5G SA RAN Interworking with EPC to Avoid 4G RAN Upgrades

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Solution Overview

Problem

The high cost and complexity of upgrading existing 4G RAN infrastructure to support 5G standalone (SA) networks pose a significant barrier to the deployment of 5G services, leading to potential service disruptions and increased operational expenses.

Innovation Solution

A method is proposed to deploy 5G Non-Standalone (NSA) RAN with existing 4G Evolved Packet Core (EPC) without upgrading the 4G RAN, utilizing an Interworking Function (IWF) to facilitate communication between 5G SA base stations and the EPC, enabling seamless integration and reducing the need for dual packet cores.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If 5G SA network is deployed with upgraded 4G RAN infrastructure, then 5G service capability is improved, but deployment cost and complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improve5G service capabilityVSAvoiddeployment complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the 5G deployment by introducing a separate 5G RAN layer that operates independently from the existing 4G RAN infrastructure. The 5G base station and 5G core network function as distinct segments, connected through standardized interfaces, allowing 5G services to be deployed without modifying the existing 4G RAN equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal deployment architecture where the 5G network can coexist with and interoperate with the existing 4G network through common core network functions and standardized interfaces. This multi-functionality allows operators to leverage existing 4G investments while adding 5G capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If 4G RAN is upgraded to support 5G SA, then 5G network performance is improved, but service disruptions occur during upgrade

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork performanceVSAvoidservice disruption time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by establishing the 5G RAN and 5G core network functions as separate, pre-configured entities before integrating them with existing 4G infrastructure. This allows the 5G network to be prepared and tested independently, then connected without disrupting existing 4G services.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces intermediary components including the 5G core network functions and standardized interfaces that mediate between the new 5G RAN and existing 4G infrastructure. These intermediaries enable seamless integration and handover, preventing service disruptions during the transition.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If dual packet cores are deployed to support both 5G SA and legacy 4G UEs, then network compatibility is improved, but operational expenses increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork compatibilityVSAvoidoperational expenses

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements a universal core network architecture where a single 5G core network can serve both 5G SA and legacy 4G UEs through adaptive session management. The core network functions are designed to handle multiple access types and UE capabilities uniformly, eliminating the need for separate dual packet core infrastructures and reducing operational expenses.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12587824B25G stand alone (SA) radio access network (RAN) with evolved packet core (EPC)

Publication Date: 2026.03.24 PARALLEL WIRELESS INC

AI summary

Systems, methods and computer software are disclosed a 5G mobile network. In one embodiment a method is disclosed, comprising: providing a 5G standalone (SA) base station; providing an Interworking Function (IWF) in communication with the 5G SA base station; providing an Evolved Packet Core (EPC) in communication with the IWF; and functioning, by the IWF, as an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) to the 5G SA base station and functioning as a Mobility Management Entity (MME) towards the EPC.