Method for communicating between two microgrids

Abstract

A method of communicating with a first user equipment of a first microgrid is described. The method includes receiving one or more data packets from a second user equipment associated with a second microgrid, and transmitting the one or more data packets to a first user plane function of a first microgrid, wherein the first user plane function is configured to transmit one or more data packets to a first user equipment of the first microgrid based on destination information of the one or more data packets. The second user plane function is connected to the first user plane function via a first pairing of the first dedicated user equipment with the first radio unit and a second pairing of the second dedicated user equipment with the second radio unit.

Description

Background Art

[0001] The present disclosure relates to wireless communication networks in industrial automation environments including substation automation and process automation, and more specifically to network functions of wireless communication networks. With the advent of 4G EPC and 5G communication technologies, most cellular networks include a central network core that includes multiple software-based network functions that regulate and manage various aspects of the wireless communication network. In addition, such networks may include microgrids for faster communication. Summary of the invention

[0002] The present disclosure relates to wireless communication networks in industrial facilities and industrial automation environments. Wireless communication networks deployed in such facilities often require mission-critical applications such as fault location and service restoration, and therefore ultra-low latency communications must be guaranteed. This is often difficult or challenging because the radio units of distributed base stations often exist in locations several kilometers away from the central unit of the distributed base station and the central network core of the wireless communication network. Communication between terminal devices present in different locations usually requires a communication loop including a central network core. For example, for a user device used to communicate with another user device, both user devices must go through an authentication process. Conventionally, a first user device (responsible for sending a message to a second user device) starts the authentication process, and once the first user device is authenticated, a data message is sent from the first user device to the second user device via the network core. The network core will then page the second user device and also start authentication on the terminating side. After the authentication of the second user device, the message is delivered to the second user device. Therefore, such communications may experience significant end-to-end delays. For example, the average delay for registration is typically about 168ms, which does not meet the delay requirements of mission-critical use cases (typically about 10ms).

[0003] One way to address these issues is through the use of microgrids. Microgrids are able to operate and communicate with each other independently of the central core network by replicating portions of the network functionality present at the distributed units present in the respective microgrids. Typically, each microgrid is connected to other microgrids via a wired network for communication with the other microgrids. However, the deployment of such wired networks, especially in remote areas or at sea, is often costly and time consuming. Therefore, a flexible method is needed to enable communication between microgrids.

[0004] Thus, the present disclosure describes a method for communicating with a first user device of a first piconet. The method is implemented by a user plane function of a second piconet. The method includes: receiving one or more data packets from a second user device associated with the second piconet, wherein the one or more data packets include destination information associated with the first user device of the first piconet; and transmitting the one or more data packets to a first user plane function of the first piconet, wherein the first user plane function is configured to transmit the one or more data packets to the first user device of the first piconet based on the destination information of the one or more data packets. The second user plane function is communicatively connected to the first user plane function via a first pairing of a first dedicated user device with a first radio unit and a second pairing of a second dedicated user device with a second radio unit. The one or more data packets are transmitted from the second user plane function to the first user plane function via a second dedicated user device from the second pairing of the second dedicated user device with the second radio unit and a first radio unit from the first pairing of the first dedicated user device with the first radio unit.

[0005] Thus, the present disclosure describes a method in which a connection between two piconets is established using two pairings of dedicated user equipment and radio units. Thus, the present disclosure introduces a point-to-point radio link to interconnect two piconets by reusing a portion of network equipment such as the radio unit (RU) and user equipment (UE) MIMO layer. Using dedicated user equipment and radio units, wireless connectivity can be provided between piconets. Furthermore, by using dedicated user equipment, each piconet is abstracted from the other piconets and thereby does not require much effort in configuration when deploying current solutions. Furthermore, this further creates redundant radio links that increase the reliability of the entire radio network.

[0006] In an embodiment, the dedicated first user equipment is dedicated to the second user plane function and is used to transmit data from the first user plane function, and wherein the dedicated second user equipment is dedicated to the first user plane function and is used to transmit data from the second user plane function. In an embodiment, the second radio unit is dedicated to the second user plane function and is used to receive data from the first user plane function, and wherein the first radio unit is dedicated to the first user plane function and is used to receive data from the second user plane function. Thus, by means of the dedicated user equipment and the radio unit, an appropriate communication channel is established between the first and second piconets.

[0007] In an embodiment, a dedicated first user equipment is registered with the first piconet, and wherein a dedicated second user equipment is registered with the second piconet. Thus, the first dedicated user equipment abstracts the second piconet from the first user plane functionality, and wherein the second dedicated user equipment abstracts the first piconet from the second user plane functionality. This allows the proposed solution to be easily deployed in existing networks without requiring significant configuration.

[0008] In another aspect, the present disclosure describes a network device for communicating with a first user device of a first micronet. The network device includes a first network interface connected to a second user device of a second micronet; a second network interface connected to at least one of a second radio unit and a dedicated first user device; and one or more processors connected to a memory module. The one or more processors are configured to: receive one or more data packets from a second user device associated with the second micronet via the first network interface, wherein the one or more data packets include destination information associated with the first user device of the first micronet; and transmit the one or more data packets to a first user plane function of the first micronet via the dedicated first user device, wherein the first user plane function is configured to transmit the one or more data packets to the first user device of the first micronet based on the destination information of the one or more data packets. In yet another aspect, the present disclosure describes a non-transitory storage medium. The non-transitory storage medium includes a plurality of instructions that, when executed on one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to: receive one or more data packets from a second user device associated with a second piconet via a first network interface, wherein the one or more data packets include destination information associated with a first user device of a first piconet; and transmit the one or more data packets to a first user plane function of the first piconet via the dedicated first user device, wherein the first user plane function is configured to transmit the one or more data packets to the first user device of the first piconet based on the destination information of the one or more data packets. Figure 1-Figure 3 Explain these aspects further. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Figure 1 An exemplary portion of a wireless communication network in an industrial facility including two piconets is shown;

[0010] Figure 2 A method for communicating with a first user equipment of a first piconet through a user plane function of a second piconet is shown;

[0011] Figure 3 An exemplary network apparatus for communicating with a first user device of a first piconet is shown.

