E1 Interface Selection in Disaggregated Base Stations

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current 5G network architecture faces challenges in establishing interface links between functional parts of the base station, particularly in identifying the correct gNB-CU-UP or gNB-CU-CP when multiple instances share the same IP address, leading to inefficiencies and increased IP address usage.

Innovation Solution

The proposed solution involves extending the E1 interface setup protocol to include additional identifying information, such as gNB identity and gNB identity length, to uniquely identify the gNB-CU-UP or gNB-CU-CP, allowing for correct selection without requiring additional configuration data or excessive IP address allocation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If multiple gNB-CU-UP instances share the same IP address, then IP address usage is reduced, but it becomes difficult to identify and select the correct gNB-CU-UP instance

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveIP address usageVSAvoidIdentification accuracy of gNB-CU-UP instance

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The identification mechanism is segmented into multiple layers: first using IP address for network layer identification, then using gNB identity and gNB-CU-UP identity for application layer identification. This allows multiple gNB-CU-UP instances to share the same IP address while maintaining unique identification through additional identity fields in the E1AP protocol.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The gNB identity and gNB-CU-UP identity act as intermediary identifiers between the shared IP address and the specific gNB-CU-UP instance. These identity fields serve as mediators that resolve the ambiguity of which instance to select when multiple instances share the same IP address.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If unique IP addresses are allocated per gNB-CU-UP, then identification accuracy is improved, but IP address consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveIdentification accuracy of gNB-CU-UP instanceVSAvoidIP address consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The identification function is segmented between network layer (IP address) and application layer (gNB identity and gNB-CU-UP identity). This allows a single IP address to serve multiple gNB-CU-UP instances, reducing IP address consumption while maintaining accurate identification through the additional identity fields.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A single IP address is made universal to support multiple gNB-CU-UP instances. The IP address serves as a shared network endpoint, while the gNB identity and gNB-CU-UP identity fields provide instance-specific identification, allowing one IP address to fulfill multiple identification functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Quantity of substance

If multiple gNB-CU-CP instances share the same IP address, then IP address usage is reduced, but selection of the correct gNB-CU-CP becomes complex requiring extra configuration

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveIP address usageVSAvoidConfiguration complexity for selecting gNB-CU-CP

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The identification mechanism is segmented into network layer (IP address) and application layer (gNB identity and gNB-CU-CP identity). This allows multiple gNB-CU-CP instances to share the same IP address while enabling automatic selection through the identity fields exchanged in E1AP messages, reducing configuration complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The gNB-CU-CP and gNB-CU-UP instances perform self-identification and mutual selection through the exchange of gNB identity and instance identity fields in the E1AP protocol. This eliminates the need for external configuration or manual selection, allowing instances to automatically identify each other based on their identities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS12284695B2Functional part selection in a disaggregated base station

Publication Date: 2025.04.22 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)

AI summary

The invention refers to a method performed by a control plane, CP, functional part (415) of a base station, the method comprising establishing a transport network layer, TNL, association with a network function (440B) that supports a plurality of user plane, UP, functional parts of first base station; transmitting to the network function a request message (701) comprising information for selecting a first UP functional part among the plurality of UP functional parts; and receiving, in response to the request message, a response message (703) transmitted by the network function, wherein the response message comprises an identifier of the first UP functional part. The invention further refers to corresponding methods performed by the UP functional part, the network function, and to a corresponding base station.