Communication system, in particular 5g system

Abstract

The invention relates to a communication system (10), in particular a 5G system, having an access network (RAN), at least two end nodes (E1, E2), a first communication subscriber (12), a second communication subscriber (14), a user plane function (UPF) and a function (18), in particular a superordinate control function for operating the communication system (10).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a communication system, in particular to a 5G system. Background Art

[0002] Radio networks in industrial or automotive environments, where reliability, security and confidentiality of transmission are fundamental requirements and changes in the environment often affect the transmission characteristics, require the network to dynamically adapt to the current conditions. Technologies such as Software-Defined Networking (SDN), Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN) and 5G are therefore considered for mechanisms that enable network configuration based on the communication requirements of the application, the current transmission characteristics and the available transmission resources.

[0003] Modern transmission systems such as 5G networks offer that mobile devices can not only communicate with each other via base stations, but can also establish direct links with each other. This functionality was introduced in 3GPP Release 16 under the name NR Sidelink, focusing primarily on V2X. This was followed by extensions in Release 17 that allow for better resource sharing and higher data rates. However, these connections are still coordinated by the base stations. This is Figure 1 As shown in FIG.

[0004] Modern mobile equipment ME1 and ME2 , referred to below as communication participants, can communicate with one another via a base station 1 and a user plane function (UPF) 2 and thus exchange data with one another, or can exchange data with one another via a direct connection 3 .

[0005] Furthermore, within the framework of the ongoing TSN and 5G standardization, mechanisms are needed to allow 5G to be integrated into TSN networks. In 3GPP TS23.700-20, it is mainly described how different (TSN) endpoints can communicate with each other via such a logical 5G switch (5G-Switch). Figure 2 FIG. 2 shows a communication system with UPF 2, to which ME1 and ME2 can establish a connection. Figure 2 As can be seen in FIG, what is provided is that the end nodes E1 and E2 are connected to ME1 and ME2. For communication between each other, UPF 2 is used. Central User Configuration (CUC) and Central Network Configuration (CNC) represent management functions that comply with TSN standardization. Summary of the invention

[0006] For use in industrial or automotive environments with the most time-critical application cases, transmission characteristics such as very short latency, very high availability and efficient use of available resources are particularly important.

[0007] According to the invention, it is proposed to use additional degrees of freedom to continuously adjust the radio transmission and thereby compensate for changed transmission characteristics. In particular, the aim is to increase the reliability of the radio transmission by using direct connections between communication participants and conventional connections via base stations and UPFs in parallel. In addition, an optimization function as a component of a higher-level network management instance can decide whether direct connections between communication participants or connections via base stations and UPFs are used in certain parts of the network.

[0008] The advantages are:

[0009] Improved fail-safety and availability through active activation and use of redundant connections and communication paths;

[0010] · Efficiently allocate transmission resources by taking into account and prioritizing other communication participants;

[0011] More efficient use of transmission resources and reduced interference by optimizing transmission power;

[0012] Optimize transmission characteristics (such as latency or bandwidth) by comparing and selecting parallel communication paths.

[0013] A communication system, in particular a 5G system, is proposed, which has at least the following components: an access network (RAN), at least one first terminal node E1, a second terminal node E2, a first communication participant and a second communication participant, a user plane function (UPF) and an upper control function for operating the communication system.

[0014] Advantageously, the communication system has an optimization function for operating the communication system. Thus, the current transmission characteristics in the network can be advantageously taken into account and the data transmission can be optimized, for example by selecting a suitable communication channel.

[0015] Advantageously, the communication network has two terminal nodes, wherein the terminal nodes are connected to the network via corresponding interfaces provided by the communication system. Here, a first terminal node communicates with a second terminal node, wherein advantageously a connection is established via the communication system.

[0016] It is proposed that: a connection is established via a first communication path by direct communication between the two communication participants; and / or a connection is established via a second communication path by a base station and a UPF. Therefore, fault safety and increased availability can be advantageously ensured.

[0017] If an optimum configuration of communication path 1 and communication path 2 is calculated by an optimization function, fail-safety and increased availability can be ensured.

