Patent ID: 12199864

SUMMARY

This section is provided to introduce certain objects and aspects of the present disclosure in a simplified form that are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify the key features or the scope of the claimed subject matter.

An aspect of the present disclosure provides for a system facilitating efficient routing in a telecommunication network. The system may include one or more user equipment (UE) communicatively coupled to a radio network that may include a first architecture and characterized in that: a plurality of base nodes and one or more packet gateway nodes; an edge module operatively coupled to one or more base nodes. The edge module may include a processor that executes a set of executable instructions that are stored in a memory, upon which execution, the processor causes the system to: receive from the one or more UE a data packet for a destination computing device. The data packet associated for a request of a predefined service from the destination computing device. The processor may further cause the system to parse, the data packet received for a first set of attributes pertaining to the destination computing device; extract, the first set of attributes pertaining to the destination computing device; determine a fastest route to said destination computing device from the first set of attributes extracted and a predefined set of instructions; and route, the data packet to the destination computing device through the fastest route.

In an embodiment, if the first set of attributes pertaining to the destination computing device are absent, the edge module may fetch a current available configuration to check if the data packet is required to be forwarded to a core network or to any nearby base node.

In an embodiment, a second architecture comprises of the core network, wherein the core network further comprises an edge module operatively coupled to the one or more packet gateway nodes, wherein the edge module is configured to: receive from said one or more base nodes a data packet for a destination computing device; parse, the data packet received for a first set of attributes pertaining to the destination computing device and a second set of attributes pertaining to authentication and security of the data packet; extract, the first set of attributes and the second set of attributes pertaining to the destination computing device; determine a fastest route to the destination computing device from the first set of attributes extracted and a predefined set of instructions; and route, said data packet to the destination computing device through the fastest route and the edge module coupled to the packet gateway node enables storage of configuration parameters at the plurality of base nodes.

In an embodiment, the core network further comprises one or more packet gateway nodes, Mobility Management Entity (MME), Serving Gateway (S-GW) nodes, Home Subscriber System (HSS) and a combination thereof.

In an embodiment, the first architecture may be used with first set of attributes where authorization and other functionalities (such as policy enforcement, charging and LEA interception etc.) may be achieved through some other mechanism. In a third architecture, both base node and packet gateway can be equipped with edge element and request can be served from either of the place with routing configuration are available at both the places.

In an embodiment, in the second architecture where initially packet goes to packet gateway and edge element connection information is received in the response. Subsequently, if there is a request for same service by the same device/address then base node itself takes decision for routing. In an embodiment, the first set of attributes pertaining to the destination computing device comprises source IP address, Destination IP address, and Payload.

In an embodiment, the first architecture and the second architecture may handle a request response handshaking communication.

In an embodiment, the packet gateway or user plane function node of the second architecture may store more than one base node's configuration without a need to store a plurality of local configurations at each and every base node individually.

In an embodiment, based on the first and second set of attributes, the packet gateway node may make a decision to either forward the data packet to internet or a local network or forward a response immediately back to the corresponding base node from which the packet gateway node received the data packet or any other adjacent node which can process the request.

In an embodiment, the packet gateway or user plane function node may perform a first set of predefined instructions sending the response to the base node, wherein the packet gateway/User plane function node may also send edge connection details along with the response, wherein on receiving the response packet from the packet gateway node, the corresponding base node may check for an edge flag in the data packet, wherein if the edge flag is true, the data packet may be processed locally.

An aspect of the present disclosure provides for a method facilitating efficient routing in a telecommunication network. The method may include the steps of receiving from one or more UE a data packet for a destination computing device, wherein one or more user equipment are communicatively coupled to a radio network that may include a first architecture and characterized in that a plurality of base nodes and one or more packet gateway or user plane function nodes and an edge module operatively coupled to one or more base nodes, wherein said data packet is associated with a request of a predefined service from the destination computing device. The method may also include the steps of parsing, the data packet received for a first set of attributes pertaining to the destination computing device; extracting, the first set of attributes pertaining to the destination computing device; determining a fastest route to said destination computing device from the first set of attributes extracted; and routing, said data packet to the destination computing device through said fastest route.

