Direct Tunnel Setup in Shared Campus Networks for Multi-Operator Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
The deployment of campus networks by multiple operators results in high costs and operational challenges due to the need for separate networks, leading to increased deployment and maintenance expenses, and the inability of existing systems to efficiently serve terminal devices belonging to different operators simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A communication method that establishes direct tunnels between access network devices and second network elements, allowing terminal devices from different operators to transmit data through a single sub-network operator, reducing the need for multiple network constructions and enabling direct data transmission without intermediate network elements, thereby minimizing deployment and operation costs and improving communication performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If each operator deploys its own campus network, then each operator can provide network services to its terminal devices, but network deployment costs and operation costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple operators' campus networks into a shared network infrastructure. A single campus network is deployed that can simultaneously serve terminal devices from multiple operators, eliminating the need for each operator to build separate networks. The network includes access network devices, core network elements, and data networks that are共用 by all operators, thereby reducing deployment and operation costs while maintaining service coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The campus network is designed with universal functionality to serve multiple operators' terminal devices simultaneously. The access network devices and core network elements are configured to handle traffic from different operators through unified interface protocols and authentication mechanisms, enabling one network infrastructure to perform multiple operator-specific functions.
2Ease of operation
If data transmission passes through intermediate network elements, then network routing and control can be implemented, but transmission delay increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network into control plane functions and user plane functions. The control plane elements (core network elements) handle routing decisions, authentication, and signaling, while the user plane establishes direct transmission paths between access network devices and data networks. This segmentation allows control functions to be performed without interfering with the speed of data transmission, as user data bypasses intermediate control elements after path establishment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a direct transmission path mechanism where user data is transmitted directly between access network devices and data networks without passing through intermediate core network elements. The core network elements act as mediators only during the path establishment phase, after which user plane traffic flows directly, minimizing transmission delay while maintaining routing control capabilities.
Data Source
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AI summary
A communication method and apparatus, relating to the field of communication technologies, are provided to reduce network deployment costs and operation costs. The method includes: A first network element in a first network receives, from a terminal device, a message used to request to establish a session, obtains first tunnel information and second tunnel information that correspond to the session of the terminal device, sends the first tunnel information to an access network device accessed by the terminal device, and sends the second tunnel information to a third network element in a second network. The terminal device is located in a service area of the second network, an operator to which the terminal device belongs is the same as an operator to which the first network belongs, the second network provides a service for a terminal device of one or more operators, the access network device is directly connected to the second network element, and the third network element is configured to control the second network element.