Layer 2 Tunnel Encapsulation for MDU Fixed Wireless Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fixed wireless access (FWA) systems for multiple dwelling units (MDUs) fail to efficiently support forwarding of Layer 2 (L2) packets from the user plane function (UPF) to the access gateway function (AGF), leading to resource consumption, traffic loss, and poor user experience.
Innovation Solution
A device is configured to encapsulate upstream packets with a Layer 2 tunnel identifier, allowing them to be forwarded through a Layer 2 tunnel to the access gateway function, and decapsulating downstream packets to generate and provide them to routing gateways.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If current FWA systems use Layer 3 (L3) interface for packet forwarding from UPF to AGF, then network connectivity is established, but Layer 2 broadcast packets and PDU sessions cannot be properly handled, leading to resource consumption and traffic loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from Layer 3 (L3) interface to Layer 2 (L2) interface for packet forwarding between UPF and AGF. This dimensional change in the network protocol layer enables proper handling of Layer 2 broadcast packets and PDU sessions, resolving the issue of packet loss and resource consumption while maintaining network connectivity.
2Productivity
If FWA systems fail to support Layer 2 packet forwarding, then network infrastructure remains simple, but computing resources are consumed and traffic is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (L2 tunneling with VXLAN encapsulation) between UPF and AGF that enables efficient Layer 2 packet forwarding. This intermediary approach allows proper routing of broadcast packets and PDU sessions without consuming excessive computing resources, thereby improving traffic handling efficiency while reducing energy waste.
3Reliability
If FWA systems do not properly handle PDU sessions, then network configuration remains simple, but user experience deteriorates due to traffic loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the packet processing function by introducing separate L2 tunneling handling for PDU sessions. By segmenting the packet processing path and using VXLAN encapsulation, the system can properly handle PDU sessions and broadcast packets without overwhelming complexity, thereby improving user experience reliability while maintaining manageable processing complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A device may configure, in the device, a network address of an access gateway function, and may receive upstream packets from one or more routing gateways. The device may encapsulate the upstream packets with an identifier of a layer 2 tunnel, based on the network address, and to generate encapsulated upstream packets, and may provide the encapsulated upstream packets to the access gateway function via the layer 2 tunnel and based on the network address and the identifier. The device may receive encapsulated downstream packets from the access gateway function, and may decapsulate the encapsulated downstream packets to generate downstream packets. The device may provide the downstream packets to the one or more routing gateways.