Core Network Server Signaling Optimization for 5G RAN Nodes

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Solution Overview

Problem

In 5G wireless communication networks, transmitting signaling messages to every radio access network (RAN) node is inefficient as not all nodes perform control plane processing, leading to unnecessary resource usage.

Innovation Solution

A core network server determines the connection mode of each RAN node and adjusts signaling message transmission accordingly, enabling transmission for nodes in standalone architecture mode and restricting it for nodes in non-standalone architecture mode.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If signaling messages are transmitted to every RAN node, then all nodes receive control plane information, but network resource usage increases unnecessarily

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol plane information deliveryVSAvoidnetwork resource usage
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by differentiating treatment of RAN nodes based on their connection modes. SA mode nodes receive signaling messages while NSA mode nodes do not, creating localized quality differences in information delivery tailored to each node's capabilities and role in the network architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If signaling messages are transmitted to every RAN node, then comprehensive coverage is achieved, but transmission efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignaling message deliveryVSAvoidtransmission efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the RAN node population into two distinct groups based on connection mode: SA mode nodes and NSA mode nodes. This segmentation allows the core network to selectively transmit signaling messages only to the appropriate segment (SA mode nodes), thereby improving transmission efficiency while maintaining reliable delivery for nodes that require it.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Loss of energy

If signaling messages are restricted to only SA mode nodes, then network resource usage is optimized, but NSA mode nodes may miss important control information

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork resource usageVSAvoidcontrol plane information delivery
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses the connection mode indication as an intermediary mechanism that enables the core network to make intelligent routing decisions. By detecting and responding to the connection mode status, the system acts as a mediator that directs signaling messages appropriately - to SA mode nodes that need them - while avoiding unnecessary transmissions to NSA mode nodes, thus optimizing resources without compromising reliability for the right audience.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS11943741B2Apparatuses, systems, methods, and non-transitory computer readable media for reducing signaling messages between a RAN node and a core network
Publication Date: 2024.03.26 NOKIA TECHNOLOGIES OY
  • US11943741B2 patent drawing
  • US11943741B2 patent drawing
  • US11943741B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A system, apparatus, method, and non-transitory computer readable medium for reducing and/or optimizing signaling messages between a radio access network (RAN) node and a core network based on an operation mode of the RAN node may include a core network server including: a memory storing computer readable instructions; and at least one processor configured to execute the computer readable instructions to establish a control plane connection with at least one radio access network (RAN) node, the at least one RAN node supporting at least a first connection mode and a second connection mode, determine a connection mode of the at least one RAN node, and restrict transmission of at least one signaling message to the at least one RAN node based on results of the determining the connection mode of the at least one RAN node.