Local Data Routing for 5G User Equipment via Base Station
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Solution Overview
Problem
In 5G cellular communication systems, data routing between user equipment (UE) within the same coverage area often involves the core network, leading to increased traffic and delay, as the data is routed through the User Plane Function (UPF) even when UEs are in close proximity, which can be avoided by enabling local routing without core network involvement.
Innovation Solution
The method involves user equipment (UE) exchanging Radio Access Network (RAN) identification information to configure data radio bearers directly between them, allowing the base station (gNB) to route data locally without transferring it through the core network, utilizing the SDAP or PDCP layer for layer 2 processing and enabling local routing by configuring data radio bearers for UE pairs in proximity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If data routing between nearby UEs goes through the core network via UPF, then network coverage and control are maintained, but traffic volume and delay increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the data routing path by introducing local routing functionality at the base station level, separating local UE-to-UE traffic from core network traffic. This allows nearby UEs to exchange data directly through the base station without funneling all traffic through the UPF and core network, thereby reducing core network traffic volume while maintaining network coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local routing quality by enabling base stations to make intelligent routing decisions based on UE locations and network conditions. When UEs are in proximity, the base station routes data locally through configured data radio bearers, avoiding core network involvement for such traffic, thus optimizing traffic distribution.
2Extent of automation
If data routing through core network is used, then centralized control is maintained, but communication delay increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the data transmission path into local routing (base station to base station) and core network routing (for remote UEs or non-local traffic). This segmentation allows time-sensitive local traffic to bypass the core network latency, reducing communication delay while maintaining centralized control for broader network management.
Solution Approach 2:
The base station acts as an intermediary for local UE communication, providing a direct transmission path that mediates between UEs without requiring core network involvement. This intermediary approach reduces the transmission path length and associated delay while the base station itself remains under centralized network control.
3Quantity of substance
If local routing without core network is enabled, then traffic reduction is achieved, but routing control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enhances base station multi-functionality by enabling it to perform both traditional functions (radio resource management, connection to core network) and new local routing functions. The base station configures data radio bearers for local UE pairs and manages both local and core network traffic, achieving traffic reduction without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
4Productivity
If data radio bearers are configured for local routing, then direct UE communication is enabled, but identification information exchange is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by having UEs exchange identification information and establish data radio bearers before actual data transmission begins. The base station configures the necessary routing structures in advance based on UE discovery and identification exchange, so that when data needs to be transmitted, the path is already prepared, maintaining high communication efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A communication control method includes acquiring, by a first user equipment, second identification information to identify a second user equipment, and acquiring, by the second user equipment, first identification information to identify the first user equipment, the first user equipment and the second user equipment being in a state of discovery with each other. The communication control method further includes transmitting, by the first user equipment, the second identification information to a communication apparatus, and transmitting, by the second user equipment, the first identification information to the communication apparatus. The communication control method further includes configuring, by the communication apparatus, a first data radio bearer to the first user equipment in response to receiving the second identification information, and configuring, by the communication apparatus, a second data radio bearer to the second user equipment in response to receiving the first identification information.