Edge Node Local Data Breakout for 5G Industrial Time-Deterministic Traffic
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems, such as 5G, struggle to connect application endpoints associated with a core network on an aggregation layer with those in an industrial production cell while meeting the quality-of-service requirements of the cell network.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method is introduced to operate an edge node for providing local data breakout services within an industrial production cell. This involves allocating computing resources to form the edge node, assigning radio unit services, and operating a user plane function to establish data services between application endpoints, ensuring compliance with cell network quality-of-service requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If application endpoints are connected through the aggregation layer core network, then network coverage and connectivity are improved, but quality-of-service requirements cannot be met
Solution Approach 1:
The network path is segmented into two types: traditional backhaul traffic routed through the aggregation layer core network, and local data breakout traffic for production cell applications. This segmentation allows different quality requirements to be met by different traffic types without compromising overall network connectivity.
Solution Approach 2:
A local data breakout function is introduced as an intermediary component between the production cell network and the aggregation layer. This intermediary enables local data processing and routing decisions, allowing time-deterministic traffic to bypass the core network while maintaining overall connectivity through the aggregation layer.
2Productivity
If data traffic is routed through the aggregation layer core network, then network infrastructure utilization is improved, but latency increases
Solution Approach 1:
Time-deterministic data traffic is extracted from the general core network routing path and directed through a dedicated local data breakout function. This extraction allows critical production cell traffic to avoid the latency introduced by core network routing while maintaining efficient use of network resources for other traffic types.
3Reliability
If production cell network isolation is implemented, then quality-of-service requirements are met, but network complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The local data breakout function is designed with multi-functionality, handling both local data routing decisions and maintaining connectivity to the aggregation layer. This universal component simplifies network complexity by consolidating multiple functions into a single element rather than requiring separate isolation mechanisms.
Data Source
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AI summary
The embodiments propose means to establish communication links between application end points in production cells and on user equipment associated with a wireless 5g industrial campus network or later generations of wireless networks. As a consequence, time-deterministic and/or time-sensitive quality-of service may be supported on user equipment connected by 5G systems and may be offered inside production cells. The embodiments propose placing virtualized CU and DU software components to industrial edge-cloud systems or defining an industrial radio unit or RU component that features a local data break out for production cell data traffic complying with time-deterministic and/or time-sensitive quality-of service requirements of the production cell data traffic.