5G LAN Interworking Buffering for Access Network Switching
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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, and maintaining quality of experience across both 5G and non-5G networks in residential environments.
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 initiates communication interfaces to support data buffering and transmission for non-3GPP devices within a 5G LAN group, ensuring uninterrupted service during technology changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If 5G LAN service is provided over wireless links, then connectivity and mobility are improved, but service interruption occurs when devices change radio access technology
Solution Approach 1:
The network entity buffers downlink data packets for wireless devices before the device actually needs them. When a device is predicted to switch from non-3GPP to 3GPP access, the network proactively retrieves and buffers relevant data packets in advance, so that when the switch occurs, the data is already ready for immediate transmission, preventing service interruption.
Solution Approach 2:
A network entity (such as a gateway or core network function) acts as an intermediary between the data network and wireless devices. This intermediary buffers data packets and manages the data flow during RAT switching, coordinating between non-3GPP and 3GPP access networks to ensure continuous service delivery without interruption to the end device.
2Reliability
If data is buffered for wireless devices during RAT switching, then service continuity is improved, but network entity complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The network entity utilizes existing buffer resources and data retrieval mechanisms that are already part of the network infrastructure. Rather than implementing a completely new buffering system, the solution leverages existing network capabilities to buffer and manage data during RAT switching, reducing the need for additional complex components.
3Adaptability or versatility
If 5G LAN interworks with private LAN, then network versatility is improved, but security and privacy management becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The network entity serves as a security intermediary between 5G LAN and private LAN networks. It manages security policies, authentication, and data protection for devices switching between different LAN types, centralizing security management functions to simplify what would otherwise be complex distributed security coordination across heterogeneous networks.
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.