HetNet Gateway 4G 5G Core Interworking
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Solution Overview
Problem
The transition from 4G to 5G mobile networks poses challenges for operators due to the significant investment required for RAN and Packet Core upgrades, necessitating intermediate solutions for a graceful migration.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a HetNet Gateway (HNG) that provides interworking between 4G and 5G cores, enabling a 5G RAN to work with a 4G core through a virtualization server, which includes virtual 4G and 5G cores and an Interworking Function (IWF).
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If operators upgrade to a complete 5G standalone network, then they gain new features and capabilities for enterprise use cases, but they incur significant investment costs for RAN and Packet Core upgrades
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the 5G deployment into two distinct virtual core network functions: a virtual 5G core and a virtual 4G core, both coexisting within the same HetNet Gateway. This allows operators to enable 5G features for specific use cases while maintaining the existing 4G core infrastructure, thereby avoiding the need for a complete and expensive 5G standalone network upgrade.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an Interworking Function (IWF) as an intermediary component within the virtualization server. The IWF enables seamless interworking and handover between the virtual 5G core and virtual 4G core, allowing 5G RAN to work with 4G core while providing 5G features, thus bridging the gap between legacy infrastructure and new capabilities without requiring full 5G core deployment.
2Ease of manufacture
If operators deploy 5G RAN with 4G core, then they can enable 5G features without upgrading the 4G core, but they need an intermediate interworking solution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the virtual 5G core and virtual 4G core into a single HetNet Gateway infrastructure, sharing common resources such as computation, storage, and networking. This consolidation simplifies deployment by avoiding separate physical infrastructures while the IWF handles the interworking complexity internally, presenting a unified interface to the RAN.
Solution Approach 2:
The HetNet Gateway is designed as a universal platform that can simultaneously host both virtual 5G core and virtual 4G core functions, supporting multiple network types and use cases from a single infrastructure. This multi-functionality allows the system to adapt to different deployment scenarios without requiring separate specialized systems.
3Productivity
If a virtualization server hosts both virtual 4G core and virtual 5G core, then operators can migrate gradually from 4G to 5G, but the virtualization server must manage multiple core functions
Solution Approach 1:
The IWF acts as a mediator between the virtual 5G core and virtual 4G core within the virtualization server, managing the complexity of interworking and handover procedures. This intermediary component abstracts the dual-core management complexity, enabling smooth gradual migration from 4G to 5G by handling protocol translations and coordination transparently.
Solution Approach 2:
The virtualization server is designed to dynamically allocate resources and manage the lifecycle of both virtual 5G core and virtual 4G core instances. This dynamic management allows operators to gradually migrate services from 4G to 5G by activating or deactivating virtual core functions as needed, optimizing resource utilization during the transition period.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods and computer software are disclosed for 4G and 5G core interworking. In one embodiment a HetNet gateway (HNG) is disclosed. The HNG includes a virtual 4G core; a virtual 5G core; an interface to a core network; an interface to a 4G Radio Access Network (RAN); and an interface to a 5G RAN. The HNG provides interworking 4G to 5G such that a 5G RAN works with a 4G core.