3GPP Core Network Sharing for Multi-Provider Resource Allocation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 3GPP standards do not facilitate sharing of core network (CN) eNodeB and gNodeB equipment among multiple service providers, leading to high infrastructure costs, longer time to market, and increased complexity and resource usage in wireless mobile communications networks.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method for multiple service providers to share eNodeB and core network resources using the existing 3GPP architecture, where network devices determine service provider identifiers associated with user terminals, allowing for the allocation and management of network resources without modifying existing user terminals or protocols, and enabling each service provider to control service offerings within their allocated resources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple service providers deploy independent core network, eNodeB and gNodeB equipment, then each service provider has full control over their network infrastructure, but this leads to high infrastructure costs, longer time to market, and increased complexity and resource usage
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple service providers share common core network equipment, eNodeB equipment, and gNodeB equipment through a unified network infrastructure. The patent implements this by allowing multiple service providers to connect to a single core network through a service provider identification mechanism, where the network device determines the service provider identifier associated with a user terminal and manages resource allocation accordingly. This merging approach reduces overall infrastructure complexity and resource usage while maintaining service provider control through logical separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The core network equipment and radio access equipment are designed to serve multiple service providers simultaneously. The patent implements this by creating a universal network infrastructure that can handle communications from multiple service providers through a unified interface and resource management system. The network device can identify different service providers and allocate resources appropriately, making the infrastructure multi-functional and adaptable to various service providers without requiring separate dedicated equipment for each.
2Reliability
If multiple service providers deploy independent core network, eNodeB and gNodeB equipment, then each service provider has full control over their network infrastructure, but this leads to high infrastructure costs and longer time to market
Solution Approach 1:
The common network infrastructure is deployed and configured in advance to support multiple service providers before individual service providers need to launch their services. The patent implements this by establishing a pre-configured core network with service provider identification capabilities and resource allocation mechanisms in place. When new service providers join, they can immediately utilize the existing infrastructure through the predetermined identification and resource management system, eliminating the need for lengthy deployment processes and reducing time to market.
3Reliability
If multiple service providers deploy independent core network, eNodeB and gNodeB equipment, then each service provider has full control over their network infrastructure, but this leads to increased complexity and resource usage by multiple networks
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple service providers share common core network equipment, eNodeB equipment, and gNodeB equipment through a unified network infrastructure. The patent implements this by allowing multiple service providers to connect to a single core network through a service provider identification mechanism, where the network device determines the service provider identifier associated with a user terminal and manages resource allocation accordingly. This merging approach reduces overall infrastructure complexity and resource usage while maintaining service provider control through logical separation.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method is provided for network equipment and resource sharing amongst service providers within a communications network. Parameters are determined, each associated with an SP(ID) identifying a respective service provider. The Parameters relate to network parameters of a that are utilized for standard network processes unrelated to service provider identification. A control message is received, including a UT-ID associated with a user terminal (UT). The UT is associated with one service provider. The control message is received as part of configuration of network services for the UT. One of the Parameters is determined that is associated with the UT-ID, and one SP(ID) is determined that is associated with the determined Parameter. Communications channels are provided to the UT for network services. The communications channels are configured based on share parameters defining a share of network resources allocated to the service provider to which the determined SP(ID) corresponds.