Cloud-Hosted Private Cellular Network Controllers Without On-Site Hardware
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current private cellular network (PCN) systems require customers to purchase and maintain dedicated equipment, such as small cell radio base stations and servers, imposing a significant burden in terms of space, power, connectivity, and expertise, with periodic upgrades and maintenance needs.
Innovation Solution
A PCN service is deployed using existing mobile network operator equipment, supplemented by virtual machines (VMs) hosted in a cloud environment, allowing for on-demand instantiation, reduction, or termination of PCN controllers, minimizing customer burden and enabling upgrades through cloud modifications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dedicated hardware equipment is deployed for PCN service, then service reliability and security are improved, but device complexity and customer burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses virtualization to create virtual copies of network functions (PCN controllers, baseband units) that run on shared physical infrastructure. Instead of requiring customers to deploy dedicated hardware, the system creates virtual instances that replicate the functionality of traditional PCN equipment, thereby maintaining service reliability while eliminating the need for complex customer-side hardware deployment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple PCN customer networks onto a single shared physical infrastructure platform. By consolidating resources and using network slicing/virtualization, multiple virtual PCN networks can coexist on the same hardware, reducing individual customer burden while maintaining isolation and reliability through virtual boundary enforcement
2Speed
If on-site equipment is installed for PCN service, then low latency and secure communications are achieved, but space, power, and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a cloud-based virtualization platform as an intermediary between the physical infrastructure and customer networks. This mediator manages and orchestrates virtual network functions, allowing customers to access PCN services without maintaining physical equipment on-site, thereby eliminating space and power requirements while maintaining low latency through optimized virtual network routing
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional PCN deployment is used, then dedicated network control is achieved, but ease of operation and maintenance difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service capabilities through automated provisioning systems that allow customers to deploy, modify, and manage their virtual PCN networks through software interfaces without requiring specialized hardware expertise. The virtualized platform automatically handles configuration, scaling, and maintenance tasks, making the system easy to operate while maintaining dedicated network control through virtual isolation
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, identifying a private cellular network that includes a group of wireless communication devices and a private cellular service area in which the group of wireless communication devices may receive a private cellular network service. A radio access network (RAN) of a group of RANs in communication with a mobile core network of a public mobile cellular network is configured to provide a wireless coverage area that contains an entirety of the private cellular service area. A virtual machine is configured as a private cellular network controller that is adapted to provide the private cellular network service to wireless communication devices of the private cellular network group operating within the service area. The private cellular network service does not utilize the mobile core network. Other embodiments are disclosed.