In an embodiment, a second architecture may comprise of an edge module operatively coupled to the one or more packet gateway nodes, wherein the edge module is configured to perform the steps of receiving from said one or more base nodes a data packet for a destination computing device; parsing, the data packet received for a first set of attributes pertaining to the destination computing device and a second set of attributes pertaining to authorization and security of the data packet; extracting, the first set of attributes and the second set of attributes pertaining to the destination computing device; determining a fastest route to said destination computing device from the first set of attributes extracted; and routing, the data packet to the destination computing device through said fastest route.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, for the purposes of explanation, various specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present invention. It will be apparent, however, that embodiments of the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. Several features described hereafter can each be used independently of one another or with any combination of other features. An individual feature may not address any of the problems discussed above or might address only some of the problems discussed above. Some of the problems discussed above might not be fully addressed by any of the features described herein. Example embodiments of the present invention are described below, as illustrated in various drawings in which like reference numerals refer to the same parts throughout the different drawings.

In an aspect, the present disclosure relates proposes method of Intelligent Routing ability at Base Node or PGW in Telecom network.

Embodiments of the present disclosure may relate to a method of Intelligent Routing ability at Base Node in Telecom network. The method includes parsing of Data-Packet from UE at Base Node; Storage of Configuration parameters at Base Node and Execution of Routing algorithm at Base Node. The disclosure further provides solution as first architecture of Intelligent Routing Ability involving base-node only, wherein the routing ability is achieved at Base Node with required configuration, routing decision etc., stored at Base Node itself and includes Parsing of data packets coming from user equipment (UE) to Base Node to find source and destination address or IP, Storage of possible alternate destination information for desired services/application/content in “local configuration file” at Base Node and Execution of routing method to route the data packet from original destination address to new address as per information in “Local configuration file”.

Further, the embodiments of the present disclosure may relate to solution as second architecture of Intelligent Routing Ability involving PGW or a user plane function (UPF) wherein, the routing ability is achieved at collectively by serving PGW/UPF and with required configuration, routing decision etc. are stored at PGW/UPF and includes the PGW/UPF to inspects incoming packet from UE, local process the request at serving base station itself, store possible alternate destination information for desired services/application/content in “local configuration file” at PGW/UPF, based on the configuration information available at PGW/UPF, routing decision is made and response packet with connection information is sent to serving Base Node. Thereafter, base node makes connection with locally available resources.

In an aspect,FIG.1illustrates high Level Network Architecture of wireless LTE Network according to various aspects of the Invention. As shown in theFIG.1, the network consists of the following major entities as:FIG.1illustrates various sub-systems/modules of the Network architecture in accordance with various aspects of the invention.User Equipment (102) (interchangeably referred to as the UE (102) hereinafter)Evolved UMTS Terrestrial Radio Access Network (130) (E-UTRAN (130))Evolved Packet Core (140) (EPC140)

These three main components or sub-systems collectively achieve the goal of data communication and for delivering services/applications/contents. User Equipment (102): A User equipment is the one which directly interacts with one or more base nodes (106,108,110) (also referred to as eNodeB and interchangeably referred to as base station (106,108,110) or cell tower (106,108,110) to send and receive data over Radio Link using inbuilt antenna. The UE (102) can be a usual mobile handset or an embedded device with inbuilt MODEM (Modulation-Demodulation)/module for communication. As shown inFIG.1, the block-1or the UE communicates with an eNodeB over the Radio Link.

Evolved Radio Access Network (130) (E-UTRAN (130)): It is the front end of the telecom network (Block A inFIG.1) which handles the connectivity with user equipment. It also handles the activities such as handover, load balancing etc. with the help of evolved packet core (EPC). The Radio access network works as a gateway between user equipment and core network (EPC). As shown in theFIG.1, eNodeB (102) interacts with telecom core network as well as to user equipment for relaying packets coming to it.