[0012] Figure 4The proposed architecture and interconnections between microgrids and / or network cores are shown.

[0013] Figure 5 The 5G 3GPP reference architecture is shown.

[0014] Figure 6 Further details of the interconnections between piconets and / or network cores are shown.

[0015] Figure 7 A radio link interconnecting the first piconet and the second piconet is shown.

[0016] Figure 8 A redundant radio link through a third piconet is shown.

[0017] Fig. 9 Multicasting of data packets to different piconets is shown.

[0018] Fig.10 For example, point-to-point radio links are shown to interconnect more piconets.

[0019] Fig.11 Details of a UE for implementing TX / RX chains and L2 / L3 functionality (eg, for establishing redundant transmission paths) are shown.

[0020] Fig.12 Details of a distributed base station for implementing TX / RX chains and L2 / L3 functionality (eg for receiving data packets from a (dedicated) UE connected to another piconet) are shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] Figure 1A portion 100 of a wireless communication network in an industrial facility for connecting multiple industrial devices to each other is shown. An industrial facility here refers to any environment where one or more industrial processes (e.g., manufacturing, refining, smelting or equipment assembly, power generation, transmission or distribution of electricity, transportation) can be performed. This includes processing plants, refineries, automobile factories, power plants, smart grids, substations, warehouses, etc. The multiple industrial processes and operations can be performed in the production unit using multiple devices (such as control devices, field devices, mobile devices, etc.) that exist with the corresponding production unit. The control device includes a process controller, a programmable logic controller, a supervisory controller, an automatically coordinated guided vehicle, a robot, an operator device, etc. One or more control devices are connected to multiple field devices (not shown in the figure), such as actuators and sensor devices for monitoring and controlling various industrial processes in the industrial facility. These field devices may include flow meters, numerical actuators, temperature sensors, pressure sensors, etc. In addition, the industrial facility includes multiple mobile devices (also referred to as mobile network devices), including one or more robots for performing multiple operations (such as welding, parts assembly); one or more autonomous guided vehicles for transporting and handling materials; one or more assets with RFID tags on conveyors, etc. in the industrial facility. Furthermore, the industrial facility may include an operator station for displaying the status of the industrial facility to an operator and for allowing the operator to define KPIs for controlling industrial processes in the facility.All industrial devices may be connected to each other via a factory network (implemented via wired and wireless technologies).

[0022] The communication in the above-mentioned factory network is carried out through wired and wireless means or technologies. Therefore, industrial facilities use wireless communication networks to achieve communication between different devices in industrial facilities. The wireless communication network is based on cellular technology and includes multiple gateway devices or network devices. The gateway device here refers to one or more devices that can connect user equipment to a wireless network. Examples of gateway devices include base stations, routers, switches, repeaters, access points, etc. The multiple gateway devices may include multiple fixed gateway devices, which can be fixed at multiple locations in the industrial facility. Multiple industrial devices in the facility are connected to one or more gateway devices to connect to the wireless network and are used to transmit information with other devices and systems in the industrial facility. The industrial device includes one or more industrial applications that can process data from other industrial devices.

[0023] The wireless communication network includes a network core 110, which includes a plurality of network functions, such as a user plane function (UPF), an authentication server function (AUSF), an access and mobility function (AMF), a session management function (SMF), a network exposure function (NEF), etc. The network function in the present invention refers to a software module responsible for implementation and management as a specific network aspect related to the wireless communication network. For AUSF, authentication services are provided for devices connected to the wireless communication network. Similarly, the UPF user plane function (UPF) supports packet routing and forwarding, packet inspection, QoS processing, etc. The network function and its related functions are known in the prior art and have meanings similar to those conventionally known. The network function in the present invention refers to a software module or executable code responsible for implementation and management as a specific network aspect related to the wireless communication network. In 5G, the network function is a software module separate from the hardware and can be executed on any network node. Each virtual function can be deployed on a separate machine or even in the cloud. The network function and its related functions are known in the prior art and have meanings similar to those conventionally known. For AUSF, authentication services are provided for devices connected to the wireless communication network. Similarly, the UPF User Plane Function (UPF) supports packet routing and forwarding, packet inspection, QoS processing, etc. Similarly, the Unified Data Management (UDM) network function is responsible for credential generation, user identification, access authorization, and subscription management. Similarly, the Access and Mobility Function (AMF) is responsible for managing connectivity and mobility and includes a Globally Unique AMF Identifier (GUAMI) for identifying AMF instances within 5G networks.

[0024] The network core 110 is connected to a plurality of microgrids (120 and 130). Each microgrid includes at least one distributed base station, which includes a radio unit (126, 136), a distributed unit (123, 133) and a central unit (121, 131). The distributed base station can be considered a gateway device. The radio unit (126, 136) is connected to a plurality of radio subunits or interfaces (shown as radio subunits 160 and 145, and radio subunits 150 and 136). The general functions / responsibilities of the central unit and the distributed units depend on the partitioning options used in the implementation of the distributed base station. The industrial devices (163 and 166 and 173 and 176) are connected to the wireless communication network using the distributed base stations.

[0025] In addition, each microgrid includes one or more auxiliary network functions (129 and 139) capable of coordinating with the network functions of the network core 110 to manage industrial devices connected to the corresponding microgrid. The one or more auxiliary network functions (129 and 139) are similar to or correspond to the one or more network functions of the network core. The one or more auxiliary network functions are associated with admission control and authentication of industrial devices, user plane management, and sessions associated with connections associated with industrial devices in the corresponding microgrid.

[0026] One or more network functions of the network core are configured to forward network configuration and control information associated with one or more user devices connected to the microgrid to one or more corresponding auxiliary network functions of the microgrid. Based on the received network configuration and control information associated with the one or more user devices, the one or more auxiliary network functions are configured to manage the user devices of the microgrid. The auxiliary network function is installed as a software module in the network device associated with the corresponding microgrid and manages the control plane and / or user plane of the corresponding microgrid.

