Hybrid Access CPE Device for 5G Edge Computing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing number of smart devices and IoT devices in homes and small offices requires more robust network connectivity, but the powerful features of emerging Access CPE devices remain underutilized, and existing solutions do not effectively leverage these resources to provide advanced services like 5G edge computing.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a hybrid access CPE device with a software stack that includes 5G virtualized Radio Access Network (RAN) functionality, using an OpenSync layer for command and control, and offloading real-time services from the 5G core network to the CPE device, which supports both 5G NR mobile traffic and in-home Wi-Fi traffic using a single service flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If Access CPE devices are made more powerful to support multiple smart devices and IoT devices, then network connectivity capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The Access CPE device is designed to perform multiple functions including traditional broadband access, 5G NR baseband processing, Wi-Fi routing, and edge computing services. The device can operate in different modes (standalone 5G, Wi-Fi offloading, hybrid mode) to serve diverse network requirements, making it a universal platform for next-generation access networks.
Solution Approach 2:
The CPE device incorporates multiple independent system-on-chip (SoC) processors, each dedicated to specific functions (5G baseband, Wi-Fi processing, general computing). This segmentation allows each processor to operate independently, managing complexity through functional separation while maintaining high overall capability.
2Loss of time
If 5G core network functions are offloaded to CPE device, then network latency is reduced, but CPE device processing load increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements selective offloading where only specific 5G core network functions (such as session management, mobility management) are offloaded to the CPE device, while other functions remain in the cloud. This localized approach reduces latency for time-sensitive operations without overwhelming the CPE device with all network processing loads.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts which functions are offloaded to the CPE based on device capabilities, network conditions, and service requirements. The CPE can flexibly scale its processing role from minimal to full 5G core functionality, optimizing the balance between latency reduction and processing load.
3Adaptability or versatility
If CPE device supports both 5G NR and Wi-Fi traffic, then network versatility is improved, but service flow management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges 5G NR traffic and Wi-Fi traffic into a single service flow when conditions permit, simplifying management. The system intelligently determines when to combine flows (e.g., when Wi-Fi offloading is available) and when to maintain separate flows, reducing overall complexity while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The CPE device acts as an intermediary that manages multiple service flows between different networks (5G, Wi-Fi) and the core network. It implements intelligent flow routing, aggregation, and prioritization, simplifying the complexity of managing multiple concurrent traffic streams through centralized control.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for operating a customer premise equipment (CPE) device with agile software stack integrated with OpenSync™ layer for command, control, and telemetry via the operator's cloud network. It includes the configuration of the CPE device to receive traffic from an access network in a first system on chip (SoC) of the CPE device, and to provide 5G edge computing services to a 5G NR user equipment (UE) device via a second SoC of the CPE device. The CPE device may also be configured to receive 5G New Radio (NR) mobile traffic, receive in-home Wi-Fi traffic, and use at least one service flow (or only one service flow) to support both the 5G NR mobile traffic and the in-home Wi-Fi traffic.