Base Station Core Network Switching Without Terminal Changes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing techniques for switching core networks in local 5G environments are limited, as they require changes in terminal properties, making it impossible to switch networks during maintenance without altering terminal properties.

Innovation Solution

A base station in a mobile communication system is equipped with processors and memories that execute instructions to receive switching commands for the core network based on terminal communications, allowing flexible switching between different core networks without changing terminal properties.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the core network is switched based on terminal properties, then network switching capability is improved, but flexibility is reduced because switching cannot occur when terminal properties remain unchanged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork switching capabilityVSAvoidswitching flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the basis for network switching from terminal properties to base station configuration parameters. The base station can switch core networks by changing its own operational parameters (which core network to connect to) without requiring any changes to terminal properties, thus achieving flexible switching while maintaining adaptability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The base station acts as an intermediary that decouples the network switching function from terminal properties. By introducing the base station as the active element that can independently change its configuration, the system enables network switching without requiring terminal involvement or property changes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of repair

If the base station connects to external core networks for maintenance communication, then maintenance capability is improved, but network security may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemaintenance capabilityVSAvoidnetwork security

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of repairVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the network connection function by allowing the base station to independently connect to different core networks (local or external) based on operational needs. This segmentation enables maintenance communication with external networks while the local core network remains available for normal operations, thus maintaining security while improving maintenance capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The base station dynamically switches between connecting to the local core network for normal operations and connecting to external core networks for maintenance activities. This dynamic configuration allows the system to adapt its network connectivity based on the operational context, ensuring security during normal use while enabling maintenance when needed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS12207142B2Base station, control method, and storage medium

Publication Date: 2025.01.21 CANON KK

AI summary

A base station of a mobile communication system is provided. The base station receives, from a control apparatus, an instruction for switching a core network based on a communication that a terminal connected to the base station is to perform, and changes, based on the received instruction, a core network to which to connect from a currently connected first core network to a second core network that is different from the first core network.