Distributed UPF for 5G via SRv6 Encapsulation

Solution Overview

Problem

Current 5G networks face challenges in achieving high bandwidth and low cost due to complex protocol stacks, particularly with merchant silicon optimized for Ethernet and IPv4/IPv6 packet processing, which is not capable of processing specific telecommunication protocol stacks used in 3GPP-based systems.

Innovation Solution

A distributed User Plane Function (UPF) implementation that uses programmable network protocols like Segment Routing version 6 (SRv6) or Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) to enable native transport of 5G UP traffic, allowing for flexible deployment on COTS hardware and maintaining backwards compatibility with 3GPP specifications.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If merchant silicon optimized for Ethernet and IPv4/IPv6 packet processing is used, then high capacity and low cost per traffic unit are achieved, but the specific protocol stacks used in telecommunication (GTP-U) cannot be processed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata processing capacityVSAvoidprotocol stack compatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a software-defined networking layer (SDN controller, vNFs) as an intermediary between the merchant silicon network infrastructure and the telecommunication protocol requirements. This intermediary layer translates and encapsulates GTP-U protocol traffic into standard Ethernet/IPv4 frames that merchant silicon can process efficiently, while maintaining protocol compliance through virtualization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional hardware-based protocol processing with software-based virtualization. Instead of requiring specialized hardware for GTP-U processing, the system uses virtual network functions (vNFs) running on standard servers, substituting mechanical/hardware protocol handling with software abstraction layers that can be programmed to handle any protocol stack.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If complex protocol stacks are used in telecommunication, then specific telecommunication needs are met, but COTS network equipment cannot process the traffic efficiently

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetelecommunication protocol complianceVSAvoiddata processing efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a software-defined networking layer (SDN controller, vNFs) as an intermediary between the merchant silicon network infrastructure and the telecommunication protocol requirements. This intermediary layer translates and encapsulates GTP-U protocol traffic into standard Ethernet/IPv4 frames that merchant silicon can process efficiently, while maintaining protocol compliance through virtualization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional hardware-based protocol processing with software-based virtualization. Instead of requiring specialized hardware for GTP-U processing, the system uses virtual network functions (vNFs) running on standard servers, substituting mechanical/hardware protocol handling with software abstraction layers that can be programmed to handle any protocol stack.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If distributed UPF implementation is used, then flexibility and cost-effectiveness are improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedeployment flexibilityVSAvoidUPF component distribution

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the UPF functionality into separate virtual network functions (UPF-E for edge, UPF-C for core) that can be independently deployed and managed. This segmentation enables flexible distribution of packet processing tasks across different network locations while simplifying each individual component's responsibilities through modular architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates universal virtual network function templates that can be deployed across multiple network locations and configured for different service requirements. These universal vNF templates provide multi-functionality, allowing the same basic UPF components to handle various traffic types and deployment scenarios without requiring custom specialized hardware at each location.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11546824B2Distributed UPF implementation for 5G networks

Publication Date: 2023.01.03 DEUTSCHE TELEKOM AG

AI summary

A communication system for transmitting data packets includes: at least one Access Node (AN) connectable to a user equipment (UE); a User Plane Function (UPF) component; and a data network (DN). The UPF component is a distributed component and comprises: at least one User Plane Function Edge (UPF-E) component and a User Plane Function Core (UPF-C) component, the UPF-E component being connected between the at least one AN and the UPF-C component, and the UPF-C component being connected between the UPF-E component and the data network (DN) or another UPF-C; and a UPF Management (UPF-M) component configured to terminate an N4 interface.