Evolved Packet Core (EPC) (140): Evolved Packet Core (EPC), also called as Core network (140), is the most important module (130inFIG.1) in the telecom network. The major sub-modules under EPC are: Mobility Management Entity (MME), Serving Gateway (S-GW), Packet Gateway (interchangeably referred to as P-GW), Home Subscriber System (HSS) and the like. The main function of Evolved Packet Core (EPC) is to manage various operations associated with UE, such as: mobility, authentication, validation etc. Another major function of EPC is to interface between external packet data network and Radio Access Network to transfer data for various services/applications and contents.

FIG.2illustrates the details of the IP packet tunneling at eNodeB in current scenario according to various aspects of the Invention. In existing LTE network, requests coming from UE (102) are forwarded or relayed to Evolved Packet Core (140) for further processing. The serving eNodeB does not parse the incoming messages or requests.

The serving eNodeB (106) creates an encapsulated packet with a point-to-point logical tunnel (associated by tunnel-ID) and forwards the packet to next node in core network (206) (as shown in theFIG.2) with the source and destination IP are set to serving eNodeB and address of next node respectively.

In one of the exemplary embodiments, the proposed Architecture as shown inFIG.3for the intelligent routing ability involving base node only is detailed as below.

Solution Architecture-I Intelligent Routing Ability Involving Base-Node (eNodeB) Only:

In the proposed architecture, the base node (also interchangeably referred to as eNodeB) is now called coupled with an edge module and may be referred to as base node (302) (also referred to as intelligent eNodeB (302)) as it possesses the ability to make routing decisions with the inclusion of “Intelligent Routing Block” (304as inFIG.3). The proposed intelligent eNodeB (302) may now parse packets originating from UE (102) and may extract the required information for routing. The information mainly consists: source IP, destination IP and payload. With the help of the local routing configuration information as available in Table-1 below (IP address of destination, available services/application/content and the like), the intelligent eNodeB can make a routing decision. The payload information may be extracted, but never altered or processed and those are attached with new packet (with updated address as per routing scheme).

TABLE 1Proposed Configuration information ateNodeB for the purpose of RoutingIf Service/ApplicationDestinationAvailableIP Address(YES/NO)List of Application<IP-1><YES/NO><Application/Service/Content-1><Application/Service/Content-2> . . .<IP-2><YES/NO><Application/Service/Content-1><Application/Service/Content-2> . . .<IP-3><YES/NO><Application/Service/Content-1><Application/Service/Content-2> . . .
Solution I: Proposed IP Packet Routing in LTE Network at eNodeB

The flow and movement of data packets, the storage of configuration parameters and making of routing decisions proposed in the innovation, are depicted inFIG.4.

In the proposed method, a “minimal” routing of data takes place at the base nodes itself which is not performed in the existing conventional telecom network. A request data packet (402) may originate from UE (102) consisting of its own IP address, Destination IP address and payload reaches at serving eNodeB (302) though RF (Radio Frequency) channel (106) as shown inFIG.4. On reaching at intelligent eNodeB, unlike in the conventional telecom network, the data packets are parsed to extract following information:Source IP addressDestination IP address (IP address of the target server from which the desired service/application or content is requested)Payload

As indicated inFIG.4, after extraction of the information, the intelligent eNodeB (302) may fetch a current available configuration (304) to check if the packet is required to be forwarded to Evolved Packet Core (140) or to any nearby eNodeB or can be processed locally. If there is no information available in the current configuration file available at the eNodeB for a particular destination IP, then it simply forwards the packet to EPC as per conventional technique (410) and no action may be required at the eNodeB.

For the sake of clarity, a diagram depicting the data flow and process of making the routing decisions is shown inFIG.5. As per the flow chart as indicated inFIG.5, the UE sends a request packet (502), and then the eNodeB receives the data packet (504) and parses the packet and extracts the destination IP (506), if there is an entry available in the current configuration (510) at the eNodeB for a particular IP (508), then the packet will be processed locally (at same eNodeB or connected eNodeB as indicated in512) else, the packet will be forwarded to the Evolved Packet Core (514).

