Extended Access Point Virtual Radio Interface for 5G Emergency Services
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 5G mobile communication systems face challenges in efficiently supporting emergency communication services, particularly in scenarios requiring public safety (PS)-long term evolution (LTE) without the need for costly hybrid 5G/LTE base stations, and there is a demand for a cost-effective solution to manage extended access points (EAPs) for emergency communications.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a method and apparatus that allows for the efficient support of extended access points (EAPs) using a virtual radio interface, enabling international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI)/individual tetra subscriber identity (ITSI) compliant terminals to access the 5G/LTE network, which involves the access and mobility management function (AMF) node and the EAP interacting to establish X2 interfaces and control plane expansions, and utilizing software-defined radio (SDR)-modulation & coding translation (MCT) functions for modulation or demodulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hybrid 5G/LTE base stations are deployed to support emergency communication services, then communication reliability is improved, but infrastructure cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the base station functionality through the EAP (Extended Access Point). The EAP replicates the essential access and mobility management functions of a physical base station in software form, allowing emergency communication services to be supported without deploying expensive hybrid 5G/LTE base station hardware. The virtual radio interface and SDR-MCT functions enable this functional copying.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical base station infrastructure with a software-based virtual radio interface. The SDR-MCT (Software Defined Radio - Modulation and Coding Translation) function substitutes hardware-based signal processing with software-based processing, eliminating the need for costly physical hybrid base station deployments while maintaining emergency communication service reliability.
2Area of stationary object
If traditional base station infrastructure is used for network access, then network coverage is maintained, but device complexity and deployment cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The EAP creates a virtual representation of base station functionality that can be deployed on existing infrastructure. By copying the essential access and mobility management functions into software form, the system maintains network coverage capabilities without requiring complex physical base station deployments. The virtual radio interface enables this functional replication.
Solution Approach 2:
The EAP with SDR-MCT functions serves multiple purposes: it provides network access, supports emergency communication services, enables IMSI/ITSI compliant terminal connectivity, and maintains network coverage. This multi-functional virtual access point eliminates the need for separate specialized infrastructure for each function, reducing overall device complexity.
3Quantity of substance
If virtual radio interface with SDR-MCT is implemented, then infrastructure cost is reduced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The SDR-MCT function acts as an intermediary layer between the virtual radio interface and the terminal devices. It handles the complex modulation and coding translation tasks, shielding the rest of the system from these complexities. This intermediary approach allows cost reduction through virtualization while managing system complexity through functional abstraction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces hardware-based radio interface processing with software-based SDR-MCT processing. While this introduces software complexity, it eliminates the need for expensive hardware infrastructure. The complexity is shifted from physical infrastructure to software management, achieving cost reduction while maintaining functional capability.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a 5G or 6G communication system for supporting a higher data transmission rate. An example method performed by an access and mobility management function (AMF) node in a wireless communication system may include receiving extended access point (EAP) capability related information from an EAP, performing control plane expansion to include the EAP, based on the received EAP capability related information, creating an X2 interface with the AMF node and the EAP based on a number of relevant base stations, instructing the base station to establish an X2 interface with the EAP based on the created X2 interface, and instructing the EAP to establish a connection with a terminal.