SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MOBILITY MANAGEMENT IN A DISTRIBUTED SOFTWARE DEFINED NETWORK PACKET CORE SYSTEM

摘要

A distributed software defined network (SDN) packet core system includes a plurality of interconnected local mobility domains (LMDs). Each LMD includes a plurality of radio access technology (RAT) specific front-end modules associated with at least one RAT and a mobility manager. Each RAT-specific front-end module is configured to handle intra-RAT and intra-LMD mobility events that involve switching connectivity of client devices between two radio access points coupled to the LMD and associated with a first common RAT that is also associated with that RAT-specific front-end module. The mobility manager is coupled to the front-end modules and is configured to handle intra-RAT and inter-LMD mobility events. The mobility manager can also be configured to handle inter-RAT and intra-LMD mobility events if the SDN packet core system supports more than one RAT.