3GPP Gateway Translating Non-3GPP Requests Over N1 Links
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Solution Overview
Problem
3GPP networks do not effectively exert network control over non-3GPP user devices and inefficiently serve them using N1 links.
Innovation Solution
A 3GPP gateway translates non-3GPP requests into 3GPP requests, establishes N1 links with the 3GPP network, and interworks user data and signaling to provide effective network control and efficient service to non-3GPP user devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If 3GPP networks use traditional gateway approaches to serve non-3GPP user devices, then service coverage is expanded, but network control effectiveness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an N1 link as an intermediary signaling path between the non-3GPP user device and the 3GPP network core. This N1 link acts as a mediator that carries signaling messages (such as PDU session establishment requests, mobility management messages) to enable the network to effectively control and manage non-3GPP devices. The gateway translates non-3GPP protocols into 3GPP N1 signaling, allowing the network to exert control while the device accesses through non-3GPP interfaces.
2Reliability
If 3GPP networks establish N1 links to non-3GPP user devices, then network control is improved, but service delivery efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The gateway is designed with multi-functionality to handle both traditional gateway functions and new N1 link management functions. It can simultaneously translate non-3GPP user data traffic while also managing N1 signaling for control purposes. This universal gateway approach consolidates multiple functions into a single node, improving service delivery efficiency by reducing the need for separate specialized components and streamlining the service delivery path.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the user plane data path and the N1 signaling path through the same gateway infrastructure. Instead of having separate dedicated signaling paths and data paths, the gateway combines both functions, allowing efficient handling of both control and user data traffic through a unified architecture. This merging reduces complexity and improves overall service delivery efficiency.
3Reliability
If 3GPP gateways translate non-3GPP requests into 3GPP requests, then network control is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gateway serves as an intermediary translation layer between non-3GPP devices and the 3GPP network. Instead of requiring complex translation functionality distributed across multiple network elements, the patent concentrates the translation capability in a single gateway node that mediates all interactions. This intermediary approach simplifies the overall system architecture by providing a centralized translation point, reducing the complexity burden on individual components.
Data Source
AI summary
A Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) gateway serves a non-Third Generation Partnership Project (non-3GPP) user device over a 3GPP N1 link. The gateway receives a transaction request from the non-3GPP user device. The gateway translates the transaction request into a 3GPP request. The gateway transfers the 3GPP request to a 3GPP network and receives an authentication request from the 3GPP network. The gateway generates and transfers an authentication response based on the transaction request and the authentication request to the 3GPP network. In response to the authentication, the gateway establishes the 3GPP N1 link with the 3GPP network for the non-3GPP user device. The gateway exchanges user data with the non-3GPP user device. The gateway interworks the user data and N1 signaling. The gateway exchanges the N1 signaling with the 3GPP network. The 3GPP network interworks the N1 signaling and the user data and exchanges the user data.