Proposed Protocol Stack in Intelligent eNodeB

In another embodiment, the proposed way of routing may be achieved through making changes in the existing eNodeB. As shown in theFIG.6, an edge element (620) may be attached to the eNodeB (302). THE UE (102) may include configuration details as L1 (602), MAC (604), RLC (606), PDCP (608), IP (610). Once the IP packet is decompressed and deciphered at PDCP layer of eNodeB (608) in the eNodeB stack, it is checked if request can be processed locally at edge element or not, based on the local configuration information available at eNodeB. If it is found that the request can be serviced locally then the packet shall be forwarded towards edge element (Via608to610) else it shall be forwarded towards network interface module of enodeB (Via618to622).

Solution II—Architecture-2 Intelligent Routing Ability Involving Base-Node and P-GW

In another embodiment, for a proposed second Architecture, the routing decisions may be made at the P-GW (702) and may have the required configuration stored on the P-GW (702) (format of configuration may be considered same as mentioned in the first Architecture). The difference is that instead of the eNodeB, now the P-GW (702) may store more than one base node's configuration and there may not be any need to store multiple local configurations at each and every base node individually.

In an exemplary embodiment, the second architecture may let flow of the packets to gateway node. The Gateway node then makes a decision to forward to either same base node or other based node to which edge is attached. In such cases, latency may be higher than in the case of the first architecture.

In a third architecture, the eNodeB (302) and the P-GW (702) as shown inFIG.7below achieve intelligent routing collectively. Although the current architecture talks about serving intelligent eNodeB in association with P-GW collectively achieve the intelligent routing ability, however it may also be extended to other configuration such as routing to edge element connected to other eNodeB than the serving base station/eNodeB.

In this architecture, the IP packets sent from the UE may be received at serving eNodeB or base station (302). As illustrated inFIG.8, the UE (102) may send the data packet to the enodeB (302) operatively coupled to the edge module (620). As per the flow, for first time, the serving eNodeB (302) simply may forward the received packet to the (P-GW) (702) if the serving eNodeB does not have any edge or local configuration available for the request in its configuration available in memory. The packet may be inspected and processed by P-GW (124and702inFIG.8). It checks for the configuration details against the destination IP address in the request packet received from eNodeB.

Based on the details of the packet received, the P-GW (702) may make its decision to either forward the request further away (Internet (128) or MNO's local network (804)) or it sends a response immediately back to the same serving eNodeB (302) from which the P-GW received the packet. The P-GW may perform certain activities like policy enforcement, charging and the like before sending response to the eNodeB (302). The P-GW may also send edge connection details along with the response packet (906ofFIG.9). Connection details may consist of IP address of the edge node.

On receiving the response packet from the P-GW, eNodeB does not simply strip the packet and send it to the radio network but may check for an edge flag (906ofFIG.9) in the packet. If edge flag is true, it means that the packet is to be processed locally. In this case, the eNodeB may create a tunnel or connection between itself and the edge element with the IP address provided in the response packet sent by the P-GW. The eNodeB may also handles the multiple tunnel or connection ID for the same UE and a corresponding Radio bearer. So, basically there may be at least two separate tunnels or connections established for one UE. Once the edge session is established for a particular service for a particular UE, the eNodeB may record the information in the memory. All the subsequent calls can be directly forwarded to edge element from eNodeB itself until there is a special condition met for example service unavailable at edge, explicit termination of edge service notified by UE/User etc.

In another embodiment, the flow and movement of data packets, the storage of configuration parameters and making of routing decisions is proposed and depicted inFIG.9. In the proposed architecture solution II, a request data packet may originates from UE (102) consisting of its own IP address, Destination IP address and payload reaches at serving eNodeB (302) through an RF (Radio Frequency) channel (106). If the request for the current requested service is made for first time at this intelligent eNodeB (302) from the UE (102), it simply forwards the packet to network core where the P-GW (702) takes a routing decision based on the configuration available.The IP packets reaching at P-GW, have the following fields available Source IPaddress (UE)Destination IP address (IP address of the target server from which the desired service/application or content is requested)Payload

As indicated inFIG.8, after parsing and extraction of the information, the P-GW fetches the current available configuration (124) to check if the packet is required to be forwarded towards data network/internet or it can be processed locally. If there is no information available in the current configuration file at P-GW for a particular destination IP, then it simply forwards the packet towards data network/internet as per conventional technique (702). But, if the P-GW finds local routing entry in its configuration then, it makes a response packet with the following proposed extra fields (804).a) Edge flag—True or false based on local processing possible or not for the requested service and enough authorization is available for the requesting UE.b) Connection details—It may consist of IP address of local processing resource connected to serving eNodeB, authentication details, etc.

