5G Bridge Managed Objects Integration via Service-Based Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
The integration of 5G systems with Time-Sensitive Networks (TSN) poses challenges due to differences in bridge managed objects, configuration models, and protocols, requiring complex rule sets and interactions with external control and management systems, which complicates transparent integration and native support for deterministic communication.
Innovation Solution
Proposed Network Resource Model (NRM) extensions for 5G network functions, including Policy Control Function (PCF) and User Plane Function (UPF), to support TSN-5G integration by exposing and managing Bridge Managed Objects (BMOs), such as bridge delay and port status, and enabling service-based interfaces for external control and management entities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If 5G systems are integrated with TSN using traditional methods, then interoperability between systems is achieved, but device complexity and configuration difficulty increase due to complex rule sets and protocol differences
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a service-based interface as an intermediary layer between 5G network functions and TSN bridge managed objects. This interface translates and exposes BMO information in a standardized format, mediating the integration between 5G and TSN systems without requiring complex direct mappings or custom protocol implementations, thereby reducing configuration complexity while maintaining interoperability
Solution Approach 2:
The service-based interface is designed to be universally applicable across different 5G network functions (PCF, UPF, AMF, SMF) and TSN configuration models (centralized, distributed, hybrid). By creating a multi-functional interface that can handle various BMO types and configuration scenarios, the solution achieves broad interoperability without requiring system-specific customization, thus reducing overall device complexity
2Extent of automation
If external control and management systems are used to manage bridge managed objects, then comprehensive control is achieved, but ease of operation decreases due to reliance on external functions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables 5G network functions to self-serve by directly exposing and managing bridge managed objects through the service-based interface. Instead of relying on external control systems to translate and manage BMOs, the 5G network functions themselves can read, write, and notify about BMO states directly, achieving operational independence while maintaining comprehensive control capability
Solution Approach 2:
The service-based interface implements feedback mechanisms where 5G network functions can directly notify about changes in bridge managed object states. This feedback loop enables autonomous decision-making and control within the 5G system without requiring constant external system intervention, thereby improving ease of operation while preserving control capability
3Measurement precision
If detailed bridge managed objects information is exposed, then measurement precision and management capability improve, but loss of information increases due to protocol differences and data format mismatches
Solution Approach 1:
The service-based interface performs parameter changes by transforming bridge managed object data from TSN protocol formats into 5G-compatible data representations. The interface handles parameter mapping, type conversion, and format adaptation while preserving the semantic meaning and precision of the original BMO information, thereby preventing information loss during the translation process between different protocol domains
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes at least one processor and at least one memory storing computer program code. The memory and the computer program code are configured, with the processor, to cause the apparatus to perform operating as a bridge in a time sensitive network system and providing functionality for assisting exchange of information of bridge managed objects between the apparatus and the time sensitive network system.