Distributed RAN Core Synchronization for Fault-Tolerant QoS
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radio-based networks face challenges in maintaining fault-tolerance and flexibility due to reliance on centralized units, leading to potential outages and high deployment costs, while also lacking the ability to efficiently manage Quality of Service (QoS) requirements for applications like IoT devices and augmented reality.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a distributed and synchronized network core with edge computing units that integrate full-stack network functions, enabling redundancy and state synchronization across multiple instances, allowing for dynamic provisioning and management of network resources using cloud-native microservices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a centralized network core is used, then network control and management is simplified, but network resilience and fault-tolerance deteriorate due to single points of failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the centralized network core into multiple distributed core network functions (CNFs) deployed across different locations. Each CNF instance can operate independently, eliminating single points of failure while maintaining simplified control through virtualization and orchestration layers that manage the distributed components as a unified system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the deployment parameter of network core functions from centralized to distributed across multiple instances. By virtualizing network functions and deploying them as containerized microservices, the system achieves both simplified control through standardized interfaces and improved resilience through geographic and physical distribution of critical functions.
2Reliability
If distributed network functions are deployed, then network resilience is improved, but deployment complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs universal containerized virtualization platforms that can deploy identical network core function templates across multiple diverse hardware and cloud environments. This multi-functionality allows the same software package to be instantiated anywhere in the network, simplifying deployment while achieving distribution and resilience through standardized, portable network function containers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copyable virtual machine images and container templates to replicate network core functions across multiple distributed locations. By creating identical copies of proven network function templates rather than custom-building each instance, the system reduces deployment complexity while achieving the resilience benefits of distributed deployment through automated replication and synchronization.
3Adaptability or versatility
If network functions are virtualized and distributed, then flexibility and scalability are improved, but synchronization and state management become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms through orchestration systems that continuously monitor the state of distributed virtualized network functions and automatically coordinate updates and synchronization. The orchestration layer receives state information from distributed CNFs, processes synchronization requirements, and distributes appropriate commands, managing complexity through automated feedback loops rather than manual coordination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary orchestration layer that mediates between distributed network function instances and the management system. This intermediary handles state synchronization, coordinate updates, and manage the complexity of distributed virtualized functions by providing a standardized interface layer that abstracts the underlying distribution complexity from both the network functions and the management system.
4Device complexity
If centralized units are used for network control, then deployment costs are reduced, but QoS management capability for diverse applications deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments network control functions into distributed virtualized instances that can be independently allocated and configured for different application requirements. By dividing the centralized control function into multiple specialized virtual network functions, the system can provide cost-effective deployment through shared infrastructure while achieving enhanced QoS management capability through application-specific function instances and policies.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic virtualized network functions that can be instantiated, scaled, and configured in real-time based on application requirements. This dynamic approach allows the system to maintain cost-effective deployment through shared infrastructure while providing superior QoS management capability by dynamically allocating resources and adjusting network function behavior to match diverse application needs such as IoT, augmented reality, and other latency-sensitive services.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are various embodiments for a distributed and synchronized core in a radio-based network. In one embodiment, a first radio access network (RAN)-enabled edge server at a first edge location is configured to perform a set of distributed unit (DU) functions for a radio-based network. The first RAN-enabled edge server is also configured to perform a set of core network functions and a set of centralized unit (CU) functions for the radio-based network. State associated with the set of core network functions and the set of CU functions is synchronized between the first RAN-enabled edge server and another server.