[0018] It is proposed that the input parameters based on which the optimization to be performed include at least the following parameters:

[0019] ·Communication connection requirements between terminal nodes;

[0020] · Restrictions or requirements for manually specified system configurations;

[0021] the distribution and / or location of the communication participants;

[0022] in the case of mobile communication participants, movement profiles of these mobile communication participants;

[0023] Availability of communications resources;

[0024] Transmission characteristics along different communication paths;

[0025] ·Transmission statistics for each connection.

[0026] Advantageously, before the second data packet is sent via the communication path 2, the second data packet is discarded in case a successful transmission via the communication path 1 is identified. Thus, an efficient allocation and use of available communication resources is advantageously ensured.

[0027] The optimization function compares the transmission characteristics of communication path 1 and communication path 2. Based on the current transmission characteristics of the two communication paths, transmission characteristics such as latency, reliability or data rate can be advantageously optimized by selectively transmitting via one or both communication paths.

[0028] In another embodiment, the communication system has a controller, wherein the controller has a monitoring function, which collects information provided by the communication system. Advantageously, the controller has a requirements database, wherein the requirements are stored in the requirements database. Exemplarily, in a 3GPP 5G system, the controller can be part of the 5G system and obtain these requirements via available interfaces such as application functions (AF). In another embodiment, the controller can be outside the 5G system. Exemplarily, the transmission characteristics via the relevant communication path are provided to the controller by a network exposure function (NEF). The optimization results must be handed over to the 5G system again, for example via AF.

[0029] It is proposed that the monitoring function and the requirements database provide input parameters to the optimization logic in the form of at least one piece of information.

[0030] Advantageously, the optimization logic calculates the best possible combination of communication via the first communication path by direct communication between the two communication participants or communication via the second communication path via the base station and the UPF.

[0031] Furthermore, a method for monitoring a communication system is proposed, the method comprising at least the following steps:

[0032] Monitoring the communication system by the controller, wherein the controller continuously collects information about the communication system and possible changes, for example possible changes in transmission characteristics;

[0033] · checking by the controller the requirements and restrictions in the communication system and possible changes to these requirements and restrictions;

[0034] In the event of relevant changes or adjustments, the optimization logic calculates a suitable solution. If the current configuration needs to be adjusted, the optimization function hands over the results to the communication system (if no adjustment is needed, the communication system continues to be observed without further action);

[0035] • Adjust the communication system based on the results from the previous step. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036] Further advantages emerge from the description of the figures.

[0037] in:

[0038] Figure 1 A communication system without UPF according to the prior art is shown;

[0039] Figure 2A communication system with UPF according to the prior art is shown;

[0040] Figure 3 A communication system according to the present invention is shown schematically;

[0041] Figure 4 The expansion of the communication system is shown schematically;

[0042] Figure 5 A method according to the invention for monitoring a communication system is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0043] For identical components that appear in different embodiments, the same reference numerals are used.

[0044] exist Figure 3 A communication system 10 is schematically shown in FIG. The communication system 10 is designed as a radio network, in particular as a 5G system.

[0045] Exemplarily, the communication system 10 includes: an access network (Radio Access Network (Radio Access Network), RAN), two terminal nodes E1 and E2, a first communication participant 12, a second communication participant 14, a user plane function (Userplane Function, UPF) and a function 18 for operating the communication system 10, in particular a superior control function.

[0046] In this case, the control function 18 is the sum of functions for controlling or regulating data transmission. Thus, the control function regulates the data transmission, for example, with regard to the requirements for data rate and delay.

[0047] The communication system 10 further comprises an optimization function 20 for operating the communication system 10. The optimization function 20 may be a component of other management and control instances. Here, the optimization function supplements the existing functions of the control function.

[0048] It is possible that the communication system 10 is designed as a logical TSN switch (Time-Sensitive Networking). In this case, the end nodes E1 and E2 are connected to the network via corresponding interfaces provided by the communication system.

[0049] This has the following advantages:

[0050] More predictable end-to-end latency;

[0051] More limited latency fluctuations;

[0052] Lower packet loss rate;

[0053] Higher availability.

[0054] In the case of industrial applications, communication participants and end nodes can be components of mobile devices, mobile control units or control panels, for example, or correspond to infrastructure components. However, these communication participants and end nodes can also be integrated in respectively different physical components.

