CBASC Dynamic Traffic Steering Across PON and Coaxial Midhaul
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 5G network infrastructure faces challenges in efficiently delivering ultra-high-speed mobile broadband, low latency connections, and massive connectivity due to limitations in hybrid fiber-coaxial (HFC) and passive optical network (PON) technologies, which are constrained by performance and cost when compared to fiber-based access networks.
Innovation Solution
A converged broadband access service controller (CBASC) interacts with multi-domain access/transport controllers via APIs to steer bidirectional traffic between disaggregated distributed unit (DU) and central unit (CU) networking points, using policy-driven methods and real-time intelligence to optimize traffic routing across hybrid fiber-coaxial and passive optical networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If hybrid fiber-coaxial (HFC) and passive optical network (PON) technologies are used for 5G access networks, then deployment cost is reduced and existing infrastructure is utilized, but performance and speed are limited compared to fiber-based access networks
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically selects between HFC and PON transport network paths based on real-time traffic analysis and service requirements. The CBASC controller enables flexible path switching without requiring permanent fiber deployment to all locations, allowing the network to adapt its performance characteristics to match actual needs while controlling costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operational parameters of existing HFC and PON infrastructure through intelligent traffic steering and resource allocation. By optimizing how traffic is routed and managed across these networks, the system extracts maximum performance from available infrastructure without requiring physical upgrades to fiber-based networks.
2Speed
If fiber-based access networks are deployed to achieve ultra-high-speed performance, then network speed and performance are improved, but deployment cost and infrastructure complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the transport network into multiple paths (HFC and PON) with different performance characteristics. Instead of deploying fiber universally, the invention divides traffic into segments that can be routed over appropriate infrastructure types based on requirements, reducing overall deployment cost while maintaining high-speed capability where needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The CBASC controller provides universal management capabilities across diverse transport networks (both HFC and PON). This multi-functional control system enables a single infrastructure to serve multiple purposes and performance levels, allowing fiber to be deployed selectively rather than universally, thereby reducing costs while maintaining performance where required.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple access technologies (HFC, FTTX, wireless) are offered to expand customer base, then service versatility and market coverage are improved, but network management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the management of multiple access technologies (HFC, FTTX, wireless) into a single unified control platform. The CBASC consolidates these diverse networks under one management system, enabling versatile service offerings while reducing the operational complexity that would otherwise result from managing separate systems for each access type.
Solution Approach 2:
The CBASC acts as an intermediary layer between the diverse access networks and the core network. This mediator translates and coordinates traffic across different technology types, enabling service providers to offer multiple access options without directly managing the complexity of each individual network type.
4Productivity
If intelligent traffic steering and dynamic path selection are implemented, then network efficiency and user experience are improved, but control system complexity and processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the CBASC continuously monitors traffic patterns, network conditions, and service requirements. This feedback enables dynamic adjustment of traffic steering decisions, improving network efficiency through learned optimization while keeping control complexity manageable by relying on automated responses rather than complex manual configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The intelligent traffic steering system performs self-service through automated path selection and optimization. The CBASC autonomously analyzes traffic requirements and selects appropriate transport paths without requiring complex external control, thereby improving efficiency while limiting the need for elaborate control systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A converged broadband access service controller (CBASC) for a 5G network provides for management of a passive optical network (PON) midhaul transport network path and a coaxial cable midhaul transport network path by receiving from RAN intelligent controller (RIC) or a network management system (NMS) a trigger for selecting a midhaul transport network path. The CBASC determines, based on analysis of concurrent traffic being transported, a selected midhaul transport path from among the PON and coaxial cable midhaul transport network paths. And the CBASC generates triggers to allocate and set up a service flow for the selected midhaul transport network path.