On receiving the response packet from the P-GW, the eNodeB, strips the received packet and check if it is required to directly feed to the Radio interface or requires further local processing. In case edge flag is true, eNodeB setup a.

Connection/tunnel with local edge element (Block-5) and route the packet to it as per the connection details provided in response packet.

There are two separate connection/tunnels that have been in operation, one for normal traffic flow (eNodeB to P-GW) and other one is between eNodeB & Edge element (eNodeB to Local Edge element).

In another embodiment, a diagram depicting the data flow and process of making the routing decisions as per Solution II architecture is shown inFIG.10.

As illustrated, at block1002, the UE sends a request packet with or without edge access option and at block1004, the eNodeB forwards the packet to P-GW via intermediate nodes only for the first time. At block1008, P-GW checks if the request can be processed through edge module. If configuration at P-GW at block1010is not available then at block1012forward the packet towards packet data network or MNO's own servers. Else if configuration at block1010is available, then at1014send response to the eNodeB with an additional field indicating edge flag set and also connection details. At block1016, the eNode gets the connection details sent by the P-GW and at block1018, for subsequent for the same service, it will be routed locally until specially asked by the UE or in case of some unavailability of service.

The Protocol stack at intelligent eNodeB in Solution II architecture will remain same as in the Solution I architecture (FIG.6).

In another embodiment, the proposed disclosure above together with data/content/application hosting mechanism in eNodeB, may implement various following use cases as follows:Services and Applications: Any application applications/service or content can be delivered locally at Base Node level with the help of “intelligent routing ability”. This mechanism shall reduce latency, increase data access bandwidth and all together shall provide an enhanced QoS. Further, this functionality can be exploited through multiple value added services such as below:Premium Services: The application/services which are centrally stored or controlled centrally or remotely (at cloud level) may be replicated/cloned/copied at Base Node level to provide same service with an enhanced QoS. Example: Online Gaming solution, Online purchase/sell solution, Virtual non-real-time classroom etc.Offline Data service: Common or usually accessed data/contents maybe replicated/transferred to Base Node from where it can be accessed by user locally without passing the request to internet or cloud. This shall enable MNO (Mobile Network Operator) to offer lesser tariff to user against data-usage. Example: Audio, video content, Local advertisement, Local purchase/sell solution.“Localized” Area Networking Service: A private secure localized network bundled with computing resources can be provided to industries, organization, government etc. requiring local data storage, processing, analysis and actuation in a localized manner. Example: Real-time class-room sessions by schools/universities. Real time storage, processing and generate local alerts using video data from surveillance drones/cameras, Process management of industrial IoT applications.Security: As the data/contents are stored locally, once uploaded the access may be restricted from global/remote (other than same/near-by Base Node or Telecom backhaul) access. This shall enhance the security aspect of data storage against intrusion at internet.Platform for new application: The intelligent routing ability shall encourage and help MNO to set-up infrastructure for porting of complex next generation applications such as Block-chain nodes etc.

In another embodiment, the intelligent routing concept for LTE as described in the first Architecture and the second Architecture above may also be achieved in 5G Nodes as described below with the following approach:(a) In the case of 5G, the base node i.e. Next Generation Base Node (gNB) protocol stack is divided into two sections i.e. Distributed unit (DU) and Centralized unit (CU). The CU node get access of the IP packets. The intelligent routing with Architecture-1 can be implemented in CU part of the gNB as described in the Architecture 1 above for the 4G LTE in paragraph 37.(b) In 5G, the User Plane Function (UPF) plays the key role of gateway between core network and data network. For the second Architecture, intelligent routing can be achieved with user plane functions (UPF) and Next generation base node (gNB) as described in the second Architecture above for the 4G LTE in paragraph 43.Both UPF and base node i.e., gNB collectively achieve intelligent routing in the second architecture.