[0055] According to the present invention, a first terminal node E1 communicates with a second terminal node E2 , wherein a connection is established via the communication system 10 .

[0056] Here, the connection must exhibit certain characteristics, such as low packet loss, high bandwidth or latency.

[0057] According to the invention, it is provided that the connection is established via a first communication path (communication path 1) by direct communication between the two communication participants 12, 14, or via a second communication path (communication path 2) by means of a UPF. Fluctuations in the transmission characteristics may occur in this case. It can be assumed that the communication system 10 knows the minimum required transmission characteristics.

[0058] In the case of integrating 5G into a TSN system, the management functions CUC and CNC provide the minimum required transmission characteristics. For example, the 5G system obtains this information through the TSN application function (TSNAF) or the network exposure function (NEF) described by 3GPP. Alternatively, it is conceivable that the requirements of the terminal nodes are manually specified by the system administrator.

[0059] Based on the available context information and requirements, the optimization function calculates the best configuration of communication path 1 and communication path 2. The input variables on which the optimization to be performed is based are either known or measured. These input variables can be, among which the enumeration does not need to be complete:

[0060] ·Communication connection requirements between terminal nodes;

[0061] · Restrictions or requirements for manually specified system configurations;

[0062] the distribution and / or location of the communication participants;

[0063] Availability of communications resources;

[0064] Transmission characteristics along different communication paths;

[0065] ·Transmission statistics for each connection.

[0066] The following optimization goals are possible, although this list does not necessarily have to be complete:

[0067] Provide fail-safety and availability through redundancy;

[0068] Improved efficiency in the allocation of transport resources by jointly considering and prioritizing communication participants;

[0069] Improve the efficiency of transmission resource utilization by optimizing transmission power;

[0070] Optimize transmission characteristics such as latency or bandwidth through parallel communication paths.

[0071] One of these goals is, for example, the efficient allocation and use of available communication resources. Two application cases are distinguished here:

[0072] a) For direct communication between the two communication participants 12, 14, for a direct connection similar to communication path 1, the same resource pool is used as for a connection via UPF similar to communication path 2. The allocation of transmission capacity from the common resource pool of communication paths 1 and 2 is planned and coordinated by the optimization function 20. For the case where the optimization logic is located inside the 3GPP system and can access the RAN, the optimization logic can directly plan the resources of the radio cell and allocate these resources accordingly. For the case where the optimization logic is located outside the 3GPP system, a corresponding interface must exist to influence the RAN in terms of resource planning. For example, a communication service can be booked via a corresponding communication path with dedicated requirements. If the service cannot be met as required, the 3GPP system may provide an alarm notification (AlarmNotification) via the NEF, and then the optimization logic can adjust or select the communication path. The advantage of direct communication between the two communication participants 12, 14 is that the transmission distance is short. Therefore, the transmission power can be reduced and the risk of failure / interference can be reduced thereby.

[0073] b) For direct communication between the two communication participants 12, 14, a dedicated resource pool is used. Connections between communication participants in a narrow space are characterized by mutual interference. Depending on the positioning and distribution of these communication participants, it may make sense to use communication path 2 instead of communication path 1. This method is more in line with the 5G standard, in which dedicated channels such as the Physical Sidelink Shared Channel (PSSC) and the Physical Sidelink Control Channel (PSCC) exist. Here, the invention differs from the standard in that there is an optimization logic that affects the selection of the communication path to be used.

[0074] Another goal is reliable transmission (for example, by using redundancy) while saving transmission resources. However, due to the continuous redundant design of the communication system, resource consumption may be unfavorable. In this way, the simplest case of redundant design is manifested as: data packets are repeatedly sent not only via communication path 1 but also via communication path 2. This corresponds to the packet duplication (Packet Duplication, PD) method, which is defined in conjunction with the dual connectivity (Dual Connectivity, DC) of version 16 for URLLC applications. In this case, simultaneous transmission via two 5GNR connections is utilized to improve reliability. The present invention mainly provides an extension of the method for NR+D2D connections.

