Converged RAN-CN-TN Packet Forwarding for Low-Latency Traffic Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing mobile communication system architecture is not designed to meet the bandwidth and low latency requirements of various application services, leading to signal load problems and limitations in processing performance due to physical/logical separation of communication devices, wireless access networks, and wired core networks.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for configuring a user data transmission path in a RAN-CN-TN convergence network, integrating redundant functions in an edge cloud environment and reorganizing the network into a user-centric decentralized structure, utilizing a TN controller and RAN-CN converged UPF to deliver user data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the mobile network architecture maintains physical/logical separation of communication devices, wireless access networks, and wired core networks, then each component can be independently managed and deployed, but signal load problems occur and processing performance improvement is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges RAN and CN into a converged RAN-CN system, integrating previously separate wireless access network and core network functions into a unified architecture. This consolidation eliminates inter-network signaling overhead and enables direct local breakout, improving processing performance while maintaining operational independence through modular functional components
2Adaptability or versatility
If the existing network architecture is used, then current system compatibility is maintained, but bandwidth and low latency requirements of various application services cannot be met
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic path selection and flexible traffic steering mechanisms that adapt network routes based on service requirements. The system dynamically adjusts forwarding paths to provide low-latency direct routes for latency-sensitive applications while maintaining standard routing for legacy services, enabling both compatibility and high performance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different network handling characteristics to different traffic types and locations through local breakout capabilities. Each RAN-CN convergence point can independently configure optimal paths for local services, providing tailored low-latency performance for bandwidth-intensive applications while maintaining standard operation for other traffic
3Device complexity
If user data is delivered through the traditional centralized control structure, then network control is simplified, but delivery speed and scalability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the centralized control function into distributed control capabilities at multiple RAN-CN convergence points. Each convergence point autonomously handles local data forwarding decisions, eliminating the need for all traffic to traverse centralized control nodes, thereby increasing delivery speed while maintaining manageable complexity through standardized protocols
Data Source
AI summary
In a method for establishing traffic path in RAN-CN-TN convergence network, the method may include: obtaining, by a SMF, traffic path related information from at least one of a network function (NF) and a TN controller; determining a routing identification (RID) for a traffic through the obtained traffic path related information; generating policy and rule information related to traffic paths based on the RID; and delivering the policy and rule information to at least one of a first type node, the TN controller, and a UE.