[0027] In an example, the one or more auxiliary network functions include one or more of the following: a network exposure function (NEF), a session management function (SMF), an authentication server function (AUSF), a unified data management function (UDM), a user plane function (UPF), etc. The network exposure function from one or more auxiliary functions acts as an interface between the network functions of the network core and other auxiliary network functions, and is used to configure local core functions and report local information to the network core. Similarly, a dedicated application network function (AF) is implemented in the network core to coordinate with one or more auxiliary network functions. For example, in order to establish a PDU session between a microgrid and a user plane function of the network core, coordination between the local SMF of one or more auxiliary network functions and the SMF of the network core is performed via the local NEF and application functions of one or more auxiliary network functions. In addition, the application network function is responsible for transmitting user information, security information, and network configuration and policies between the network core and one or more auxiliary network functions. The application network function also retrieves performance and maintenance data from one or more auxiliary network functions.

[0028] In addition, in order to achieve communication between microgrids without using the network core 110, each microgrid includes a dedicated user equipment and a dedicated radio interface. Figure 1As shown, microgrid 120 includes dedicated user equipment 140 and dedicated radio interface 145. Similarly, microgrid 130 includes dedicated user equipment 150 and dedicated radio interface 155. The dedicated radio interface is connected to the corresponding radio unit of the corresponding microgrid and provides radio coverage to the dedicated user equipment associated with another microgrid. Specifically, the dedicated radio interface can be an RX / TX chain of the corresponding radio unit dedicated to communicating with the dedicated user equipment connected to another microgrid. Using the pairing of the dedicated radio interface and the user equipment, the microgrids can communicate with each other. This is further seen in Figure 2 Provide explanation.

[0029] Figure 2 A method 200 is shown of communicating with a first user device 163 of a first piconet 120. In an example, the method 200 is implemented by a user plane function of a second piconet 130. In an example, the first user device 163 is located on an automated guided vehicle or robot.

[0030] At step 210, a user plane function (one of the auxiliary network functions 139) receives one or more packets from a second user device associated with a second piconet 130 (for providing a wireless connection to the AGV controller 173). The one or more packets include destination information associated with a first user device 163 of a first piconet 120.

[0031] For example, the AGV controller 173 in the second microgrid is responsible for communicating with the automated guided vehicle 163 in the first microgrid and controlling the automated guided vehicle 163. Therefore, one or more data packets from the AGV controller 173 may include route and mission information associated with the automated guided vehicle 163. Therefore, in order to communicate with the automated guided vehicle 163, the AGV controller transmits the data packet to the second user plane function of the second microgrid via the radio interface 170 (which in turn is connected to the distributed base station including the radio unit 136, the distributed unit 133 and the central unit 131 connected to the second user plane function).

[0032] Since the data packet from AGV controller 173 contains the address of AGV 163 as the destination address, the second user plane function determines that AGV 163 is connected to the first piconet, and therefore, continues to connect to the first piconet to transmit the data packet.

[0033] In step 220 , the second user plane function transmits the one or more data packets to the first user plane function (of the auxiliary network function 129 ) of the first piconet 120 , wherein the first user plane function is configured to transmit the one or more data packets to the first user equipment 163 of the first piconet 120 based on the destination information of the one or more data packets.

[0034] The second user plane function is communicatively connected to the first user plane function via a first pairing of the first dedicated user equipment 140 with the first radio unit 145 and a second pairing of the second dedicated user equipment 150 with the second radio unit 155. The dedicated user equipment and the dedicated radio interface serve as a dedicated channel between the first and second piconets and ensure connectivity therebetween.

[0035] Dedicated user equipment is used to transmit data from the corresponding microgrid (i.e., the microgrid they are dedicated to) to another microgrid. Similarly, a dedicated radio interface is coupled to the corresponding microgrid for receiving data from the associated user equipment. Thus, each radio interface is associated with the corresponding user equipment (for receiving and transmitting, respectively). For example, as shown in the figure, the dedicated user interface 140 is dedicated to the microgrid 120, and the dedicated user equipment 150 is dedicated to the microgrid 130. Similarly, the radio unit interface 145 is dedicated to the microgrid 120, and the radio unit interface 155 is dedicated to the microgrid 130. In addition, the dedicated user equipment 140 is coupled to the radio unit interface 155 (for transmitting and receiving, respectively), and similarly, the dedicated user interface 150 is coupled to the radio unit interface 145 (for transmitting and receiving, respectively). Thus, the one or more data packets are transmitted from the second user plane function to the first user plane function via the second dedicated user equipment 150 and then to the first radio unit 145.

[0036] Thus, one or more connections between piconets are provided without involving a network core by using dedicated user equipment and radio unit interfaces.

[0037] In the example, the dedicated user equipment 150 is registered with the first user plane function, and wherein the dedicated user equipment 140 is registered with the second user plane function. Registration here means that the dedicated user equipment is a subscriber of the microgrid, and / or when turned on, the dedicated user equipment is registered with the network function of the corresponding microgrid and managed by the registered microgrid. Thus, the microgrid (to which the dedicated user equipment is registered) treats the dedicated user equipment similarly to other user equipment, even though the user equipment is located in the physical area of ​​the other microgrid and connected to its user plane function.

[0038] Therefore, the first dedicated user equipment 140 abstracts the second piconet 130 from the first user plane function of the first piconet 120. Similarly, the second dedicated user equipment 150 abstracts the first piconet 120 from the second user plane function of the second piconet 130.

[0039] In addition to allowing communication between piconets, the above network infrastructure can also be used to improve redundancy and reliability in network communications. For example, when three or more piconets are interconnected using a dedicated pairing of user equipment and radio unit interfaces, there are two network paths between each piconet and the other piconets (a direct connection and an indirect connection via a third piconet). For example, when there are three piconets (A, B, C), each interconnected, there are two network paths between piconets A and B (a direct connection between A and B, and an indirect connection via piconet C). Thus, using such interconnected piconets, data packets can be broadcast over multiple network paths.

