Digital Twin RAN-Core Converged Network for Signaling Bottlenecks
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing mobile communication system architecture faces issues such as control signal transmission delays, signal bottlenecks, complex procedures, unnecessary signaling overhead, and difficulties in dynamically scaling network functions due to its separated UE-RAN-CN functional structure.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves virtualizing the User Equipment (UE) as a digital twin and integrating Radio Access Network (RAN), Core Network (CN), and UE in the cloud, allowing for a unified network anchor function to control resource setup and perform data delivery, thereby reducing redundant processing and protocol conversions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the UE-RAN-CN functional separation architecture is used, then each entity can operate independently with dedicated systems, but control signal transmission delays occur due to multiple protocol conversions and redundant processing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the UE, RAN, and CN into a unified cloud-based system where digital twins represent user equipment. This integration eliminates multiple protocol conversions and redundant processing between separate entities, thereby reducing control signal transmission delays while maintaining functional independence through virtualization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces digital twins as intermediary virtual representations of user equipment. These digital twins act as mediators between the physical UE and the network functions, enabling efficient signal processing and reducing transmission delays by pre-processing and anticipating network requirements before actual signals are transmitted.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the UE-RAN-CN functional separation architecture is used, then each entity has dedicated systems, but signal bottlenecks occur where signals are concentrated at a specific anchor point
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network into multiple cloud-based functions that can operate in parallel. Instead of concentrating signals at a single anchor point, the network is divided into distributed virtual network functions that process signals concurrently, thereby eliminating bottlenecks while maintaining functional separation through virtualization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional hierarchical architecture (UE-RAN-CN layers) to a multi-dimensional cloud-based architecture where functions are distributed across multiple dimensions (virtualization layer, network function layer, physical infrastructure layer). This dimensional transformation allows signals to be processed through multiple parallel paths rather than being concentrated at a single anchor point.
3Adaptability or versatility
If high degree of functional decomposition in mobile CN is implemented, then network functions can be independently managed, but the number of Network Functions increases resulting in complex procedures and unnecessary signaling overhead
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universal network functions that can perform multiple roles depending on the service requirements. Instead of creating separate specialized network functions for each task, the system uses multi-functional virtual network functions that can be dynamically configured to handle different services, thereby reducing the total number of network functions while maintaining independent management capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic network function instantiation where network functions are created, modified, or terminated based on real-time service demands. This dynamic approach allows the system to maintain functional decomposition for independent management while avoiding the complexity of permanently deploying numerous specialized network functions. The digital twin technology enables predictive provisioning of network functions before they are actually needed.
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments for a RAN-Core converged mobile core network based on digital twin devices are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method of operating a network function included in a core network of a mobile communication system and implemented as an electronic device comprises generating a digital twin for a User Equipment (UE); and providing a network service for the UE in cooperation with at least one other network function based on the generated digital twin.