Emulation Function for 5G-Legacy Network Interworking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mobile communication networks face challenges in seamlessly interworking between different technologies and generations, such as 4G and 5G, which limits their ability to provide seamless communication services and roaming capabilities without requiring support for legacy protocols.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an emulation function with two interfaces, one for each network, allows for the translation and mapping of modifications between network functions and elements, enabling dynamic configuration and interworking without the need for legacy protocol support, by using a network function registry and domain name system for endpoint discovery and management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If mobile communication networks support legacy protocols to enable interworking between different generations (4G and 5G), then interworking capability is improved, but device complexity and operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an emulation function as an intermediary component that sits between the 5G network and legacy networks. This emulation function translates and adapts communication protocols, allowing 5G networks to interwork with legacy networks without requiring the 5G network elements to directly support legacy protocols. The emulation function acts as a mediator that handles protocol conversion and compatibility issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates emulated network functions that replicate the behavior of legacy network elements. Instead of implementing actual legacy protocol support in 5G network elements, the system creates virtual copies or emulations of legacy network functions that can be queried and interacted with as if they were real legacy elements, thereby avoiding the complexity of direct legacy protocol implementation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If mobile communication networks implement dynamic deployment of network functions with service-based interfaces, then network flexibility and adaptability are improved, but difficulty in detecting and measuring interconnection endpoints increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a service-based architecture where network functions automatically register themselves with a network function registry and can autonomously discover other network functions through standardized query mechanisms. Each network function publishes its capabilities and interface information in the registry, allowing other functions to self-discover and establish connections without manual configuration or complex detection procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a universal network function registry that serves multiple purposes: storing network function information, enabling discovery, facilitating communication routing, and supporting service registration. This multi-functional registry simplifies the overall system architecture by providing a single centralized mechanism that handles various aspects of network function management and endpoint discovery.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for an emulation or interworking functionality between a first mobile communication network and a second mobile communication network includes: transmitting a specific modification within one of the first and second mobile communication networks regarding a corresponding plurality of network functions or services or network elements to an emulation function; and translating the specific modification within the one of the first and second mobile communication networks regarding the corresponding plurality of network functions or services or network elements to or into a corresponding specific modification of a first interface or second interface of the emulation function.