[0040] For example, the dedicated user equipment and the radio unit interface may be equipped with a replication and deduplication module for implementing a packet redundancy protocol such as a parallel redundancy protocol (PRP). Such a module may be implemented in the link layer of the dedicated user equipment and the radio unit interface. For example, a user equipment in piconet A may want to transmit a data packet to a user equipment in piconet B. Therefore, the dedicated user equipment associated with piconet A replicates the data packet and sends a first set of data packets to the radio unit interfaces associated with piconet B and piconet C. The radio interface unit of piconet C forwards the data packet to the user plane function of piconet C, which forwards the data packet to the radio unit interface of piconet B using the dedicated user equipment associated with piconet C. Therefore, the radio interface associated with piconet B receives two copies of the data packet (one from piconet A and one from piconet C). Then, the radio unit interface of piconet C eliminates one of the copies and forwards one copy to the user plane function of piconet C, which sends the copy to the intended user equipment in piconet C. In the event that the direct link (AB) fails for any reason, communication will be maintained over link ACB, although this will introduce additional delay.

[0041] Thus, redundancy and reliability in the network infrastructure is increased by using connections between piconets. Furthermore, as known to those skilled in the art, such connections can be used for broadcast and multicast communications.

[0042] Although the present disclosure has been described with respect to a single network device having one or more auxiliary network functions, multiple such network devices may be used in an industrial facility. Thus, these network devices with micro-networks can communicate with each other without having to circulate through a central network core. This is particularly useful in Figure 3 Further explanation in.

[0043] Thus, the present disclosure describes a network device 300 for communicating with a first user equipment of a first piconet. The network device 300 includes a first network interface 310 connected to a second user equipment of a second piconet, and a second network interface 340 connected to at least one of a second radio unit and a first dedicated user equipment. The network device 300 also includes one or more processors 320 connected to a memory module 330. The memory module 330 includes a plurality of instructions 335, which when executed cause the one or more processors 330 to be configured to: receive one or more data packets from a second user equipment associated with the second piconet via the first network interface 310, wherein the one or more data packets include destination information associated with the first user equipment of the first piconet; and transmit the one or more data packets to a first user plane function of the first piconet via the first dedicated user equipment, wherein the first user plane function is configured to transmit the one or more data packets to the first user equipment of the first piconet based on the destination information of the one or more data packets.

[0044] For the purposes of this specification, a computer-usable or computer-readable non-transitory storage medium may be any device that can contain, store, communicate, propagate or transmit a program for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, device or apparatus. The medium may be an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared or semiconductor system (or device or apparatus) or propagation medium, which, as such, is not included in the definition of a physical computer-readable medium as a signal carrier, which includes semiconductor or solid-state memory, magnetic tape, removable computer disk, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), hard disk and optical disk (such as read-only compact disk memory (CD-ROM), optical disk reader / writer and DVD). As known to those skilled in the art, the processing units and program codes used to implement each aspect of the present technology may be centralized or distributed (or a combination thereof).

[0045] Based on this disclosure, many modifications and variations will present themselves to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the different embodiments of the disclosure, as described herein. Therefore, the scope of the disclosure is indicated by the following claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes, modifications and variations that come within the meaning and equivalent range of the claims should be deemed to be within their scope of protection. All advantageous embodiments claimed in the method claims may also be applied to the device / non-transitory storage medium claims.

[0046] The following provides another embodiment: According to the first embodiment, a method for communicating with a first user equipment of a first piconet through a second user plane function of a second piconet, for example, is proposed, the method comprising:

[0047] a. receiving one or more packets from a second user device associated with a second micro-network, wherein the one or more packets include destination information associated with a first user device of a first micro-network; and

[0048] b. transmitting one or more packets to a first user plane function of a first micro-network, wherein the first user plane function is configured to transmit one or more packets to a first user device of a first micro-network based on destination information of the one or more packets;

[0049] wherein the second user plane function is communicatively connected to the first user plane function via air between, for example, a first pairing of the first dedicated user equipment with the first wireless unit and a second pairing of the dedicated user equipment with the second wireless unit, and

[0050] The one or more data packets are transmitted from the second user plane function to the first user plane function via the second dedicated user equipment from the second pairing of the second dedicated user equipment and the second radio unit and the first radio unit from the first pairing of the first dedicated user equipment and the first radio unit.

[0051] A method for communicating with a first user equipment of a first micronet through a second user plane function of a second micronet is proposed. The method comprises: receiving one or more data packets from a second user equipment associated with the second micronet, wherein the one or more data packets include destination information associated with the first user equipment of the first micronet; and transmitting the one or more data packets to a first user plane function of the first micronet, wherein the first user plane function is configured to transmit the one or more data packets to the first user equipment of the first micronet based on the destination information of the one or more data packets. The second user plane function is communicatively connected to the first user plane function via a second dedicated UE and a first RU. The one or more data packets are transmitted from the second user plane function to the first user plane function via the second dedicated user equipment and the RU.

[0052] In a second embodiment, a method as proposed in the first embodiment, wherein the dedicated first user equipment is dedicated to the second user plane function and is used to transmit data to the first user plane function, and wherein the dedicated second user equipment is dedicated to the first user plane function and is used to transmit data to the second user plane function.

[0053] In a third embodiment, the method as proposed in the first embodiment, wherein the second radio unit is dedicated to the second user plane function and is used to receive data from the first user plane function, and wherein the first radio unit is dedicated to the first user plane function and is used to receive data from the second user plane function.

[0054] In a fourth embodiment, the method as proposed in the first embodiment, wherein a dedicated first user equipment is registered with the second user plane function, and wherein a dedicated second user equipment is registered with the first user plane function.

[0055] In a fifth embodiment, the first dedicated user equipment abstracts the second piconet from the first user plane function, and the second dedicated user equipment abstracts the first piconet from the second user plane function.

