MME, local server, MME-local server interface, and data transmission method for optimized data path in LTE network

A communication method of a source local gateway supporting inter-gateway handover of a terminal, the method comprising:

• identifying, by the source local gateway, a local server present outside a public data network (PDN), the local server storing data to be provided for the terminal via a target local gateway;
• and
• transmitting, by the source local gateway, information on a session between the terminal and the local server to a mobility management entity (MME),
• wherein the local server and the local gateway are separate entities, and
• wherein the local server receives a tunnel setup command from the MME through a direct interface established with the MME.

A communication method of a local server supporting inter-gateway handover of a terminal and present outside a public data network (PDN), the method comprising:

• receiving, by the local server, the tunnel setup command from a mobility management entity (MME) through a direct interface established with the MME, the tunnel setup command being generated when a handover from a source local gateway to a target local gateway occurs;
• setting up, by the local server, a tunnel with the target local gateway through an interface established with the target local gateway;
• and
• transmitting, by the local server, data addressed to the terminal to the target local gateway through the tunnel,
• wherein the local server and the local gateway are separate entities.

A mobility management entity (MME) supporting inter-gateway handover of a terminal, the MME comprising:

• a communication unit configured to perform data communication;
• and
• at least one processor configured to:
• acquire, when a handover from a source local gateway to a target local gateway is detected, information on a session between the terminal and a local server present outside a public data network (PDN), the local server storing data to be provided for the terminal via the target local gateway, and
• control the communication unit to transmit, a tunnel setup command to the local server through a direct interface established with the local server,
• wherein the tunnel setup command instructs to establish a tunnel through which the data is transmitted from the local server to the target local gateway, and
• wherein the local server and the local gateway are separate entities.

A source local gateway supporting inter-gateway handover of a terminal, the source local gateway comprising:

• a communication unit configured to perform data communication;
• and
• at least one processor configured to:
• identify a local server present outside a public data network (PDN), the local server storing data to be provided for the terminal via a target local gateway, and
• control the communication unit to transmit information on a session between the terminal and the local server to a mobility management entity (MME),
• wherein the local server and the local gateway are separate entities, and
• wherein the local server receives a tunnel setup command from the MME through a direct interface established with the MME.

A local server supporting inter-gateway handover of a terminal and present outside a public data network (PDN), the local server comprising:

• a communication unit which performs data communication;
• and
• at least one processor configured to control the communication unit to:
• receive a tunnel setup command from a mobility management entity (MME) through a direct interface established with the MME, the tunnel setup command being generated when a handover from a source local gateway to a target local gateway occurs,
• set up a tunnel with the target local gateway through an interface established with the target local gateway, and
• transmit data addressed to the terminal to the target local gateway through the tunnel,
• wherein the local server and the local gateway are separate entities.