Dual-Stack O-RAN Routers for IPv4 and IPv6 Traffic
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current telecommunication networks face challenges in concurrently supporting IPv4 and IPv6 traffic within cloud-managed wireless networks, particularly in 5G environments, which require advanced IP address management to accommodate increased bandwidth and device connectivity.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a cloud-native, Open Radio Access Network (O-RAN) architecture that electronically supports both IPv4 and IPv6 network traffic through dual-stacked physical or virtual routers, utilizing virtual routing and forwarding (VRF) and Multiprotocol Border Gateway Protocol (MP-BGP) for seamless routing and address management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If IPv4 only architecture is used, then network compatibility is maintained, but address exhaustion occurs and scalability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dual-stack architecture where network elements simultaneously support both IPv4 and IPv6 protocols. This allows the network to universally handle both legacy IPv4 traffic and future-proof IPv6 traffic through a single unified infrastructure, resolving the contradiction between address space capacity and network compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically selects between IPv4 and IPv6 protocols based on traffic requirements and network conditions. The dynamic nature of the dual-stack architecture enables flexible protocol switching and selection, allowing the network to adapt to different addressing needs while maintaining compatibility with both protocols.
2Adaptability or versatility
If dual-stack architecture is implemented, then both IPv4 and IPv6 support is achieved, but network complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the dual-stack implementation into separate control planes and user planes. The control plane handles protocol selection and management, while the user plane processes actual data traffic. This segmentation simplifies the overall architecture by dividing complex functions into manageable components that can operate independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces intermediary components such as protocol translation functions and traffic steering mechanisms that mediate between IPv4 and IPv6 traffic. These intermediaries simplify the interaction between the two protocols by providing standardized translation and routing functions, reducing the complexity of direct dual-stack operation.
3Ease of manufacture
If cloud-native O-RAN architecture is deployed, then deployment flexibility is improved, but infrastructure requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional hardware-based network infrastructure with software-defined, cloud-native components. Network functions are virtualized and deployed through software containers and orchestration platforms, eliminating the need for complex physical hardware configurations while maintaining full network functionality. This substitution of mechanical hardware with software systems directly improves deployment flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The cloud-native architecture uses universal virtualization layers and standardized APIs that can run on diverse hardware platforms. This universality allows the same software-based network functions to be deployed across different infrastructure types (on-premise, cloud, edge), reducing the need for specialized infrastructure while maintaining deployment flexibility.
Data Source
AI summary
Example embodiments are directed towards concurrently supporting IPv6 and IPv4 in a cloud-managed wireless telecommunication network. This may include electronically providing support for internet Protocol IPv4 network traffic of user equipment (UEs) in a cloud-native, O-RAN, 5G NR cellular telecommunication network, and also electronically providing support for IPv6 network traffic of UEs in the cloud-native, O-RAN, 5G NR cellular telecommunication network while concurrently providing the support IPv4 network traffic. the wireless telecommunication service provider that is an MNO of the cloud-native, O-RAN, 5G NR cellular telecommunication network controls routing of the IPv6 network traffic within a cloud computing service provider cloud in which the cloud-native, O-RAN, 5G NR cellular telecommunication network operates.