[0075] According to the present invention, various methods can be applied to reduce resource consumption. In this way, the data packets sent via the first communication path (communication path 1) usually have a shorter delay than the data packets sent via the second communication path (communication path 2). If a successful transmission via communication path 1 is identified before the redundant second data packet is sent from the UPF to the recipient via communication path 2, the redundant second data packet can be discarded. Therefore, the saved transmission resources can be used for other participants in the network.

[0076] In this case, successful data transmission is detected as follows:

[0077] - sending a data packet from the first communication participant 12 to the second communication participant 14 via the communication path 1;

[0078] - at the same time, the data packet is sent from the first communication participant 12 to the second communication participant 14 via the communication path 2;

[0079] - upon successful reception of the data packet, the second road user 14 sends information to the RAN or UPF;

[0080] Based on the information received by the RAN or UPF from the communication participant 14 , the RAN or UPF is prevented from forwarding redundant second data packets to the communication participant 14 .

[0081] The information sent by the second communication participant 14 to the RAN and / or UPF before forwarding the second data packet can be received as follows:

[0082] The data transmission via the communication path 1 and the information transmission from the communication participant 14 to the RAN / UPF is shorter overall than the data transmission from the communication participant 12 to the RAN / UPF.

[0083] The data transmission via the communication path 1 and the information transmission in the opposite direction to the communication path 1 and further from the communication participant 12 to the RAN / UPF are shorter in their totality than the data transmission from the communication participant 12 to the RAN / UPF.

[0084] Another approach is to implement redundancy only for data packets that are critical for the application. If the optimization function 20 has at least one transmission statistic of at least one connection as an input variable, redundancy decisions can be made in the evaluation of the statistical data. If certain connections are prone to packet loss, redundant transmission via communication path 1 and communication path 2 can be actively initiated. In this way, the simultaneous use of communication path 1 and communication path 2 can be configured, or dynamic switching between these communication paths can be performed depending on the current transmission characteristics. In addition, dynamic redundancy can be applied, in which redundant transmission via the two communication paths is activated or deactivated depending on the current state of the application. For example, requirements for redundancy can also be specified in a requirements database.

[0085] In order to optimize transmission characteristics such as delay, reliability or data rate, the optimization function 20 compares the transmission characteristics of the communication path 1 and the communication path 2 .

[0086] If the quality of the mobile radio channel changes, one of these communication paths may no longer be able to meet the application's requirements for the communication system, such as latency, reliability and data rate. In this case, it is possible to switch to another communication path. Example: Due to the poor quality of the radio channel, communication path 1 cannot meet the requirements for latency, reliability and / or data rate. In this case, switch to communication path 2.

[0087] Switching between these communication paths is also conceivable in order to comply with the changing latency requirements of the application. If, for example, the application allows exactly one retransmission within the delay budget, then in the event of packet loss, communication path 1 may be used for the retransmission with high priority. Since this communication path has a much lower latency than communication path 2, the probability of successfully transmitting a data packet within the delay budget may be increased.

[0088] It is conceivable that the communication path is switched or a communication path is added depending on the transmission quality. As soon as the transmission quality of a communication path drops below a non-critical threshold, an additional communication path can be added or an alternative communication path can be selected.

[0089] Figure 4 The schematic diagram shows an expansion of a communication system. Here, the system includes a communication system 10 and at least one controller 30. The controller 30 can be implemented as a component of a 5G management system or as an independent component.

[0090] The controller 30 has a monitoring function 32. The monitoring function 32 collects information provided by the communication system 10. In addition, data from peripheral sensor devices 34 are collected. These data contain information about the current and predicted state of the communication system 10 and system-related statistical data. The controller 30 also has a requirements database 36. The specified requirements are stored in the requirements database 36.

[0091] The monitoring function 32 and the requirement database 36 provide input variables in the form of at least one piece of information to the optimization function 20. The optimization function 20 calculates therefrom the best possible combination of communication via a first communication path (communication path 1) by direct communication between the two communication participants 12, 14 or communication via a second communication path (communication path 2) via a base station and UPF.

[0092] The optimization may be supported by an AI (KI) based algorithm.The results of this optimization function 20 are handed over to the communication system 10 which manages the transmission resources.