[0056] In a sixth embodiment, a network device for communicating with a first user equipment of a first piconet is provided, the network device comprising:

[0057] a first network interface, the first network interface is connected to the second user device of the second micro-network;

[0058] b. a second network interface connected to at least one of a second radio unit and a dedicated first user equipment; and

[0059] c. One or more processors connected to the memory module, the one or more processors being configured to:

[0060] i. receiving one or more packets from a second user device associated with a second piconet via a first network interface, wherein the one or more packets include destination information associated with a first user device of a first piconet; and

[0061] ii. transmitting the one or more data packets to a first user plane function of the first piconet via the first dedicated user equipment, wherein the first user plane function is configured to transmit the one or more data packets to the first user equipment of the first piconet based on the destination information of the one or more data packets.

[0062] A network device for communicating with a first user equipment of a first piconet is proposed. The network device comprises a first network interface connected to a second user equipment of a second piconet, and a second network interface connected to at least one of a second radio unit and a dedicated first user equipment. It should be understood here that the dedicated first UE corresponds to the dedicated second UE of the first embodiment. That is, the dedicated UE is associated with the first UPF, but is still connected to the second UPF, as specifically described herein.

[0063] In a seventh embodiment, a non-transitory storage medium is provided that includes a plurality of instructions that, when executed on one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to:

[0064] a. receiving one or more packets from a second user device associated with a second micro-network via a first network interface, wherein the one or more packets include destination information associated with a first user device of a first micro-network; and

[0065] b. transmitting the one or more data packets to a first user plane function of the first piconet via the dedicated first user equipment, wherein the first user plane function is configured to transmit the one or more data packets to the first user equipment of the first piconet based on the destination information of the one or more data packets.

[0066] refer to Figure 4 , shows another embodiment. Figure 4 The network core, represented as the central 5G core in the figure, includes one or more network functions. The network core includes network functions such as connection and mobility management, authentication and authorization and / or subscriber data management and / or policy management, etc., as mentioned in the present invention. Now, the user plane can be located close to the RAN to reduce delays when forwarding data to relevant processing resources. In order to achieve this and other advantages, a packet flow control protocol (PFCP) as specified in 3GPP TS 29.244 is provided. The PFCP is implemented in a component called the user plane function UPF. The UPF can be connected to the control plane, such as the session management function SMF, via the N4 interface. The UPF can be connected to one or more data networks DN via the N6 interface.

[0067] The application network function AF may be connected to the Figure 4 The N33 interface of one or more distributed base stations or one or more auxiliary network functions in the micro-network is used to provide network information, security information and / or network configuration and / or policy between the network core and one or more auxiliary network functions to one or more distributed base stations. Therefore, one or more local core functions may exist in the distributed base station, that is, at the corresponding micro-network.

[0068] Additionally or alternatively, a local UPF may exist in a distributed base station or micro-network. The UPF may be implemented according to 3GPP TS23.501 (Release 15 onwards). The UPF includes the following functionality, some or all of which may be supported in a single instance of the UPF:

[0069] Anchor point for intra-RAT / inter-RAT mobility (where applicable).

[0070] Allocate UE IP address / prefix in response to SME request (if supported).

[0071] An external PDU session point that interconnects with a data network.

[0072] Packet routing and forwarding (e.g., support for uplink classifier to route traffic flows to instances of data networks, support for branching points to support multi-homed PDU sessions, support for traffic forwarding within a 5G VN group (UPF local switching, via N6, via N19)).

[0073] Packet inspection (e.g., application detection based on the service data flow template and optional PFD additionally received from the SMF).

[0074] The user plane portion of policy rule enforcement, e.g., gating, redirection, traffic steering.

[0075] Lawful Interception (UP Collection).

[0076] Traffic usage report.

[0077] QoS handling for user plane, e.g. UL / DL rate enforcement, reflective QoS marking in DL.

[0078] Upstream traffic verification (SDF to QoS flow mapping).

[0079] Transport level packet marking in uplink and downlink.

[0080] Downlink data packet buffering and downlink data notification triggering.

[0081] Send and forward one or more “end markers” to the source NG-RAN node.

[0082] The GTP-U layer duplicates messages in the downstream direction and eliminates them in the upstream direction.

[0083] Typically, UPF enables packet processing and / or traffic aggregation to be performed close to the edge of the network or close to distributed base stations, thereby improving bandwidth efficiency while reducing network traffic.

[0084] As mentioned above, if Figure 4 As shown, each distributed base station or microgrid may include a local UPF. This decouples the distributed base stations and / or corresponding microgrids. This decoupling substantially enables low latency for end-user data applications (i.e., packet processing and / or traffic aggregation). The ability to process one or more data packets at a distributed base station increases bandwidth efficiency, enables low latency applications, and reduces core network traffic.

[0085] The interface between two UPFs can be an N9 interface. Figure 4As shown, the local UPFs in the first and second distributed base stations or micro-networks are connected to the central UPF via such an N9 interface. The local UPF may be located in the distributed base station of the corresponding micro-network. Among them, the central UPF may be a so-called UPF session anchor point, and the local UPF may be a so-called intermediate UPF, I-UPF. In any case, the local UPF may be independent of the central UPF and / or there may be no central UPF.

[0086] Furthermore, the local UPF of the first microgrid may be connected to the local UPF of the second microgrid via the N6 interface. The connection may be provided by a data network to which the local UPF of the first microgrid and the local UPF of the second microgrid are connected (eg, again via the N6 interface).

[0087] Figure 5 A 5G 3GPP reference architecture having the same or similar components as described in the present invention is provided.

[0088] exist Figure 6 In FIG, multiple microgrids are shown interconnected via a private WAN. Therein, the UPF of the respective microgrid, for example located in a distributed base station, is connected to the private WAN. User plane communications may occur between microgrids within the private wide area network WAN. More 5G microgrids may be connected via the private WAN. The private WAN can be a wired network or a point-to-point radio link. It can also be based on WiMAX, for example by reusing an existing infrastructure. The private WAN may connect microgrids by using a radio link (e.g., based on 5G), as described in the present invention. Thus, the communication path between UE_1 and UE_2 is closed inside the same distributed base station or gNB, including all control and data planes without reaching the network core. The communication between UE_1 and UE_5 connected to different distributed base stations is routed through the private WAN via the local UPF (and the control plane communications are managed within the respective microgrid, for example by said local network function), again preferably without reaching the network core and / or any other central or non-local functions or components. For example, according to the 3GPP standard, communication on a private WAN and / or between local UPFs may occur via one or more N6 interfaces, for example, by using a data network as a private WAN to which the local UPF is connected, for example, via an N6 interface. The local UPF may also communicate with the central UPF, for example, via an N9 interface.

