5G LAN Interworking Buffering for Seamless Access Network Changes
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge lies in seamlessly interworking 5G local area networks (LANs) with existing home networks, ensuring uninterrupted 5G LAN service as devices change radio access technology, while maintaining quality of experience and security across both networks.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a network entity that receives and buffers data for wireless devices, and a 5G core apparatus that manages policy rules and user plane functions to support data buffering and transmission for non-3GPP devices within a 5G LAN group, using Nx reference point interfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If devices switch between 5G and private LAN access technologies, then adaptability and versatility of the network are improved, but service continuity and reliability deteriorate due to potential interruptions in 5G LAN service
Solution Approach 1:
The network entity buffers downlink data packets for wireless devices before the device actually switches access technologies. This preliminary buffering action ensures that when the device transitions from 5G to private LAN or vice versa, the data is already ready and waiting, preventing any service interruption and maintaining continuous 5G LAN service across RAT changes
Solution Approach 2:
The network entity acts as an intermediary between the data network and the wireless device during RAT switching. It receives data packets, buffers them temporarily, and then transmits them to the device through the appropriate access network (5G or private LAN) based on current connectivity status, thereby mediating the transition and ensuring service continuity
2Adaptability or versatility
If 5G LAN service is maintained across different radio access technologies, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity and network complexity increase due to need for data buffering and transmission management
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the data buffering and transmission management functionality from the wireless device itself and places it in the network entity (upstream network element). This extraction reduces the complexity burden on the device while maintaining the necessary functionality for seamless RAT switching and continuous 5G LAN service
Solution Approach 2:
The network entity serves as an intermediary that handles the complex tasks of data buffering, packet management, and transmission coordination during RAT switching. By centralizing these complex operations in the network entity rather than distributing them across devices, the overall network architecture becomes more manageable despite the added functionality
Data Source
AI summary
A method performed by a network entity includes receiving a first instruction element (IE) indicating an identity of a wireless device and receiving a second IE indicating an action to buffer data intended for the wireless device, buffering the data intended for the wireless device, receiving a third IE indicating the identity of the wireless device and receiving a fourth IE indicating an action to stop buffering data and release the buffered data intended for the wireless device. The network entity then may transmit at least a portion of the buffered data to the wireless device.