Ethernet Bridge Port Management in 5GS Wireless Networks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current 3GPP 5GS specifications do not address the maintenance of bridge managed objects that describe bridge interfaces, particularly in wireless networks where port status changes frequently due to volatile radio access network conditions and user equipment mobility.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus for managing Ethernet bridge interfaces, utilizing standardized Management Information Base (MIB) objects to maintain and signal changes in bridge port status, ensuring dynamic updates and efficient bridge reconfiguration in 5GS networks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If wireless transmission mechanisms are used to connect sensors and actuators to TSN network, then mobility and scalability are improved, but port status stability deteriorates due to volatile radio access network conditions and user equipment mobility

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovemobilityVSAvoidport status stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring bridge managed objects (MIB objects) to track and anticipate port status changes before they occur. The system prepares the bridge interface management structure in advance to handle wireless connectivity changes, allowing the network to react more effectively to mobility-induced disruptions without requiring reactive reconfiguration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms through the standardized MIB object structure that continuously monitors and reports port status changes back to the bridge management system. This feedback loop enables the network controller to detect wireless link changes and trigger appropriate reconfiguration actions, maintaining network stability despite mobility-related disruptions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Adaptability or versatility

If wireless transmission mechanisms are used to connect sensors and actuators to TSN network, then scalability is improved, but device complexity increases due to need for dynamic port management

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovescalabilityVSAvoidport management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by implementing a standardized MIB object structure that serves multiple functions: it tracks port status, manages bridge interfaces, and enables dynamic reconfiguration all through a single unified framework. This universal management approach allows the same mechanism to handle various wireless connectivity scenarios without requiring separate management systems for each function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes parameter changes by modifying the MIB object parameters to reflect dynamic port status changes in wireless networks. The system changes the state parameters of bridge managed objects to represent different connectivity conditions, enabling automatic adaptation to network changes without complex manual reconfiguration procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If dynamic port status changes are implemented in wireless networks, then adaptability is improved, but information consistency deteriorates due to frequent status changes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedynamic adaptationVSAvoidbridge managed objects accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback through the MIB object structure that continuously monitors port status and feeds this information back to the bridge management system. This ensures that the managed objects remain synchronized with actual network state, preventing information loss despite frequent wireless connectivity changes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-establishing the MIB object framework to track and record port status changes systematically. This preliminary structure ensures that information about connectivity changes is captured and maintained accurately, preventing data loss during dynamic network reconfigurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3963840B1Method and apparatus for port management of ethernet bridges
Publication Date: 2024.10.02 NOKIA TECHNOLOGIES OY
  • EP3963840B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3963840B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3963840B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Methods, systems, apparatuses, and computer program products for transparent integration of a wireless network (e.g., a 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) network) into a wireline network (e.g., a time sensitive networking (TSN) network) are provided. A method, system, and apparatus may receive, at a networking translator, a notification trigger related to a protocol data unit session from a networking translator client or a network function of a communication network. The method, system, and apparatus may cause transmission, at the networking translator, of notification information to a network controller of the communication network according to an interface.