[0089] Figure 7 shows a microgrid, in Figure 7 In the figure, it is represented as micro 5G network A and micro 5G network B, where some (basic) core network functions are dispersed and / or decoupled from the network core. This setting is similar to the present invention, for example, combined with Figure 1 The settings described.

[0090] A user equipment, such as UE_60, may be connected to a control device and / or a field device, such as an actuator and / or a sensor device, such as EP device 1. Figure 7 In FIG. 1 , a device for controlling and / or monitoring an electric line, ie, an EP device 1, such as a circuit breaker, is shown. The EP device 2 may be a similar device or the same type of device for controlling and / or monitoring an electric line, ie, a circuit breaker.

[0091] Now, the user equipment UE_60 associated with the micro-network micro 5G network A can transmit one or more data packets including the destination information associated with the first user equipment of the first micro-network. The data packet may, for example, include measurement data from the device "EP device 1".

[0092] For example, one or more data packets are transmitted from the user equipment UE_60 to the local UPF of the micro-network micro-5G network A (for example, via the RU and CU / DU of the micro-network micro-5G network A).

[0093] From the local UPF of the second micronet, one or more data packets are transmitted to the local UPF of the first micronet (micro 5G network B). Hitherto, the one or more data packets have been transmitted to the data network DN via the N6 interface of the local UPF of the second micronet. On the other hand, the data network is connected to a dedicated UE (UE_30), which is associated with the first micronet or distributed base station (micro 5G network B). The connection between the data network and the dedicated UE (UE_30) can be provided via the Internet Protocol IP. That is, the second dedicated UE (UE_30) is connected to the data network via the Internet Protocol IP. The second dedicated UE (UE_30) transmits one or more data packets to the first micronet (i.e., micro 5G network B) over the air. One or more data packets are received there by the RU antenna. The data packets are forwarded to UE_20 via the radio unit, CU / DU and UPF of the first micronet, where the data packets are received. It should be understood that, as Figure 7 As shown, the second dedicated UE (UE_30) is associated with the first micronet and is within the cell coverage of the first micronet, so that the second dedicated UE transmits data packets to the first micronet in the uplink, for example, as described in the present invention. It should also be understood that one or more data packets received by the RU or distributed base station of the first micronet received from the second dedicated UE (UE_30) are first forwarded to the CU / DU and local UPF of the first micronet. The one or more data packets are forwarded to the CU / DU and RU again, so as to be finally transmitted to the first user equipment UE_20 / received by the first user equipment UE_20 via different RU antennas of the first micronet or distributed base station. For example, the first UE (UE_20) (for example, and other UEs (such as UE_10)) is associated with the cell coverage of the first micronet (micro 5G network B) and / or is within the cell coverage of the first micronet.

[0094] Now, in order to transmit one or more data packets from the first UE (UE_20) to the second UE (UE_60), the second UE transmits one or more data packets to the first dedicated UE (UE_50). To this end, the one or more data packets are transmitted to the data network via the N6 interface on the RU, CU / DU and UPF of the first micronet (micro 5G network B). One or more data packets are transmitted from the data network to the first dedicated UE via the Internet Protocol. The first dedicated UE is associated with the second micronet or distributed base station (micro 5G network A). The first dedicated UE transmits one or more data packets in the uplink direction to the second micronet or distributed base station (micro 5G network A), which are received by the RU antenna of the second micronet or distributed base station (micro 5G network A). From there, one or more data packets are transmitted to the second UE (UE_60) on the RU, CU / DU and local UPF of the second micronet or distributed base station (micro 5G network A). One or more data packets from the first UE (UE_20) are received and forwarded to the second UE (UE_60) on the RU, CU / DU and UPF and again on the CU / DU and RU and finally on different antennas of the second micro-network or distributed base station (micro 5G network A).

[0095] In this case, the device (e.g., EP device 3) may be connected to a data network via an Internet Protocol IP. Therefore, one or more data packets may be transmitted and / or received from the device (EP device 3). In this case, one or more data packets are transmitted from the EP device 3 to the data network, and forwarded to the first dedicated UE (UE_50) via the data network, and forwarded to the first dedicated UE (UE_50) again via the Internet Protocol. The first dedicated UE (UE_50) then transmits one or more data packets to the second micro-network or distributed base station (micro 5G network A) as described above, for example, to be received by the second UE (UE_60).

[0096] In order for the device (EP device 3) to receive one or more data packets from the second UE (UE_60), the one or more data packets are transmitted from the second UE (UE_60) to the first micronet (micro 5G network B), i.e. the local UPF of the first micronet, through the second micronet, i.e. the RU, CU / DU and local UPF of the second micronet (micro 5G network A) and the second dedicated UE (UE_30). The one or more data packets are forwarded from the local UPF of the first micronet to the data network via the n6 interface and forwarded from the data network to the device (EP device 3) via the Internet Protocol IP.

[0097] The subscription (e.g., SIM) of the second dedicated UE (UE_30) belongs to the first micronet (micro 5G network B), and / or it is in the coverage of the RU installed in the first micronet (micro 5G network B). The RU in the first micronet (micro 5G network B) is dedicated to one TX / RX chain or MIMO layer. Similarly, the subscription of the first dedicated UE (UE_50) belongs to the second micronet (micro 5G network A), and / or it is in the coverage of the RU connected to the second micronet (micro network A).

