Local Subdomain Network Functions for Private Cloud Connectivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for establishing connectivity between devices and applications in a private cloud environment often require data to be routed through a core network of a telecommunications network, which can lead to performance issues and compromise privacy and control for enterprises.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that provide a subdomain in the private cloud environment, managed via external endpoints, allowing the telecommunications network to deploy network functions locally within this subdomain to support direct user plane communication between devices and applications, thereby bypassing the core network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If data is routed through the core network of the telecommunications network, then connectivity between devices and applications is established, but performance deteriorates due to increased latency and reduced bandwidth
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network into a core network portion and a local network portion. By deploying network functions (such as UPF - User Plane Function) locally within the private cloud environment, the data path is divided such that local traffic remains in the local network while only control plane traffic traverses the core network. This segmentation eliminates unnecessary routing through the core network for local communications, thereby improving transmission speed and reducing latency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism in the form of a local network function (e.g., UPF) that acts as a mediator between devices and applications. This intermediary is deployed locally within the private cloud environment and handles user plane traffic locally, preventing direct routing through the core network. The intermediary enables local breakout of traffic, improving performance while maintaining connectivity.
2Reliability
If data is routed through the core network, then connectivity is established, but privacy and administrative control are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments network control functions from user plane functions. Control plane functions remain in the core network maintaining administrative control and security policies, while user plane functions are deployed locally within the private cloud environment. This segmentation allows enterprises to maintain administrative control over their local infrastructure and data traffic while reducing reliance on core network routing, thereby improving privacy and control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by deploying specific network functions (user plane functions) locally within the private cloud environment where they can process traffic with local characteristics. This allows the network architecture to adapt to local requirements for privacy and control while maintaining standard core network control plane functions. Each local deployment can be customized to specific enterprise requirements while maintaining overall network integrity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If proprietary hybrid cloud solutions are used to extend public cloud to local outpost, then local connectivity is achieved, but mobility across cloud operators is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal approach by deploying standardized network functions (such as UPF according to 3GPP specifications) that can operate across different cloud operators and telecommunications networks. Rather than using proprietary hybrid cloud solutions tied to specific vendors, the patent uses standardized network function virtualization that can be deployed in any private cloud environment. This universality enables mobility across cloud operators while maintaining consistent functionality and performance.
Data Source
AI summary
Network functions are described to establish local connectivity between a device of a telecommunications network and an application instantiated a private cloud environment. The local connectivity may be established by providing, in the private cloud environment, a subdomain for use by the telecommunications network, wherein the subdomain may be manageable via an external control endpoint. A network orchestration function of the telecommunications network may, based on information received from a service orchestrator for the private cloud environment, initiate deployment of one or more network functions in the subdomain of the private cloud environment, and configure the one or more deployed network functions to allow the user plane communication between the device and the application to be established. Such local connectivity may be advantageous in terms of performance and address privacy and control concerns, which may otherwise occur if the application data traffic between the device and the application is routed via a core network of the telecommunications network.