Core Network User Plane Node Selection for URLLC Disjoint Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies fail to effectively align mobile layer connectivity with the underlying transport network layer for supporting Ultra Reliable Low Latency Communication (URLLC) services, which require disjoint paths for high reliability and low latency.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method that expose necessary transport network capabilities related to disjoint transport paths to relevant 5G network functions, allowing for the selection of user plane nodes that can support disjoint paths, thereby aligning mobile layer connectivity with the transport network layer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If pre-configuration rules are used to map statically transport paths with mobile network bearers, then network configuration is simplified, but the system cannot dynamically manage disjoint paths for URLLC services
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static path mapping mechanism into a dynamic one by introducing SDN controllers that can dynamically discover and select disjoint transport paths based on real-time network conditions and service requirements, enabling flexible adaptation for URLLC services while maintaining configuration simplicity through automated path selection
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where SDN controllers continuously monitor network conditions and service requirements, adjusting transport path mappings dynamically. This feedback loop enables the system to adapt to changing URLLC service needs and network states, resolving the contradiction between static configuration simplicity and dynamic adaptability
2Stability of the object's composition
If transport network resources are statically mapped with mobile network bearers, then alignment between layers is maintained, but path diversity and disjoint paths cannot be established
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the end-to-end path into multiple independent segments (mobile network layer and transport network layer), enabling disjoint paths to be established in the transport network while maintaining alignment with mobile network bearers. This segmentation allows each layer to optimize its path independently, achieving both stability and reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The SDN controller acts as an intermediary between the mobile network layer and transport network layer, coordinating path selection to ensure disjoint paths are established while maintaining layer alignment. This intermediary function resolves the contradiction by mediating between the stability requirements of layer alignment and the reliability requirements of disjoint paths
3Adaptability or versatility
If existing transport network APIs are used, then basic transport capabilities are exposed, but capabilities related to disjoint paths and URLLC services are not available
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends existing transport network APIs with new functions that enable discovery and selection of disjoint paths specifically for URLLC services. This multi-functional enhancement allows the same API framework to support both basic transport capabilities and advanced URLLC requirements, resolving the contradiction between capability exposure and reliable service support
Data Source
AI summary
Information regarding disjoint transport paths of a transport network is acquired (S501). Based on the acquired information, a user plane node of a plurality of user plane nodes of a core network is selected (S503), from which at least one of the disjoint transport paths is reachable, wherein the user plane node is selected as an endpoint of at least one tunnel out of at least two tunnels to be established for a packet data unit, PDU, session to carry traffic between the user plane node and an access node of an access network, wherein the at least two tunnels are to be set up by mapping the at least two tunnels to the disjoint transport paths.