Hybrid Cellular Networking with Edge Aggregation for Geographic Redundancy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cellular networks face challenges in achieving geographic redundancy and high availability using conventional arrangements, especially when implementing network functions on public cloud computing platforms, as they require a large number of geographically scattered base stations with limited connections to the cloud.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid cellular network system is implemented, combining specialized hardware with virtualized network functions on a public cloud computing platform, utilizing transit gateways and virtual routers to manage traffic, and employing a structure with national and regional data centers to ensure geographic redundancy and high availability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional cellular networks use specialized hardware connected with base stations housed in provider facilities, then network functions are reliably performed, but device complexity and infrastructure cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates virtual copies of network functions by containerizing core network functions (AMF, SMF, UPF, etc.) and deploying them as virtualized instances on cloud computing platforms. These virtual copies replicate the functionality of traditional specialized hardware while reducing physical infrastructure complexity and enabling flexible scaling across multiple geographic locations for high availability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical system of specialized hardware appliances with a software-based virtualized system running on general-purpose cloud infrastructure. Containerized network functions substitute traditional hardware-based core network elements, transitioning from dedicated physical devices to virtualized software implementations that run on standardized cloud hardware
2Device complexity
If virtualized network functions are deployed on public cloud computing platforms, then infrastructure cost and device complexity decrease, but achieving geographic redundancy and high availability becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the virtualized network function deployment across multiple geographic locations by provisioning container instances in different cloud availability zones and regions. Each geographic location hosts a subset of network functions, and the orchestration system manages distribution across locations to ensure that failures in one location do not impact overall network availability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an orchestration system as an intermediary that manages the deployment, scaling, and failover of containerized network functions across multiple geographic locations. This intermediary coordinates between cloud platforms, manages service meshes for inter-location communication, and ensures proper load balancing and failover policies are applied to maintain high availability
3Area of stationary object
If a large number of base stations are connected with limited connections to the cloud, then network coverage is expanded, but connection management complexity and latency increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple base station connections by deploying edge computing capabilities at strategic locations that aggregate traffic from multiple base stations. Instead of each base station connecting individually to distant cloud data centers, edge nodes serve as regional aggregation points that consolidate connections and provide local processing, reducing overall connection complexity and latency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a spatial dimension to cloud connectivity by deploying virtualized network functions across multiple geographic locations including edge locations closer to base stations. This multi-dimensional deployment strategy allows base stations to connect to the nearest available instance, reducing latency and distributing connection load across multiple geographic dimensions rather than relying on a single centralized cloud connection
Data Source
AI summary
Various arrangements of a hybrid cellular network system are detailed herein. The system can include a cellular radio access network (RAN) comprising a plurality of base stations (BSs). The system can include multiple pass-through edge data centers (P-EDCs). The system can include an aggregation data center (ADC) in communication with the P-EDCs. The system can further include a breakout edge data center (EDC) executed at an EDC of a cloud computing platform, the B-EDC including a second transit gateway.