Dynamic EPC Association for Virtualized Mobile Backhaul

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Solution Overview

Problem

Migrating from legacy EPC to virtualized EPC poses challenges in flexibly using both physical and virtual networks, particularly in radio access networks like eNB, RNC, and BSC, where complete virtualization is not always feasible or cost-effective.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus that dynamically associate or disassociate virtual networks with physical networks, using association configuration information to enable load balancing between legacy and virtual EPCs by identifying network identifiers, allowing flexible operation and traffic distribution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If complete virtualization of radio access networks (eNB, RNC, BSC) is implemented, then network flexibility and resource utilization are improved, but migration complexity and costs increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork flexibilityVSAvoidmigration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic association between network elements and networks, allowing the system to adapt between legacy and virtualized EPC configurations based on operational needs. The network element can be dynamically associated with different networks (legacy EPC or virtualized EPC) without requiring complete virtualization migration, thus providing flexibility while controlling complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of requiring complete virtualization of all radio access networks, the patent allows partial virtualization where only certain network elements are associated with virtualized EPC while others remain with legacy EPC. This partial action approach reduces migration complexity and costs while still achieving the benefits of virtualization where applicable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

2Reliability

If legacy EPC is used for network operation, then system stability and reliability are maintained, but network flexibility and resource utilization are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem stabilityVSAvoidnetwork flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal network element configuration that can operate with both legacy EPC and virtualized EPC. The network element is designed to be multi-functional, supporting association with different network types, thus maintaining reliability through proven legacy systems while enabling flexibility through virtualized options.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an association mechanism that acts as an intermediary between network elements and different EPC types. This intermediary layer allows seamless operation with legacy EPC for stability while providing the option to associate with virtualized EPC for enhanced flexibility, without requiring complete migration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If virtualized EPC is deployed, then resource utilization and operational flexibility are enhanced, but migration costs and implementation complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresource utilizationVSAvoidmigration cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables partial deployment of virtualized EPC where only specific network elements or regions are migrated to virtualized infrastructure. This allows operators to achieve resource utilization benefits in targeted areas while avoiding the full migration cost, making virtualization more economically viable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The dynamic association mechanism allows operators to gradually migrate network elements to virtualized EPC based on resource utilization needs and budget constraints. Network elements can be dynamically reassigned between legacy and virtualized EPC, enabling flexible migration planning that balances productivity gains against migration costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Ease of operation

If network elements are statically assigned to a single network, then configuration simplicity is maintained, but load balancing and traffic distribution capabilities are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfiguration simplicityVSAvoidload balancing capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms static network assignments into dynamic associations. Network elements can be dynamically associated with different networks (legacy EPC or virtualized EPC) based on load conditions, enabling automatic load balancing and traffic distribution while maintaining operational simplicity through automated management.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS9781632B2Interaction and migration of EPC towards virtualized mobile backhaul/sharing of RAT (eNB, RNC, BSC)

Publication Date: 2017.10.03 NOKIA SIEMENS NETWORKS GMBH & CO KG

AI summary

Apparatuses and methods are provided by which a second network is associated to or disassociated from a network element (e.g., an eNB) which is connected to a first network, and an association configuration information is sent to the network element, the association configuration information comprising a combination of a first network identification identifying the first network and a second network identification identifying the second network. Based on this association configuration, for example load balancing using both the first and the second network may be carried out.