Long-Term Evolution (LTE) Packet Data Network Gateway (PDN-GW) Selection
The current 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) long-term evolution reference architecture defines a packet data network gateway (PDN-GW) selection function which is responsible for allocation of a packet data network gateway that provides packet data network connectivity for 3GPP and non-3GPP access for a given session. Systems and methods are provided for moving the PDN-GW selection function to a centralized network element (the HSS network element) for both 3GPP and non-3GPP access.
1 . A system, comprising:
a gateway entity adapted to receive a connection request from a user-equipment (UE), wherein the connection request includes an Access Point Name (APN); and
a gateway selection function (GSF) module coupled, at least indirectly, to the gateway entity, wherein the GSF module is adapted to select a packet data network gateway (PDN-GW) based on the connection request and to return the selected PDN-GW to the gateway entity.
2 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the GSF module is located in a home subscriber server (HSS).
3 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the GSF module is located in a MME and the GSF module accesses a centralized server store to obtain load data.
4 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the GSF module selects the packet data network gateway (PDN-GW) based, in part, on a load balancing algorithm.
5 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the GSF module selects the packet data network gateway (PDN-GW) based, in part, on network topology.
6 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the gateway entity is a gateway network element.
7 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the gateway entity is a MME/serving gateway.
8 . A method, comprising:
receiving by a gateway entity a connection request from a user-equipment (UE), wherein the connection request includes an Access Point Name (APN);
accessing a gateway selection function (GSF) module to obtain the packet data network gateway (PDN-GW) for the IP-CAN session;
selecting the PDN-GW by the GSF module based on the connection request; and
returning the selected PDN-GW to the gateway entity.
9 . The method of claim 8 , further comprising:
prior to the selecting, resolving the received APN to a list of allowed PDN-GWs.
10 . The method of claim 8 , wherein the GSF module is located in a home subscriber server (HSS).
11 . The method of claim 8 , wherein the GSF module selects the packet data network gateway (PDN-GW) based, in part, on a load balancing algorithm.
12 . The method of claim 8 , wherein the GSF module selects the packet data network gateway (PDN-GW) based, in part, on network topology.
13 . The method of claim 8 , wherein the gateway entity is a gateway network element.
14 . The method of claim 8 , wherein the gateway entity is a MME/serving gateway.
15 . A computer-readable medium containing instructions for controlling at least one processor by a method, comprising:
receiving by a gateway entity a connection request from a user-equipment (UE), wherein the connection request includes an Access Point Name (APN);
accessing a gateway selection function (GSF) module to obtain the packet data network gateway (PDN-GW) for the IP-CAN session;
selecting the PDN-GW by the GSF module based on the connection request; and
returning the selected PDN-GW to the gateway entity.
16 . The computer-readable medium of claim 15 , further comprising:
prior to the selecting, resolving the received APN to a list of allowed PDN-GWs.
17 . The computer-readable medium of claim 15 , wherein the GSF module is located in a home subscriber server (HSS).
18 . The computer-readable medium of claim 15 , wherein the GSF module selects the packet data network gateway (PDN-GW) based, in part, on a load balancing algorithm.
19 . The computer-readable medium of claim 15 , wherein the GSF module selects the packet data network gateway (PDN-GW) based, in part, on network topology.
20 . The computer-readable medium of claim 15 , wherein the gateway entity is a gateway network element.
21 . The computer-readable medium of claim 15 , wherein the gateway entity is a MME/serving gateway.