Method and apparatus for improving LTE enhanced packet core architecture using openflow network controller

摘要

A communication network configured to substitute serving gateway (“SGW”), packet data network gateway (“PGW”), and mobility management entity (“MME”) with an OpenFlow network controller (“OFNC”) for packets routing between mobile devices and the Internet is disclosed. The network includes a cellular base station, a packet data network (“PDN”), and OFNC. The cellular base station provides wireless communication for user equipments (“UEs”). The PDN is able to route packet flows to their destination(s). The routing controller or OFNC manages a cluster of routers including at least one edge router via OpenFlow protocol. The OFNC, in one embodiment, establishes a routing path between the cellular base station and the PDN for an authenticated UE via a group of routers based on information obtained from an authenticating server and a charging system.

主权项

1. Network configuration capable of routing packet flows, comprising:
a cellular base station, having at least one radio transmitter, radio receiver, and logic control management, configured to provide wireless communication for a plurality of user equipments (“UEs”); a packet data network (“PDN”) able to route packets to and from the cellular base station; a backhaul containing a routing controller and configured to logically situated between the PDN and the cellular base station, the routing controller configured to manage a plurality of routers including at least one edge router via OpenFlow protocol and operable to establish a routing path between the cellular base station and the PDN via a portion of the plurality of routers in accordance with information from an authenticating server and a charging system; and a target evolved Node B (“eNB”) boundary switch configured to have a direct link to a target eNB and configured to be logically situated at boundary of the backhaul responsible to communicate with the target eNB, wherein the routing controller forwards OpenFlow switching rules to the target eNB for setting up a new routing path to one or more interior switches in the backhaul network between the target eNB and a boundary router.