computer readable medium of claim 7, in which the instructions further cause the UE to generate the third NAS message in response to consolidation of traffic via the second user plane connection.

9. The computer readable medium of claim 7, in which the instructions further cause the UE to generate the third NAS message in response to the first user plane connection being no longer needed.

10. The computer readable medium of claim 7, in which the instructions further cause the UE to generate the third NAS message in response to expiration of an event associated with the first user plane connection.

11. The computer readable medium of claim 7, the new traffic flows over the second user plane connection being different from the old traffic flows over the first user plane connection.

12. The computer readable medium of claim 7, in which the second user plane connection includes a new internet protocol (IP) address that is different from an old IP address of the first user plane connection.

13. A network node for a network, the network node configured to provide mobility management for a user equipment (UE) wirelessly connectable to the network, the network node comprising:

a memory to store for the UE information regarding a point of attachment to the network; and

circuitry configured to;

process the information to determine whether a user plane connection of the UE needs to be relocated; and

generate a message to indicate a request for the user plane connection to be relocated by release of a first user plane connection to the network and termination of first traffic flows over the first user plane connection after establishment of a second user plane connection to the network and establishment of second traffic flows over the second user plane connection.

14. The network node of claim 13, in which the message is a non-access stratum (NAS) message.

15. The network node of claim 13, in which the message is generated for the UE.

16. The network node of claim 13, further comprising a mobility management function.

17. The network node of claim 13, in which the information regarding the point of attachment to the network is based on a geographic location of the UE.

18. A computer readable medium for a network node, the computer readable medium including instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to:

process information to determine whether a user plane connection of a user equipment (UE) needs to be relocated within a network including the network node; and

generate a message to indicate a request for the user plane connection to be relocated by release of a first user plane connection to the network and termination of first traffic flows over the first user plane connection after establishment of a second user plane connection to the network and establishment of second traffic flows over the second user plane connection.

19. The computer readable medium of claim 18, in which the message is a non-access stratum (NAS) message.

20. The computer readable medium of claim 18, in which the message is generated for the UE.

21. The computer readable medium of claim 18, further comprising instructions for a mobility management function.