IP Address Assignment in IAB Networks via Local Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The integration of access backhaul networks in 5G wireless communication systems faces challenges due to the need for IP address assignment and routing management, which complicates the deployment and management of IAB nodes, especially when a full-fledged 5G Core network is not yet established.
Innovation Solution
Assigning IP addresses to IAB nodes at the RAN level instead of the Core Network level, allowing for secure connections and configuration, and managing IP routing within the RAN to facilitate the use of a complete F1 protocol stack without requiring Core Network involvement, thereby simplifying network management and reducing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If IP address assignment and routing management are performed at the Core Network level, then network control and management are centralized and standardized, but deployment complexity and management overhead increase significantly, especially when a full-fledged 5G Core network is not yet established
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a local routing manager at the RAN level as an intermediary between IAB nodes and the Core Network. This intermediary performs IP address assignment and routing management locally, reducing the need for Core Network involvement in these functions. The routing manager maintains routing tables and performs lookups locally, thereby simplifying deployment while maintaining reliable control through a hierarchical approach where critical functions remain centralized but operational functions are decentralized.
2Stability of the object's composition
If IP address assignment is performed at the Core Network level, then network-wide IP management is consistent, but management overhead and costs increase, and deployment is delayed until Core Network is fully established
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the IP address management function by introducing a local routing manager at the RAN level that handles IP address assignment and routing for IAB nodes independently from the Core Network. This segmentation allows consistent IP management within the RAN domain while enabling deployment before full Core Network establishment. The routing manager maintains local routing tables and performs lookups, reducing management overhead while preserving consistency through standardized protocols and interfaces.
3Device complexity
If a complete F1 protocol stack is used without Core Network involvement, then network management complexity is reduced and deployment is simplified, but IP routing management becomes more challenging at the RAN level
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service mechanism where the local routing manager at the RAN level autonomously performs IP address assignment, maintains routing tables, and performs routing lookups without requiring Core Network involvement. The routing manager receives routing information from IAB nodes, populates local routing tables, and independently makes routing decisions. This self-service approach reduces management complexity while handling routing challenges through automated protocols and local intelligence, enabling the F1 protocol stack to function completely at the RAN level.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments include methods and/or procedures performed by an integrated access backhaul, IAB, node of a radio access network, RAN, that is associated with a core network, CN. Such embodiments include performing a registration with a CN node, and establishing a secure connection with a RAN node. Such embodiments also include receiving, from the RAN node via the secure connection, configuration information for one or more radio bearers between the IAB node and the RAN node. The radio bearers are adapted for backhaul of control plane information and/or user plane information. Such embodiments also include establishing, with the RAN node via at least one of the radio bearers, one or more Internet Protocol addresses usable by the IAB node. Other embodiments include complementary methods and/or procedures performed by CN nodes and RAN nodes, as well as network nodes configured to perform the various methods and/or procedures.