Interworking Function for 2G to 5G Core Connectivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 5G wireless communication systems do not support connections from 2G or 3G radio access networks to 5G Core networks, leading to network connectivity issues for subscribers in areas with only 2G or 3G coverage, and existing solutions are burdensome for network operators as they require coordinating subscription and charging functions across different network types.
Innovation Solution
Implementing an interworking function (IWF) between 2G/3G and 4G/5G networks, specifically a Gn-4G IWF, which establishes a connection between a 2G/3G network and a 5G Core network by providing Gateway GPRS Support Node (GGSN) and Serving GPRS Support Node (SGSN) functions, enabling access to network services while maintaining IP addresses and controlling tunnel establishment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If 5G Core network is designed to interoperate with 4G RAN and core network, then 5G network connectivity and performance are improved, but 2G or 3G network access is not supported
Solution Approach 1:
An interworking function (IWF) node is introduced as an intermediary between the 5G Core network and 2G/3G RAN. The IWF translates and adapts signaling protocols, allowing 5G Core to communicate with legacy 2G/3G networks without requiring direct support in the 5G Core architecture. This resolves the contradiction by enabling 2G/3G access through mediation while maintaining 5G-native design.
Solution Approach 2:
The network architecture is segmented into distinct functional components: the 5G Core network, the IWF translation layer, and the 2G/3G RAN. This segmentation allows each component to operate independently with its native protocols, while the IWF handles the adaptation between generations, thus supporting multi-generational access without compromising 5G core functionality.
2Adaptability or versatility
If subscription information is coordinated across 5G network and 4G core, then network access is enabled, but operational complexity and burden on network operators increases
Solution Approach 1:
The IWF acts as a subscription coordination intermediary, managing subscriber data and authentication for both 5G and 4G/2G/3G networks centrally. Instead of requiring operators to manually coordinate subscriptions across multiple core networks, the IWF provides unified subscription management, reducing operational complexity while maintaining multi-network access capability.
3Manufacturing precision
If charging functions are coordinated across different network types, then billing accuracy is improved, but system complexity and operational burden increases
Solution Approach 1:
Charging function management is merged into the IWF node, which handles billing for both 5G and legacy networks through a unified charging architecture. This consolidation maintains billing accuracy across different network types while reducing the complexity of having separate charging coordination systems for each network generation.
4Speed
If 5G RAN and 5G Core are designed without 2G or 3G support, then 5G network performance and data rates are optimized, but mobility between 2G/3G and 4G/5G networks is not enabled
Solution Approach 1:
The IWF serves as a mobility mediator, managing handovers and session continuity when users move between 2G/3G and 4G/5G networks. The IWF maintains user context and coordinates network switching, enabling seamless inter-network mobility while allowing the 5G RAN and Core to be optimized for 5G performance without native 2G/3G support.
Data Source
AI summary
The present technology is directed to establishing a connection between a client device within a 2G or 3G network and 5G core through an interworking function. The present technology can perform establishing a Gn-4G interworking function (IWF) between a client access network and a packet anchor network and performing one or more network functions through the Gn-4G IWF in providing a client of the client access network access to network services through the packet anchor network. The one or more network functions appear as one or more Gateway GPRS Support Node (GGSN) functions from the client access network (e.g., 2G or 3G network). The one or more network functions concurrently appear as one or more S4 Serving GPRS Support Node (SGSN) functions from the packet anchor network (e.g., 4G or 5G network).