5G Access Gateway Virtual Interface Service Differentiation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In 5G fixed-mobile convergence networks, there is a lack of solutions to manage connections between a 5G residential gateway (RG) and an access gateway function (AGF) to distinguish between different services, which hinders end-to-end user plane connections and quality of service.
Innovation Solution
Establishing an association relationship between a session identifier and virtual interface information by the terminal and the access gateway function network element, enabling the differentiation of services and ensuring end-to-end user plane connections and quality of service through the exchange of session establishment requests, virtual interface information, and session identifiers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If no service differentiation mechanism is implemented in the connection between 5G-RG and AGF, then the network architecture remains simple, but service differentiation capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The connection between 5G-RG and AGF is segmented into multiple virtual interfaces, each identified by unique virtual interface information (such as VLAN IDs). This allows different services to be transmitted over the same physical connection through distinct virtual channels, enabling service differentiation without adding physical complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a virtual dimension (virtual interface layer) over the existing physical connection. By adding virtual interface information as an additional identification layer, the system can differentiate services without increasing physical device complexity, effectively moving the differentiation capability to another dimension.
2Adaptability or versatility
If virtual interface information is exchanged between AGF and terminal, then service differentiation is enabled, but signaling overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The virtual interface information is merged with existing session establishment signaling messages rather than being transmitted as separate signaling. This integration approach enables service differentiation while minimizing additional signaling overhead by reusing existing message structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The virtual interface information is established during the initial session setup phase between the terminal and AGF. By configuring the virtual interface identification early in the connection establishment process, the system avoids the need for continuous signaling during data transmission, reducing overall signaling overhead.
3Reliability
If association relationship between session identifier and virtual interface information is established, then end-to-end user plane connection is ensured, but processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The AGF acts as an intermediary that maintains the association relationship between session identifiers and virtual interface information. This mediator approach ensures end-to-end connection reliability by correctly mapping user plane data to the appropriate virtual interfaces without requiring complex processing at the terminal or core network elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The terminal is configured with virtual interface information and can autonomously use this information to identify and direct different services through the appropriate virtual interfaces. This self-service capability reduces the processing burden on network elements while ensuring reliable end-to-end connections.
Data Source
AI summary
A communication method and apparatus includes: An access gateway function network element sends a session establishment request message of a terminal to a session management function network element. The session management function network element sends, to the access gateway function network element, at least one of a session identifier and an address of the terminal that correspond to an established session. The access gateway function network element obtains virtual interface information corresponding to the identifier of the established session. The access gateway function network element further sends the virtual interface information and the at least one of the session identifier and the address of the terminal to the terminal, so that the terminal establishes a first association relationship between the virtual interface information and the at least one of the session identifier and the address of the terminal.