Providing a data function in an access gateway node

摘要

An access gateway node couples a control node to an external data network, where the control node and access gateway node are for use in a wireless communications network. The access gateway node comprises a data function to route packets containing traffic data between the control node and the external data network. An interface to the control node enables exchange of control messages between the data function and a control function in the control node.

主权项

1. A method for use in a wireless communications network, comprising:
receiving, by a particular control node, a message from a mobile station to activate a connection, wherein the mobile station is wirelessly communicating with a radio access network; in response to the message, the particular control node selecting one or more access gateway nodes that interface the particular control node to an external data network, the selected one or more access gateway nodes comprising at least one data function, wherein the at least one data function is separated from corresponding control functions in the particular control node, and wherein each of the selected one or more access gateway nodes includes a control plane and a data plane, wherein the particular control node determines whether to select only one access gateway node comprising the at least one data function and an interface to the external data network, or whether to select a first access gateway node comprising the at least one data function, and a second access gateway node comprising an interface to the first access gateway node and an interface to the external data network; and the particular control node sending commands to the at least one data function of the selected one or more access gateway nodes, to establish a session between the particular control node and the at least one data function and to establish a data path between the radio access network and the at least one data function, wherein the data path does not pass through the particular control node.