Central Unit Distributed Unit Network Slice Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Implementing network slice-based services in a Central Unit (CU)-Distributed Unit (DU) architecture for next-generation mobile communications networks is challenging due to differences in network slice supporting capabilities among RAN devices from various vendors and operator policies.
Innovation Solution
A communication method and apparatus that exchanges network slice information between the CU and DU using a connection setup process, allowing the CU to obtain and manage network slice information supported by the DU, enabling the provision of network slice-based services by configuring protocol stacks and selecting appropriate physical resources for each slice.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If network slice information is exchanged between CU and DU using connection setup process, then network slice-based services can be implemented in CU-DU architecture, but device complexity increases due to additional information exchange and configuration management
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the RAN device into CU and DU functional units, each with specific responsibilities. The CU handles high-layer protocol processing and network slice management, while the DU handles physical layer functions. This segmentation allows network slice information to be exchanged through defined interfaces during connection setup, enabling slice-based services without overwhelming either component with full complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where the CU acts as a mediator between the core network and the DU. The CU receives network slice information from the core network, processes it, and then configures the appropriate DU resources. This intermediary role simplifies the overall system by centralizing slice management logic in the CU while maintaining flexible DU configurations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple RAN devices support different network slice capabilities due to vendor differences and operator policies, then service differentiation is achieved, but network compatibility and interoperability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal interface and message structure for network slice information exchange between CU and DU that works across different vendors and operator policies. The connection setup process uses standardized information elements that can carry various slice capability descriptions, allowing multiple RAN devices with different slice support to interoperate through a common framework while maintaining their individual service differentiation capabilities.
Data Source
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AI summary
This application discloses a communication method and a communications apparatus. The method includes: sending, by a distributed unit, a connection setup request message to a central unit; and receiving, by the distributed unit, a connection setup response message from the central unit, where the connection setup request message or the connection setup response message includes information of network slice supported by the distributed unit. The corresponding apparatus is also disclosed. In this application, the information of network slice supported by the distributed unit is exchanged between the distributed unit and the central unit by using a connection setup process, so that a network slice-based service in a distributed unit and central unit architecture can be implemented.