In another embodiment, the invention items cover a system of making intelligent routing decision to route request/response locally avoiding the core network. This disclosure is currently available technologies including LTE/4G, 5G etc. and it can also be extended for similar next generation networks where edge routing could be implemented. For example, as explained in the sections above, in the case of LTE, edge element can be placed at Base Node and routing decisions can be made at base node itself as it contains all of the protocol layers where IP packet can be accessed. However, in the case of 5G, the Base Node (gNB) protocol stack is divided into at least two components i.e. Distributed unit (DU) and Centralized unit (CU). The higher level layers with IP packet visibility are available in CU. So, the CU part of Base Node in 5G is the place where edge element can be placed and routing decision can be made. Similarly, in future generation telecom network, the base node protocol stack may be divided into logical segments differently and more granular than 5G and may be placed physically at different locations but the concept of achieving the proposed intelligent routing shall remain the same because of the fundamental and essential need of converting RF packets into digital IP packets in any telecom network.

A block diagram of implementing intelligent routing which is technology agnostic is depicted inFIG.11below for implementation of the disclosure for all emerging future generation telecom network technologies. Although, in the drawings, specifically LTE has been depicted with existing and proposed routing, however, the same can also be achieved in 5G using the Control Unit (CU) and User Plane Function (UPF) instead of eNodeB and P-GW as in the case of LTE, 4G but not limited to the like. The high level architecture may include a UE (102), communicatively coupled to a base node (1104). The base node (1104) is further coupled to an edge module (1102) which make a decision for intelligent routing (1106). The base node (1104) is further communicatively to a core network (1108) and the internet (1100). The Control Unit in 5G itself may be distributed depending on the deployment scenarios, hence proposed intelligent edge routing shall be implemented accordingly.

While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the disclosed embodiments, it will be appreciated that many embodiments can be made and that many changes can be made to the embodiments without departing from the principles of the present invention. These and other changes in the embodiments of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art, whereby it is to be understood that the foregoing descriptive matter to be implemented is illustrative and non-limiting.

Advantages of the Present Disclosure

Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment herein satisfies are as listed herein below.

The present disclosure provides an Edge solution that can introduce/incorporate certain intelligence at the Base Node so as to empower it with the ability to take decision by routing the requests originating from UE to reach the final destination.

The present disclosure provides an Edge solution that can introduce/incorporate certain Intelligence in both Base Node as well as in PGW/UPF to achieve the efficient routing.

The present disclosure provides an Edge solution that may provide reduction in latency for accessing data, which in turn, shall provide better user experience and enhance QoS (Quality of service).

The present disclosure provides an Edge solution that provides low bandwidth requirement at telecom-backhaul as well as Internet or centralized server/cloud network to serve more user requests with same infrastructure.

The present disclosure provides an Edge solution that enables increase in data privacy and security by restricting data availability at limited geographical and logical area.

The present disclosure provides an Edge solution help create infrastructure for computation and storage platforms to cater next generation applications such as Block-chain based solution, distributed computing, Localized network based industrial IoT solution etc.

The present disclosure provides a mechanism to achieve routing decision making ability at Base Node in the telecom network.

The present disclosure provides an new routing technique that shall directly or indirectly help to achieve low latency to access data by Fast delivery of services, applications and content, reduced DNS (Domain Name System) resolve time and localized consumer and industrial IoT.

The present disclosure provides a new routing technique that facilitates bandwidth utilization by effectively using MNO to serve more users as some of the load is handled at Base Node level itself and thereby reducing load on service/application provider.

The present disclosure provides anew routing technique that facilitates security by achieving distributed and localized security and privacy, adhering to government's General Data Protection Rules (GDPR) and security against cyber-attacks like DDOS etc.