Convergence Gateway for Multi-RAT Core Network Virtualization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless networks require separate infrastructure for each radio access technology (RAT), leading to increased operational expenses and complexity due to the need for multiple core network nodes, which are difficult to integrate and maintain, especially when supporting legacy voice calling.
Innovation Solution
A convergence gateway is introduced to interwork multiple RATs using a single architecture, leveraging S2 and S1 interfaces, local breakout techniques, and virtualization to unify core network functions, allowing legacy support without duplicating infrastructure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate core network nodes are provided for each radio access technology (2G/3G and LTE), then compatibility with legacy voice calling and support for modern services are achieved, but operational expenses and device complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges 2G/3G and LTE core network nodes into a single converged core network node that handles multiple radio access technologies. This consolidation integrates legacy circuit-switched voice calling capabilities with modern LTE packet-switched services into one unified infrastructure, reducing the number of separate network elements while maintaining support for both legacy and modern services
Solution Approach 2:
The converged core network node is designed with multi-functionality to handle both legacy 2G/3G circuit-switched voice calls and modern LTE packet-switched services simultaneously. This universal node performs multiple functions including voice call processing, data packet routing, and interworking between different network protocols, eliminating the need for dedicated separate nodes for each function
2Reliability
If both 2G/3G and LTE core networks are maintained in parallel, then legacy voice calling compatibility is preserved, but maintenance and operational expenses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines parallel 2G/3G and LTE core networks into a single converged infrastructure that preserves legacy voice calling compatibility while reducing operational expenses. The merged node shares common resources including processing power, memory, and network interfaces, eliminating duplicate maintenance costs and reducing energy consumption associated with running separate parallel networks
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate core network nodes are deployed for different radio access technologies, then each technology can be optimized independently, but integration and maintenance difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The converged core network node employs functional segmentation where different service functions (voice call processing, data packet routing, authentication, billing) are divided into separate modular components or virtualized functions. This allows each function to be optimized independently while being managed within a single integrated node, reducing integration complexity compared to multiple separate physical nodes
Data Source
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AI summary
A gateway situated between the RAN and the core network may provide 2G/3G/4G/Wi-Fi convergence for nodes in a network on a plurality of radio access technologies. In some embodiments, a convergence gateway is described that allows for legacy radio access network functions to be provided by all-IP core network nodes. A multi-RAT gateway provides 2G/3G Iuh to IuPS interworking, IuCS to VoLTE interworking via a VoLTE proxy, IuPS and 4G data local breakout or S1-U interworking, and 2G A/IP and Gb/IP to VoLTE and S1-U/local breakout interworking. The multi-RAT gateway may thereby support all voice calls via VoLTE, and all data over S1 or local breakout, including VoLTE. The multi-RAT gateway may provide self-organizing network (SON) capabilities for all RATs. A multi-RAT base station may provide 2G and 3G front-end interworking to Iuh.