Logical TSN Bridge Session Management in 5G Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current communication systems face challenges in managing and reporting MAC addresses of 5G logical bridges, allocating 5G logical bridge port numbers, maintaining and distributing bridge information, and enhancing PDU Session Establishment procedures for Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN) requirements in 5G networks.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves a method for a session management node to receive requests for establishing PDU sessions associated with logical TSN bridges, obtaining port numbers and configuration information, and maintaining mappings between TSN and mobile network parameters, enabling enhanced PDU session establishment procedures. This includes determining and sending port numbers, bridge IDs, and configuration information between session management and user plane nodes, as well as managing port MAC addresses within the 5G logical bridge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If PDU session establishment procedures are enhanced for TSN requirements, then TSN adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the session management functionality by introducing dedicated information elements for TSN bridge parameters (bridge ID, port numbers, MAC addresses) that can be independently managed and transmitted. This allows TSN-specific configuration to be handled as a separate module within the overall PDU session establishment procedure, reducing the complexity burden on the core session management logic while improving TSN adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary information elements and mapping mechanisms that act as mediators between the mobile network session management and TSN bridge configuration. These intermediaries (such as Bridge Configuration objects and parameter mapping tables) translate between different protocol domains, enabling TSN integration without requiring complex modifications to the core session management architecture.
2Adaptability or versatility
If bridge information management is improved, then TSN system integration is enhanced, but information distribution complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates universal Bridge Configuration objects that can serve multiple functions: they contain bridge identification information, port mappings, and MAC address associations that can be used across different TSN applications and network configurations. This multi-functional data structure enables improved TSN system integration without requiring separate information distribution mechanisms for each type of bridge parameter.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements copying mechanisms where bridge configuration information is replicated and distributed to multiple network entities (session management nodes, user plane nodes, TSN bridges) in standardized formats. This allows consistent bridge information to be available across the system without requiring complex real-time synchronization, as each entity receives and maintains its own copy of the relevant configuration data.
3Productivity
If port number allocation is automated, then session establishment efficiency is improved, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables self-service port number allocation where the session management node automatically assigns port numbers to TSN bridge interfaces based on pre-configured mapping rules and available resource information. The system maintains local tables that map port numbers to MAC addresses and bridge identifiers, allowing automated allocation without requiring manual configuration or complex coordination with external entities, thus improving session establishment efficiency while keeping control complexity manageable.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatuses for logical time sensitive network (TSN) bridge are disclosed. According to an embodiment, a session management node receives, from a mobility management node in a mobile network, a first request for establishing a protocol data unit (PDU) session for a terminal device which is associated with a port of a logical TSN bridge. The session management node obtains a first port number of the logical TSN bridge at the side of the terminal device. The session management node obtains configuration information of the logical TSN bridge at a side of a user plane node corresponding to the PDU session.