Interworking Unit for 5G NR Radio on Legacy EPC Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems lack support for 5G NR Non-Stand Alone (NSA) deployment, where a fully functional 5G NR Radio is connected to an existing 4G EPC core, leading to increased signaling load and limitations in providing 5G services due to immature 5G Core specifications and high operational costs.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize an interworking unit to facilitate the connection of a 5G NR gNodeB to a 4G EPC core by generating appropriate protocol requests, enabling 5G services through a gNodeB and EPC interaction, and supporting 5G NR NSA deployment by using LTE and 5G NR Non-Access Stratum.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If 5G NR NSA deployment is implemented with a fully functional 5G NR Radio connected to existing 4G EPC core, then 5G services can be provided with reduced capital expenditure, but signaling load increases and 5G Core specifications remain immature
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an interworking unit that acts as an intermediary between the 5G gNodeB and the 4G EPC core. This unit translates and adapts signaling protocols, enabling 5G NR NSA deployment by mediating communication between incompatible systems. The interworking unit handles protocol conversion and message routing, reducing the signaling burden on the existing 4G core while enabling 5G service delivery.
2Loss of energy
If 5G NR NSA deployment is implemented to reduce capital expenditure, then operational costs are reduced, but the system lacks full 5G core functionality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the 5G deployment into two functional parts: the 5G NR Radio access network (gNodeB) and the existing 4G EPC core. This segmentation allows operators to deploy 5G radio capabilities independently without requiring a complete 5G core network, thereby reducing capital and operational expenditures. The interworking unit bridges these segmented components, enabling partial 5G functionality while maintaining compatibility with existing 4G infrastructure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If an interworking unit is introduced to facilitate 5G NR connection to 4G EPC core, then protocol compatibility is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The interworking unit serves as a protocol translation intermediary between the 5G gNodeB and 4G EPC core. It performs protocol adaptation, message format conversion, and signaling routing to ensure compatibility between different generations of mobile network protocols. This intermediary approach enables seamless integration without requiring complex modifications to either the 5G radio or 4G core components.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a system and a method for providing 5G services to at least one user device [302]. The at least one user device [302] transmits a first connection request to the gNodeB [304]. The gNodeB [304] attaches a first protocol message to the first connection request received from the at least one user device [302] and transmits the attached first connection request to an interworking unit [306]. The interworking unit [306] generates a third request from the attached first connection request based on an application protocol and transmits the generated third request to an EPC [308]. The EPC [308] establishes a connection with the at least one user device [302] and 5G services to the at least one user device [302] via the gNodeB [304].