Distributed Unit Network Sharing for Reduced PLMN Signaling Delays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing network sharing technologies in next-generation cellular networks face challenges in efficiently managing radio network temporary identifiers and signaling delays, particularly in scenarios where user equipment (UE) cannot select a preferred public land mobile network (PLMN) due to lack of broadcast information, leading to inefficient network resource utilization and increased operational expenditures.
Innovation Solution
Implementing network sharing at the distributed unit (DU) level, enabling UE context management through a separate user equipment Context Management function, and utilizing identifier handling for inactive radio network temporary identifiers (I-RNTI) to facilitate seamless transitions and reduce signaling delays by directing RRC functions to the correct PLMN nodes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If network sharing is implemented at the centralized unit level with indirect PLMN selection, then network resource utilization is improved, but signaling delays increase and operational expenditures rise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network architecture by implementing network sharing at the distributed unit (DU) level rather than the centralized unit level. This segmentation allows the DU to directly handle PLMN identification and routing decisions, eliminating the need for indirect signaling through higher network layers. The DU is divided into functional components including a PLMN identification module and a routing module that work independently to reduce signaling delays while maintaining efficient resource utilization.
2Device complexity
If indirect network sharing is used without DU-level PLMN identification, then device complexity is reduced, but operational expenditures increase due to inefficient resource management
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service functionality at the DU level by enabling the distributed unit to autonomously identify PLMN from broadcast information and make routing decisions without requiring complex centralized control. The DU's PLMN identification module automatically detects available PLMNs and the routing module independently directs user equipment to the appropriate PLMN node, eliminating the need for intermediation and improving operational efficiency while maintaining manageable device complexity.
3Reliability
If UE cannot select preferred PLMN due to lack of broadcast information, then network coverage is maintained, but network resource utilization decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the DU proactively identify and store information about available PLMNs in advance, before user equipment needs to connect. The PLMN identification module continuously monitors and maintains an updated list of broadcastable PLMN identifiers, enabling the DU to immediately route UEs to appropriate PLMNs without delay. This preliminary preparation ensures both reliable network coverage and efficient resource utilization by preventing connection failures and reconnection delays.
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus may include a processor configured to: identify, based on one or more transmissions from a distributed unit, DU, of a cellular network, a plurality of public land mobile network, PLMN, identifiers, IDs, wherein the plurality of PLMN IDs corresponds to a plurality of central unit, CU,-control planes, CPs, comprising a first CU-CP associated with a first network operator and a second CU-CP associated with a second network operator; select a PLMN ID based on the plurality of PLMN IDs; encode an indication of a selected PLMN ID based on the plurality of PLMN IDs; and instruct to transmit the indication to the DU.