5G Virtual Bridge Port Grouping for Multi-TSN Domain Support

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems lack a scalable and flexible solution for 5G systems to support multiple Time Sensitive Networking (TSN) domains, leading to inefficiencies in network management and scalability due to a one-to-one mapping between 5GS virtual bridges and User Plane Functions (UPFs).

Innovation Solution

A method and network node that dynamically model 5G virtual bridges based on port grouping, allowing interaction with multiple TSN domains and non-3GPP network controllers, decoupling the one-to-one mapping with UPFs, and enabling flexible instantiation of bridges based on network topology and port associations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a one-to-one mapping between 5GS virtual bridges and UPFs is implemented, then network management is simplified, but scalability and flexibility are reduced when supporting multiple TSN domains

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork managementVSAvoidsupport for multiple TSN domains

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the mapping relationship by introducing the concept of port groups that can be associated with different TSN domains. Instead of a rigid one-to-one mapping, the system divides UPF ports into multiple groups, where each group can be mapped to a specific TSN domain. This allows a single UPF to serve multiple TSN domains through different port groups, resolving the contradiction between simplified management and multi-domain support.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes the UPF multi-functional by enabling it to serve multiple TSN domains simultaneously through the port group mechanism. A single UPF can have multiple port groups, each configured to interact with different TSN domains, thus providing universal service capability that eliminates the need for separate UPFs for each domain while maintaining domain-specific management.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple UPFs are deployed to support multiple TSN domains, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity and network management overhead increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupport for multiple TSN domainsVSAvoidnumber of UPFs

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables a single UPF to perform multiple functions by implementing the port group mechanism. Each UPF can contain multiple port groups that are independently configurable and mappable to different TSN domains. This eliminates the need to deploy separate UPFs for each TSN domain, reducing device complexity while maintaining the ability to support multiple domains with domain-specific management policies.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamic configurability through port groups, which can be flexibly created, modified, and associated with different TSN domains as needed. This dynamic structure allows the network to adapt to changing requirements without deploying additional UPFs, thereby reducing device complexity while preserving adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If a single virtual bridge serves multiple TSN domains, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and domain-specific management capability are degraded

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of virtual bridgesVSAvoiddomain-specific management precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the virtual bridge functionality by introducing port groups as intermediate management units. While a single virtual bridge may serve multiple TSN domains, each port group within the bridge can be specifically configured and managed for a particular domain. This segmentation allows precise domain-specific management through port group configurations while maintaining a single virtual bridge structure, thus reducing device complexity without sacrificing management precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by enabling different port groups within the same virtual bridge to have different configurations and management attributes tailored to specific TSN domains. Each port group can have domain-specific parameters, policies, and associations, allowing precise local management while the overall virtual bridge structure remains unified and simple.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS12542693B2Method and system for interaction between 5G and multiple TSC/TSN domains

Publication Date: 2026.02.03 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)

AI summary

A method (1200) by a network node (160, 160c) includes determining (1202) a plurality of Time Sensitive Communication, TSC, or Time Sensitive Networking, TSN, domains (12) that exist in a network. The network node instantiates (1204) at least one virtual bridge (14), wherein each virtual bridge serves at least one TSC and/or TSN domain.