5G Base Station Downlink Address Segmentation for Cross-Segment Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
In 5G NR technology, the lack of distinguished interfaces for downlink addresses assigned by a secondary base station's distributed unit (DU) leads to transmission issues when the network segments of X2 or Xn interfaces differ from those of F1 interfaces, preventing master base stations from transmitting downlink data to secondary base stations.
Innovation Solution
A method where a second network node assigns a downlink address, enabling a third network node or core network node to directly transmit data with the second network node, by triggering the assignment of downlink tunnel endpoints across different interfaces through indication messages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single downlink address is assigned by the DU of the secondary base station, then the address assignment process is simplified, but the master base station cannot transmit downlink data when network segments of X2/Xn and F1 interfaces differ
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the downlink address into two separate components: an X2/Xn interface address for transmission between base stations and an F1 interface address for transmission between CU and DU. This segmentation allows each address component to be independently assigned and routed through appropriate network segments, resolving the contradiction between simplified address assignment and reliable data transmission across different network segments
Solution Approach 2:
The CU of the secondary base station acts as an intermediary that receives the downlink address from the DU, separates it into X2/Xn and F1 components, and distributes them to the appropriate network nodes. This intermediary mechanism enables the master base station to obtain the correct X2/Xn address for direct data transmission while the DU receives the F1 address for internal communication
2Ease of operation
If interfaces are not distinguished for downlink addresses, then the address management is simplified, but direct data transmission between master base station and secondary base station DU is prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the address management process by distinguishing between X2/Xn interface addresses and F1 interface addresses. The DU assigns both types of addresses, but they are managed and routed separately based on the interface type, enabling efficient direct data transmission while maintaining clear address management protocols
Solution Approach 2:
Different address components are assigned different qualities or characteristics based on their intended use: X2/Xn addresses are optimized for inter-base station communication with appropriate routing properties, while F1 addresses are optimized for internal CU-DU communication. This local quality differentiation enables efficient routing without complicating the overall address management
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments of this application provide a transmission method and a network device applying the transmission method. The transmission method includes: receiving, by a control plane node, a first message, where the first message includes an uplink tunnel endpoint of a first interface, an uplink tunnel endpoint of a second interface, and a downlink tunnel endpoint of a third interface, the first interface is an interface between a user plane node and a second network node, the second interface is an interface between the user plane node and a third network node, and the third interface is an interface between the user plane node and a core network node; sending, by the control plane node, a second message, where the second message includes the uplink tunnel endpoint of the first interface; and sending, by the control plane node, a third message, where the third message includes the uplink tunnel endpoint of the second interface and the downlink tunnel endpoint of the third interface. The communication method in the embodiments of this application helps determine assignment and indication of uplink and downlink tunnel addresses on a user plane when network segments of interfaces are inconsistent, thereby helping complete data transmission.