Node selection in a packet core network

Abstract

A method of allocating user plane nodes to a connection being established across a packet core network. The method comprises maintaining at a Domain Name System, DNS, server, one or more DNS resource records for each available user plane node or group of neighboring user plane nodes, a DNS resource record containing a measure of a route quality or cost between the associated user plane node(s) or group(s) and each of one or more further user plane nodes or further groups of neighboring user plane nodes of the packet core network to which said associated user plane node(s) or groups is(are) connected. A connection establishment request is processed at a mobility management control entity within the packet core network, with a DNS query being sent to a DNS server, the query containing one or more user plane node selection criteria. The query is received at the DNS server and, on the basis of the or each criterion, one or more DNS resource records satisfying the criteria/criterion identified. At least said measure of route quality or cost of the identified DNS resource record(s) is returned to said mobility management control entity. The measure(s) of route quality or cost of the identified DNS resource record(s) is received at the mobility management control entity, and the measure(s) used to allocate a user plane node or nodes to said connection.