System and method for traffic interface scalability in a network packet core function

摘要

A packet control function (PCF) in a wireless communication network comprises a scalable architecture allowing independently addressable packet data serving node (PDSN) interfaces to be added as needed or desired. Each interface functions as an independent IP interface supporting data connections between one or more base station controllers (BSCs) supported by the PCF and the PDSN. With this implementation, a single PCF appears to the PDSN as one or more "pseudo PCFs" depending upon the number of IP interfaces implemented in the PCF. Each IP interface supports a given data throughput capacity so that the aggregate data throughput capacity of the PCF may be scaled as a function of the number of IP interfaces implemented within it. Load sharing and fault handling techniques implemented by the PCF further exploit the advantages gained from having multiple IP interfaces with the PDSN.