[0093] Figure 5 The method is schematically shown, and the method has at least the following steps:

[0094] Monitoring the communication system 10 by the controller 30 , wherein the controller 30 continuously collects information about the communication system 10 and possible changes (step 100 );

[0095] Checking the requirements and restrictions in the communication system 10 and possible changes to these requirements and restrictions by the controller 30 (step 110);

[0096] In the event that there are relevant changes or adjustments, the optimization logic calculates a suitable solution (120) (if adjustments to the current configuration are required, the function hands over the results to the communication system 10). If no adjustments are required, the communication system continues to be observed without further action;

[0097] • Adjust the communication system 10 based on the results from the previous step (130).

Claims

1. A communication system (10), in particular a 5G system, comprising an access network (RAN), at least two terminal nodes (E1, E2), a first communication participant (12), a second communication participant (14), a user plane function (UPF) and a function (18), in particular a superior control function for operating the communication system (10).

2. The communication system (10) according to claim 1, wherein: The communication system (10) comprises an optimization function (20) for operating the communication system (10).

3. The communication system (10) according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein: The first terminal node E1 communicates with the second terminal node E2, wherein a connection is established via the communication system (10).

4. The communication system (10) according to claim 3, wherein: A connection is established via a first communication path (communication path 1) by direct communication between the two communication participants (12, 14).

5. The communication system (10) according to claim 3, wherein: Through the UPF, a connection is established via a second communication path (communication path 2).

6. The communication system (10) according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein: The optimization function calculates the optimal configuration of communication path 1 and communication path 2 and continuously adapts the configuration to the current system status.

7. The communication system (10) according to claim 6, wherein: The input parameters on which the optimization to be performed is based include at least one of the following parameters: ·Communication connection requirements between terminal nodes; · Restrictions or requirements of the specified system configuration; the distribution and / or location of the communication participants; Availability of communications resources; Transmission characteristics along different communication paths; ·Transmission statistics for each connection.

8. The communication system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: Before the second data packet is forwarded by the UPF via the communication path 2 , the second data packet is discarded if a successful transmission via the communication path 1 is identified.

9. The communication system (10) according to claim 8, wherein: A successful data transfer is identified as follows: - sending a data packet from the first communication participant (12) to the second communication participant (14) via the communication path 1; - simultaneously, sending the data packet from the first communication participant (12) to the second communication participant (14) via the communication path 2; - upon successful receipt of the data packet, the second traffic participant (14) sends information to the RAN or the UPF; Based on the information received by the RAN or the UPF from the communication participant 14 , the RAN or the UPF is prevented from forwarding redundant second data packets to the communication participant 14 .

10. The communication system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The information sent by the second communication participant 14 to the RAN and / or the UPF before forwarding the second data packet can be received as follows: - Data is transmitted via the communication path 1 and the information is transmitted from the communication participant 14 to the RAN and / or UPF; The data are transmitted via the communication path 1 , and the information is transmitted in opposition to the communication path 1 and further from the communication participant 12 to the RAN and / or the UPF.

11. The communication system (10) according to any one of claims 2 to 10, wherein: In order to optimize transmission characteristics such as delay, reliability or data rate, the optimization function (20) compares the transmission characteristics of communication path 1 and communication path 2.

12. A communication system (10), comprising at least one controller 30, wherein: The controller (30) has a monitoring function (32) which collects information provided by the communication system (10).

13. The communication system (10) according to claim 12, wherein: The controller (30) has a requirement database (36), wherein the specified requirements are stored in the requirement database (36).

14. The communication system (10) according to claim 12, wherein: The monitoring function (32) and the requirements database (36) provide input parameters to the optimization function (20) in the form of at least one piece of information.

15. The communication system (10) according to claim 12, wherein: The optimization logic (38) calculates the best possible combination of communication via a first communication path (communication path 1) by direct communication between the two communication participants (12, 14) or communication via a second communication path (communication path 2) via the UPF.

16. A method for monitoring a communication system (10), the method comprising at least the following steps: monitoring the communication system 10 by means of a controller 30, wherein: The controller 30 continuously collects information about the communication system 10 and possible changes; checking, by means of the controller (30), requirements and restrictions in the communication system (10) and possible changes to the requirements and restrictions; · Calculate appropriate solutions through optimization logic in the presence of relevant changes or adjustments; • Adjusting the communication system (10) according to the results from the previous step.

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