5G Virtual Bridge Mapping Across Multiple TSN Domains

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems face challenges in adapting 5G systems to support and interact with multiple TSC/TSN domains, leading to scalability and flexibility issues due to a one-to-one mapping between 5GS virtual bridges and UPFs, which hinders network management and communication across different TSN domains.

Innovation Solution

A method and network node that dynamically model 5G virtual bridges based on port grouping, allowing interaction with multiple TSN domains by instantiating virtual bridges and user plane functions as needed, decoupling the one-to-one mapping with UPFs, and enabling interaction with non-3GPP network controllers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If 5G network slices are established for different TSN domains, then service customization and QoS differentiation are improved, but network complexity and management overhead increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice customizationVSAvoidnetwork complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a centralized network slice manager as an intermediary component that coordinates slice establishment, configuration, and management across multiple TSN domains. This mediator abstracts the complexity of multi-domain slice management, allowing customized service configurations without directly increasing operational complexity at network elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent develops a universal network slicing framework that can accommodate multiple TSN domains and different service requirements through a common architecture. This multi-functional approach enables the same infrastructure to support diverse services (industrial control, augmented reality, autonomous driving) while maintaining manageable complexity through standardized procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple TSN domains are integrated with 5G network, then service coverage and functionality are improved, but synchronization difficulty and management overhead increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice coverageVSAvoidmanagement overhead
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple TSN domain management functions into a unified 5G network slicing architecture. By combining domain-specific management with network-wide coordination through the slice manager, the system achieves broad service coverage while reducing management overhead through consolidation and standardization of control functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If network slicing is implemented for TSN services, then QoS guarantee and service reliability are improved, but processing overhead and system complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice reliabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary configuration of network slice parameters, QoS policies, and resource allocations before actual service deployment. By pre-establishing slice templates and quality-of-service profiles, the system ensures reliable service delivery while reducing real-time processing complexity through advance preparation of configuration data.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4165839B1Method and system for interaction between 5g and multiple TSC/TSN domains
Publication Date: 2026.05.20 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)
  • EP4165839B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4165839B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4165839B1 patent drawingFigure 3

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.