Internet-Enabled Radio Node Using Blockchain and VPNs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobile network architectures rely on microwave or fiber connections for radio nodes to connect with the core network, which are not always available, leading to inaccessible network access and prolonged setup times, especially during emergencies or natural disasters, and are prone to failure.
Innovation Solution
Implementing an Internet-enabled radio node that uses blockchain technology and virtual private networking to establish connections via any available Internet connection, securing the control plane with blockchain and the user plane with VPN, allowing for rapid deployment and robust network access without relying on microwave or fiber links.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If microwave links or fiber connections are used to connect radio nodes with the core network, then connection reliability is improved, but deployment flexibility and speed are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary public network (Internet) connection as a mediator between the radio node and core network. This allows the radio node to connect via Internet access points when traditional microwave or fiber connections are unavailable, thereby improving deployment flexibility while maintaining connection reliability through multiple path options
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically selects between different connection types (microwave, fiber, or Internet) based on availability and conditions. The radio node can switch between connection methods, making the system adaptive to changing environmental conditions and infrastructure availability
2Reliability
If microwave links or fiber connections are set up for network access, then connection stability is improved, but setup time is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by establishing Internet connection capabilities in advance during radio node deployment. This allows immediate network access upon deployment without waiting for microwave link or fiber infrastructure setup, significantly reducing setup time while maintaining connection stability through the Internet path
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes readily available, inexpensive Internet access infrastructure instead of expensive, time-consuming microwave or fiber installations. This allows rapid deployment using existing public network infrastructure, trading off some connection stability for dramatically reduced setup time
3Reliability
If traditional microwave or fiber connections are used, then network security is improved, but infrastructure dependency is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the public Internet as an intermediary layer between the radio node and core network. This intermediary approach reduces dependency on proprietary microwave or fiber infrastructure by using widely available Internet access points, thereby improving infrastructure independence while maintaining network security through encrypted communication channels
Solution Approach 2:
The radio node is designed with multi-functionality to support multiple connection types (microwave, fiber, and Internet). This universality allows the system to adapt to different infrastructure environments, reducing dependency on any single infrastructure type while maintaining security through protocol-level protections
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a radio node connected to a core network through the Internet. The system further includes a load balancer connected to the Internet and the radio node, a mobility management entity connected to the Internet and the core network, and a packet data network gateway connected to the Internet and the core network. The load balancer receives a plurality of Internet connections and consolidates the Internet connections into a single Internet connection to be provided to the radio node. The mobility management entity is configured to verify a core network connection request from a user equipment using a private blockchain network, and the packet data network gateway is configured to establish a virtual private network connection between the user equipment and the core network in response to successful verification of the core network connection request to provide permitted core network services to the user equipment.