Distributed User Plane Virtual Network Functions for Video Gateway Latency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current Control and User Plane Separation (CUPS) in 4G and 5G networks does not adequately address performance and latency issues associated with millions of devices downloading and playing video content, as it does not effectively distribute user plane functions to alleviate data bottlenecks at the network edge.
Innovation Solution
Implementing virtual network functions on user devices, allowing them to create user plane and control plane functions locally, which includes maintaining a blockchain for authentication and authorization, enabling secure and efficient data routing and authentication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If user plane functions are centralized at the network edge, then network control is simplified, but data bottlenecks and latency increase for millions of devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments user plane functions from control plane functions and distributes them to individual user devices. Each device runs its own user plane virtual network function, eliminating the bottleneck of centralized edge gateways. This segmentation allows parallel data processing across millions of devices while control plane functions remain centralized for simplified management.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent moves user plane functions from the traditional network edge dimension to the user device dimension. By instantiating virtual network functions directly on user devices, the system creates a new spatial distribution model where data processing occurs at the endpoint rather than through intermediate network nodes, fundamentally changing the architecture from centralized-edge to distributed-device level.
2Productivity
If virtual network functions are distributed to user devices, then data bottlenecks are reduced, but device complexity and security risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a control plane function as an intermediary that manages and coordinates user plane functions on user devices. The control plane handles authentication, authorization, and configuration, while user plane functions execute data processing tasks. This intermediary approach allows complex distributed processing without requiring users to directly manage the complexity, as the control plane abstracts and simplifies device interactions.
3Loss of time
If user plane functions are distributed to user devices, then latency is reduced, but authentication and security management become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges authentication and authorization functions into the control plane, which remains centralized despite user plane functions being distributed. This consolidation allows unified security management across all user devices, maintaining consistent authentication policies and credential verification while enabling low-latency distributed data processing through the separated user plane functions.
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a user device that attaches to a radio access network of a mobile network and requests services. The user device creates a virtual network function on the device to support the service. The virtual network function may include a user plane virtual network function, a control plane virtual network function, or both. Other embodiments are disclosed.