Ethernet Session Encapsulation Identifier for 5G MAC Address Sharing
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Solution Overview
Problem
In 5G mobile communications, multiple Ethernet sessions sharing a single MAC address lead to incorrect session selection during data transmission, as the sessions cannot be distinguished.
Innovation Solution
A communication method where a control plane network element determines and sends a unique encapsulation identifier for each Ethernet session to a user plane network element, ensuring correct processing of data packets by identifying and distinguishing between different Ethernet sessions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single MAC address is shared among multiple Ethernet sessions, then device resource utilization is improved, but session distinguishability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the identification function by introducing encapsulation identifiers (such as VLAN tags or outer MAC addresses) that divide the session identification task from the MAC address. This allows multiple Ethernet sessions to share a single MAC address while being distinguished through additional segmentation layers in the data packet structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces encapsulation identifiers as intermediary elements between the shared MAC address and the specific Ethernet sessions. These identifiers act as mediators that carry session-specific information through the network, enabling the user plane network element to distinguish between sessions without requiring unique MAC addresses for each session.
2Measurement precision
If encapsulation identifiers are introduced to distinguish Ethernet sessions, then session identification accuracy is improved, but data packet structure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs universal encapsulation mechanisms (such as standard VLAN tagging or existing tunneling protocols) that can serve multiple Ethernet sessions simultaneously. This multi-functional approach allows the same encapsulation structure to identify different sessions without requiring unique complex structures for each session, thereby reducing overall complexity while maintaining identification accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the identification parameters by adding encapsulation identifier fields to the data packet structure. Instead of relying solely on MAC addresses, the system modifies the packet parameters to include additional identification layers, enabling precise session distinction while using standardized parameter extensions rather than fundamentally redesigning the packet structure.
Data Source
AI summary
Example communication methods and apparatus are described. One example method includes determining a first encapsulation identifier corresponding to an Ethernet session by a control plane network element and sending the first encapsulation identifier corresponding to the Ethernet session to a user plane network element, where the first encapsulation identifier is used to instruct the user plane network element to process a data packet corresponding to the Ethernet session based on the first encapsulation identifier. The terminal device determines the first encapsulation identifier corresponding to the Ethernet session and encapsulates an uplink data packet based on the first encapsulation identifier, where the uplink data packet is a data packet triggered by an application program bound to the Ethernet session. The encapsulated data packet is mapped to the Ethernet session corresponding to the first encapsulation identifier for transmission based on the first encapsulation identifier.