Broadband Network Gateway Interworking for Wireline–5G Core Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is currently no mechanism for coupling a wireline network to a 5G network, limiting integration and communication between these networks.
Innovation Solution
A broadband network gateway (BNG) is supplemented with an interworking function in the control plane (IF-CP) and user plane (IF-UP) to facilitate coupling through control plane interface (N1′/N2′) and user plane interface (N3′) with the 5G core, enabling registration, authentication, and data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If wireline network and 5G network operate independently, then each network maintains its own simplicity and stability, but integration and communication between networks are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary coupling mechanism that includes a wireline network interface coupled to the wireline access network, a 5G network interface coupled to the 5G radio access network, and a coupling mechanism that couples the wireline network interface to the 5G network interface. This intermediary structure enables integration between wireline and 5G networks while maintaining the simplicity and stability of each independent network through standardized interface definitions and protocol translations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If coupling mechanisms are introduced to integrate wireline and 5G networks, then network integration capability is improved, but the complexity of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the coupling system into distinct functional modules: a wireline network interface component, a 5G network interface component, and a coupling mechanism component. Each segment handles specific functions (wireline protocol processing, 5G protocol processing, and protocol translation respectively), which reduces overall system complexity by allowing independent optimization and maintenance of each segment while maintaining full network integration capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If existing BNG is used without interworking functions, then device simplicity is maintained, but seamless integration and communication between wireline and 5G networks cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enhances the traditional BNG by integrating interworking functions that enable it to perform multiple roles: traditional wireline access control, 5G network interface management, protocol translation between wireline and 5G networks, and unified authentication. This multi-functional BNG achieves seamless cross-network communication while consolidating functions into a single device rather than requiring separate systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A broadband network gateway (BNG) in a wireline network. The BNG includes an interworking function in a control plane (IF-CP), the IF-CP configured to use a control plane interface (N1′/N2′) between the BNG in the wireline network and a fifth generation (5G) core in a 5G network to couple a control plane of the BNG to a control plane of the 5G core; an interworking function in a user plane (IF-UP), the IF-UP configured to use a user plane interface (N3′) between the BNG in the wireline network and the 5G core in the 5G network to couple a user plane of the BNG to a user plane of the 5G core; and a transmitter configured to transmit data packets toward the 5G core after the user plane of the BNG and the user plane of the 5G core have been coupled.