AMF Proxy ID Mapping for Multi-Operator RAN Sharing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless communication systems, sharing a radio access network (RAN) between multiple network operators without local AMFs for the second operator is challenging due to cost and hardware constraints, leading to inefficiencies in message forwarding and increased latency.
Innovation Solution
Implementing an AMF proxy function as a non-transparent proxy that manipulates UE IDs to facilitate communication between the RAN of the first network operator and remote AMFs of the second operator, reducing the need for local AMFs and optimizing connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If multiple network operators share a common RAN without local AMFs for the second operator, then cost and hardware resources are reduced, but message forwarding efficiency deteriorates and latency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an AMF proxy entity that acts as an intermediary between the common RAN and multiple operator-specific AMFs. The AMF proxy receives messages from the RAN, performs ID manipulation to determine the target operator, and forwards messages to the appropriate AMF. This intermediary structure enables multiple operators to share a common RAN infrastructure while maintaining efficient message routing, resolving the contradiction between cost reduction and message forwarding efficiency.
2Device complexity
If multiple network operators share a common RAN without local AMFs for the second operator, then device complexity is reduced, but latency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring the AMF proxy with mappings between manipulated UE IDs and target AMF identifiers. When messages are forwarded, the AMF proxy can quickly determine the correct operator-specific AMF through pre-established mapping relationships, rather than performing complex routing decisions in real-time. This reduces latency while maintaining the simplified architecture of shared RAN without local AMFs for each operator.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the AMF proxy manipulates UE IDs to route messages to the correct operator-specific AMF, then RAN sharing between multiple operators is enabled, but system complexity at the proxy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses copying by creating and maintaining mapping tables that associate manipulated UE IDs with target AMF identifiers. The AMF proxy stores copies of operator identification information and routing rules, allowing it to efficiently determine the correct destination AMF based on the manipulated ID in incoming messages. This copying approach enables multi-operator RAN sharing while managing proxy complexity through structured data storage rather than complex real-time analysis.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and devices for wireless communications are described. An access and mobility management function (AMF) proxy may establish communication links with a RAN and a first AMF of a first network operator, and with a second AMF of a second network operator. The AMF proxy may receive a first message from the RAN, the first AMF, or the second AMF, the message indicating a manipulated or unmanipulated AMF user equipment (UE) identifier (ID) and a manipulated or unmanipulated RAN UE ID. The AMF proxy may perform ID manipulation the UE IDs in the first message based on a first mapping between the manipulated and unmanipulated AMF UE ID and a second mapping between the manipulated and unmanipulated RAN UE ID. The AMF proxy may transmit a second message to the first AMF, the second AMF, or the RAN based on the AMF UE ID or the RAN UE ID.