[0098] Reference now Figure 8 , the mechanism described in the present invention (especially in combination with Figure 7 ) can be applied to create a redundant radio link through a third piconet (piconet C). Similar to Figure 7 , the different piconets are now referred to as piconets A, B and C. In this case, the dedicated UEs, UE_30 and UE_50, and the two local UPFs of piconets A and B include or are connected to a frame duplication function called "DUP". For example, the DUP can be a Redundancy Handling Function (RHF) or TSN FRER (Frame Duplication and Elimination Reliability) or any other protocol capable of handling duplication.

[0099] exist Figure 8 In the example described in , UE_60 sends data packets to UE_20 via a direct path and a redundant path. UE_60 and UE_20 are unaware of the redundancy features implemented in the connected network. UE_60 sends one or more data packets to UE_20 via a first microgrid (i.e., microgrid A). The local UPF of microgrid A routes the information to UE_30, which includes a DUP function or is coupled to a DUP function. The replication function splits one or more data packets of, for example, a data stream into a primary path to a second microgrid (microgrid B) and a redundant path to a third microgrid (microgrid C). The second microgrid (microgrid B) receives the signal through its RU, where the signal is demodulated and forwarded to the DUP of the local UPF of the second microgrid (microgrid B). In the third microgrid (microgrid C), the signal is received, sent to the local UPF of the third microgrid, which in turn sends it to UE_50. One or more packets from UE_50 are received, demodulated and sent to the DUP of the local UPF of the second piconet, for example, via another branch of the RU. The DUP of the local UPF of the second piconet recombines the two received signals from the two branches (i.e., packets received from UE_30 and UE_50) and sends the one or more packets (e.g., again as a data stream) to the destination UE_20 via the local UPF of the second piconet. The local UPF of the second piconet (piconet B) thus routes the data stream to UE_20.

[0100] If the primary radio link between the first and second piconets (i.e., between piconets A and B) is disrupted for any reason, including a sudden increase in interference that may compromise reliability, one or more data packets are still sent via the third piconet (piconet C). This configuration can also be expanded by adding more redundant paths to the destination piconet via additional piconets to increase the reliability level.

[0101] The third microgrid (microgrid C) can be a central core network remotely connected to different microgrids. In the case where the third microgrid (microgrid C) is a central core network, each peripheral microgrid can also be remotely synchronized to the central core via this 5G radio link solution, as described in European patent application EP 4152731 A1. Subscriber information can be synchronized via NEF transmitted on the 5G radio link.

[0102] Reference now Fig. 9 ,like Figure 8 A similar configuration as shown in can be used to support network-level multicast, such as Goose protocol multicast, for example in power applications. Generic Substation Events (GSE) is a control model defined according to IEC 61850 that provides a fast and reliable mechanism for transmitting event data across a substation network. When implemented, the model ensures that the same event message is received by multiple physical devices using multicast or broadcast services. The GSE control model is further subdivided into GOOSE (Generic Object-Oriented Substation Events) and GSSE (Generic Substation Status Events).

[0103] Goose messages (i.e., one or more packets) are used in the power subsystem which are also sent in a multicast manner. Mobile networks do not support local broadcast / multicast capabilities at the network level, which is possible for additional platforms in the core network. This scheme supports multicast IP transmission at the network level by connecting one microgrid to multiple other microgrids and routing messages from one UE to multiple UEs under the coverage of different microgrids.

[0104] exist Fig. 9 In the example, the DUP function does not have the task of duplicating frames for the same receiver, but rather sends the same message to different microgrids, which, for example, correspond to different substations according to GOOSE. An application behind UE_60 (e.g., on the device) may mark one or more data packets (e.g., one or more IP data packets) to indicate to the DUP function that it must send the one or more data packets to all multiple different receivers. The receiving local UPF of the other microgrids forwards the one or more data packets to all UEs currently under the coverage of the microgrid or to the destination (IP) address indicated in the original (IP) data packet.

[0105] Using one or more dedicated UEs to replicate the same one or more packets over multiple radio paths can also be used to create a point-to-multipoint connection. This is commonly used in power applications where goose messages are multicast.

[0106] The solution described in the present invention can be applied in factory automation, where, for example, each of a plurality of halls is covered by a microgrid and all microgrids are connected with 5G radio links to each other and / or to a main 5G core network.

[0107] Microgrids can be installed offshore or in remote locations and connected to other parts of the power grid or to process automation facilities.

[0108] Typically, a piconet with radio links can enhance the basic functionality of implementing point-to-point radio links for normal connectivity, point-to-multipoint to implement network multicast (e.g., at the IP level), multipoint-to-point to generate redundant radio links, and repeater functions to bridge communications from remote locations to a central control center or core network. At the same time, the piconet can provide local coverage and conventional 5G operations.

[0109] Reference now Fig.10 , which shows point-to-point radio links for interconnecting more piconets. Thus, connectivity can be provided by reusing part of the network equipment, such as the radio units RU and the user equipment UE.

[0110] The (dedicated) UE is connected to the local UPF or router of piconet A to transmit one or more data packets, such as data streams, to other piconet B. The subscription (e.g., SIM) of UE_30 belongs to piconet B, and it is within the coverage of the RU installed in piconet B. The RU in piconet B is dedicated to one TX / RX chain or MIMO layer.

[0111] UE_30 is under the coverage of microgrid B and transmits data packets from the local UPF of microgrid A to the RU of microgrid B. As described in the present invention, UE_30 can be connected to the local UPF via a data network. The RU of microgrid B dedicates a MIMO layer or RX / TX branch to communicate with UE_30. The local UPF of microgrid A may include a routing table that identifies UE_30 as the next hop and routes one or more data packets to the next hop. UE_30 begins to communicate with its own network (microgrid B) and typically sends corresponding data packets or data. The receiver of the RU in microgrid B detects the signal, demodulates it, and sends it to the local UPF of microgrid B. The local UPF of microgrid B understands that the end destination address is UE_20, and routes the data packet back to the RAN (CU / DU / RU) to the destination UE_20. The RAN will use the branch of the RU that provides local coverage.

