Control-User Plane Split for Low-Latency 6G Core Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mobile communication networks face challenges in efficiently deploying core network functions, such as subscriber management, with a need for higher frequency and wider bandwidth communications, requiring improved efficiency, rapidity, and fault tolerance in 6G networks.

Innovation Solution

A communication system and device (NCAP) that integrates control and user plane functions, allowing for efficient deployment of core network functions, including control plane functions on the network operator side and user plane functions on the NCAP or UE side, facilitating seamless communication and reducing processing delays.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If core network functions are deployed in a conventional mobile communication network, then subscriber management and control functions can be provided, but processing delays occur and efficiency and rapidity are insufficient for 6G requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing speedVSAvoidprocessing delay
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The core network functions are segmented into control plane functions (C-plane) and user plane functions (U-plane). The C-plane functions are deployed in the first communication network, while the U-plane functions are deployed in the communication device. This segmentation allows parallel processing of control and user data, eliminating sequential processing delays and improving overall speed for 6G requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If more access points are deployed to realize higher frequency and wider bandwidth radio communications, then communication capacity increases, but network complexity and deployment difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication capacityVSAvoidnetwork complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The communication device is designed to perform multiple functions: it acts as an access point for radio communication, a router for data forwarding, and provides core network user plane functions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated devices, simplifying network deployment while maintaining high communication capacity through increased access points.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If control plane function and user plane function are separated and deployed in different networks, then efficiency and rapidity improve, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork efficiencyVSAvoiddeployment complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The communication device merges multiple functions including access point operations, routing capabilities, and core network user plane functions into a single integrated unit. While the control plane remains separate in the first communication network, the merging of multiple functions in the communication device simplifies overall deployment and reduces the complexity of managing separate specialized devices for each function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP4657912A1Communication system and communication device
Publication Date: 2025.12.03 NTT DOCOMO INC
  • EP4657912A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4657912A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4657912A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A communication system includes: a first communication network; and a communication device connected to the first communication network, a second communication network and a terminal. The first communication network has a control plane function of the communication device related to a core network, and the communication device has a user plane function of the communication device related to the core network.