5G NSA RAN Overlay with Interworking Function
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Solution Overview
Problem
Deploying 5G networks is costly and disruptive due to the need for upgrading existing 4G Radio Access Networks (RAN) and packet cores, limiting operators' flexibility in migrating to 5G standalone solutions.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a 5G Non-Standalone (NSA) RAN solution that overlays existing 4G Evolved Packet Core (EPC) without requiring upgrades to the 4G RAN, using a 5G Interworking Function (IWF) to determine which subscribers are serviced by the overlay RAN and which by the existing RAN, allowing for gradual migration to 5G without impacting existing networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If 5G standalone network is deployed with complete 5G core and RAN upgrade, then 5G network capabilities and performance are improved, but deployment cost and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the 5G deployment into two distinct phases: Phase 1 uses 5G-capable UEs with 4G EPC for basic 5G services, while Phase 2 introduces 5G core network functions. This segmentation allows operators to deploy 5G capabilities incrementally without requiring complete network replacement, thereby reducing deployment complexity while maintaining 5G network capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by deploying 5G Non-Standalone (NSA) RAN infrastructure and 5G-capable UEs before the 5G core network is fully ready. This allows operators to start providing 5G services immediately using existing 4G core infrastructure, and then migrate to 5G core later when ready, thus improving capabilities without immediate complexity increase.
2Productivity
If 4G RAN is upgraded to support 5G standalone, then 5G service deployment is enabled, but deployment time and service disruption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic subscriber routing through the 5G IWF device that can flexibly direct subscribers to either 5G NSA RAN or legacy 4G RAN based on real-time network conditions, subscriber capabilities, and service requirements. This dynamic approach enables rapid 5G service deployment without fixed infrastructure upgrades, reducing deployment time while avoiding service disruption to existing 4G users.
3Ease of manufacture
If 5G NSA overlay RAN is deployed within 4G coverage area, then cost of 5G deployment is reduced, but network architecture complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a 5G Interworking Function (IWF) device as an intermediary between the 5G NSA RAN and the 4G EPC core network. This intermediary handles subscriber routing, protocol translation, and coordination between the overlay 5G RAN and underlying 4G infrastructure, thereby simplifying the overall network architecture complexity while enabling cost-effective 5G deployment by reusing existing 4G resources.
4Adaptability or versatility
If existing 4G EPC is used with 5G NSA RAN, then vendor flexibility is improved, but network interworking complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by designing the 5G IWF device with multi-functional capabilities that can interface with different vendor equipment (4G EPC, 5G NSA RAN, future 5G core) using standardized protocols. This universal design allows operators to choose different vendors for different network components without increasing interworking complexity, as the IWF handles all compatibility and coordination functions.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods and computer software are disclosed for providing for providing a 5G mobile network. In one embodiment a method is disclosed, comprising: providing a first base station having a first coverage area for a first Radio Access Network (RAN); providing a second base station having a second coverage area, the second coverage area within the first coverage area of the first base station for an overlay RAN; providing a 5G base station having a third coverage area, the third coverage area within the first coverage area and within the second coverage area and part of the overlay RAN; and determining, by a 5G Interworking Function (IWF) device, which subscribers are to be serviced by the overlay RAN and which subscribers are to be serviced by the first RAN.