Backhaul VLAN Bridging for 4G-to-5G Small Cell Upgrade

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing 4G indoor small cell infrastructure requires significant replacement and backhaul configuration changes to support 5G upgradation, leading to high costs and time consumption.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that utilize a backhaul router to configure VLANs for both 4G and 5G networks, enabling connectivity data flow through PTP synchronization and minimal backhaul configuration changes, leveraging existing 4G infrastructure for 5G rollout.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the existing 4G indoor small cell infrastructure is replaced with new 5G IDSC to support 5G upgradation, then 5G network capability is improved, but implementation cost and deployment time increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improve5G network capabilityVSAvoiddeployment time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The backhaul router is configured to handle multiple network generations (4G and 5G) simultaneously through VLAN segmentation. The system allows the existing 4G IDSC to coexist with new 5G IDSC by creating separate virtual networks (VLANs) for different mobile network generations, enabling the infrastructure to serve dual purposes without complete replacement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a nested architecture where 5G VLANs are bridged to the existing 4G IDSC infrastructure. The 5G network components are nested within the existing 4G backhaul framework, allowing 5G services to be delivered through the established 4G physical infrastructure with minimal additional configuration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the existing 4G indoor small cell infrastructure is replaced with new 5G IDSC to support 5G upgradation, then 5G network capability is improved, but implementation cost increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improve5G network capabilityVSAvoidimplementation cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The existing 4G IDSC infrastructure continues to serve its original function while simultaneously supporting 5G services through the bridged VLAN configuration. The system leverages existing resources (backhaul router, IDSC units, physical infrastructure) to provide new 5G capabilities without requiring complete infrastructure replacement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If separate VLANs are created for 4G and 5G networks in the backhaul router, then network isolation and management are improved, but configuration complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork isolationVSAvoidconfiguration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the network traffic into separate VLANs based on mobile network generation (4G vs 5G). This segmentation allows independent management and isolation of different network types while maintaining clear organizational structure through standardized naming conventions and bridging configurations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The backhaul router acts as an intermediary device that manages the VLAN configurations and bridging between different network generations. By centralizing the VLAN management in the backhaul router rather than distributing complexity across multiple devices, the configuration complexity is contained and managed from a single point

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables simultaneous delivery of 5G and 4G services with minimal backhaul configuration changes, utilizing existing 4G infrastructure without additional costs or time, and providing network synchronization through PTP4L in 5G IDSC.

Implementation Method 1

generating a set of VLAN precision time protocol (PTP) packets from a PTP grandmaster associated with the backhaul router, achieving a PTP sync at the first IDSC with the PTP grandmaster

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPrecision Time Protocol (PTP):

Data Source

PatentUS20260012984A1System and method for connectivity data flow and synchronization in a network

Publication Date: 2026.01.08 JIO PLATFORMS LTD

AI summary

The present disclosure provides a system and a method for performing connectivity data flow in a network is described. A backhaul router (302) is configured for plurality of virtual local area networks (VLANs) to support indoor small cell (IDSC) connectivity for at least one of mobile network generation by creating a first set of VLANs is created in the backhaul router (302) and a 5G IDSC (300) associated with a first one of mobile network generation signalling/data packets, a second set of VLANs is created in the backhaul router (302) and a 4G IDSC (414) associated with a second one of mobile network generation signalling/data packets and bridging the second set of VLANs is bridged to the 5G IDSC (300) to allow mobile network generation packets of second one of mobile network generation from the backhaul router (302) to the 4G IDSC (414).