[0112] Thus, a method for communicating with a first user equipment of a first micronet via a second user plane function of a second micronet is proposed. The method comprises: the user plane function receives one or more data packets, for example from a second user equipment associated with the second micronet, wherein the one or more data packets include destination information associated with the first user equipment of the first micronet. The method also comprises: the second user plane function transmits the one or more data packets to the first user plane function of the first micronet, wherein the first user plane function is configured to transmit the one or more data packets to the first user equipment of the first micronet based on the destination information of the one or more data packets. The method also comprises: the second user plane function is communicatively connected to the first user plane function via a dedicated user equipment and a radio unit. The dedicated user equipment is associated with the first micronet. The radio unit is part of the first micronet to which the dedicated user equipment is associated.

[0113] The one or more data packets are transmitted from the second user plane function to the first user plane function via the space between the second dedicated user equipment and the radio unit or through the air. The dedicated user equipment is connected to the second microgrid and / or the second UPF via the data network. The data network is connected to the second UPF via the N6 interface. The data network is connected to the dedicated user equipment via the Internet Protocol. That is, communication in and / or between entities in the data network can be performed at the Internet Protocol layer. The data network can provide operator services, Internet access and / or third-party services. Typically, the data network may include devices and / or transmission media that allow data to be transmitted and received. The device includes a computer, a router, a switch, a hub and a server, or a dedicated UE as proposed in the present invention. The transmission medium may be a copper wire, an optical fiber or a wireless link. These devices are connected by a communication protocol (such as an Internet Protocol IP that allows data exchange between them). The user equipment can be connected to the data network via a wired connection (e.g., an Ethernet connection and / or an Internet Protocol), for example, using a static IP address.

[0114] Reference now Fig.11 As described in the present invention, a dedicated UE (e.g., UE_30) can be connected to two or more microgrids to create a radio redundant path, and in particular, a dedicated UE (e.g., UE_30) can be connected to two or more microgrids to create a radio redundant path. To achieve this, the UE can implement one or more of the following functions:

[0115] - Each TX / RX layer can work independently of each other and can synchronize to different cells at the same time.

[0116] - One or more L2 / L3 functions will be separate for each TX / RX path, like RACH channel transmission, retransmission for access network, e.g. Fig.11 shown.

[0117] - One or more L2 / L3 functions may be shared depending on the implementation.

[0118] - In uplink transmission, a frame copy protocol function may be included. This would copy, for example, each (data) packet of a data stream to two different TX / RX paths.

[0119] Reference now Fig.12 , accordingly, the radio unit may dedicate one TX / RX layer for uplink data transmission of a dedicated UE connected to another piconet, as described in the present invention. The RU may provide an additional TX / RX path dedicated to the uplink of a dedicated UE, i.e., the UE is connected to the other piconet. The received (data) packets are sent to the local UPF for further routing. In some cases, a complete RU with 4 MIMO layers or TX / RX chains may be dedicated as a UE from e.g. Fig.12 The RU may be a collector of data for the other four other piconets shown. Therefore, the RU may provide or dedicate a TX / RX chain or MIMO layer to a dedicated connection to another UE connected to another piconet. The UE may obtain a data packet from a piconet and forward it to another piconet using a single chain of TX / RX of the UE. The UE may also include a frame duplication protocol to map the same data stream on one or more radio links.

[0120] The present disclosure enables connectivity, such as 5G radio links, via two or more piconets. Multiple topologies that can be implemented include: point-to-point, point-to-multipoint (e.g., network-level multicast), creation of redundant paths, repeaters, and everything except local coverage.

Claims

1. A method for communicating with a first user equipment of a first micronetwork through a second user plane function of a second micronetwork, the method comprising: a. receiving one or more packets from the second user device associated with the second micro-network, wherein the one or more packets include destination information associated with the first user device of the first micro-network; and b. transmitting the one or more packets to a first user plane function of the first micro-network, wherein the first user plane function is configured to transmit the one or more packets to the first user equipment of the first micro-network based on the destination information of the one or more packets; wherein the second user plane function is communicatively connected to the first user plane function via a first pairing of a first dedicated user equipment with a first radio unit and a second pairing of a second dedicated user equipment with a second radio unit, and wherein the one or more data packets are transmitted from the second user plane function to the first user plane function via the air between the second dedicated user equipment from the second pairing of the second dedicated user equipment and the second radio unit and the first radio unit from the first pairing of the first dedicated user equipment and the first radio unit.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The dedicated first user equipment is dedicated to the second user plane function and is used to transmit data to the first user plane function, and wherein the dedicated second user equipment is dedicated to the first user plane function and is used to transmit data to the second user plane function.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The second radio unit is dedicated to the second user plane function and is used to receive data from the first user plane function, and wherein the first radio unit is dedicated to the first user plane function and is used to receive data from the second user plane function.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein: A dedicated first user equipment is registered with the second user plane function, and wherein a dedicated second user equipment is registered with the first user plane function.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The first dedicated user equipment abstracts the second piconet from the first user plane function, and wherein the second dedicated user equipment abstracts the first piconet from the second user plane function.

6. A network device for communicating with a first user equipment of a first piconet, the network device comprising: a first network interface, connected to the second user device of the second micro-network; b. a second network interface connected to at least one of a second radio unit and a dedicated first user equipment; and c. One or more processors connected to the memory module, the one or more processors being configured to: i. receiving one or more packets from the second user device associated with the second piconet via the first network interface, wherein the one or more packets include destination information associated with the first user device of the first piconet; and ii. transmitting the one or more data packets via the dedicated first user equipment to a first user plane function of the first microgrid over the air, wherein the first user plane function is configured to transmit the one or more data packets to the first user equipment of the first microgrid based on the destination information of the one or more data packets.

7. A non-transitory storage medium comprising a plurality of instructions, which when executed on one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to: a via the first network interface, receiving one or more data packets from a second user device associated with a second micro-network, wherein, The one or more data packets include destination information associated with a first user device of a first piconet; and b. transmitting the one or more data packets to a first user plane function of the first microgrid via a dedicated first user device, wherein the first user plane function is configured to transmit the one or more data packets to the first user device of the first microgrid based on the destination information of the one or more data packets.

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