Peer-to-Peer Mesh Connectivity for Hierarchical 5G DU Nodes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 5G wireless communication systems with hierarchical network architecture do not support mesh connectivity between peer Distributed Unit (DU) nodes, limiting direct communication and coordination between network nodes, which can lead to inefficiencies in data exchange and increased latency, especially in dynamic or mobile network scenarios.
Innovation Solution
Establishing a peer-to-peer mesh connectivity between DU nodes using a logical DU-to-DU interface, allowing direct exchange of control and user plane data without relying on the donor node, and enabling distributed mesh-based routing to facilitate efficient data transmission across the network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If hierarchical network architecture is used, then network organization and control is simplified, but mesh connectivity between peer DU nodes is not supported
Solution Approach 1:
The network interface is segmented into control plane and user plane, allowing independent establishment of mesh connectivity in the user plane while maintaining hierarchical control in the control plane. This enables DU nodes to communicate directly for data transmission while still being managed by the donor node.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a logical DU-to-DU interface as an intermediary mechanism that enables direct peer-to-peer communication between DU nodes. This interface acts as a mediator that facilitates mesh connectivity without disrupting the existing hierarchical control structure.
2Loss of time
If direct peer-to-peer connection between DU nodes is established, then communication latency is reduced, but network architecture complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic mesh connectivity that can be established or torn down based on network conditions and traffic requirements. The direct peer-to-peer connections are dynamically created when needed for low-latency communication, allowing the network to adapt its topology rather than maintaining fixed complex structures.
Solution Approach 2:
Mesh connectivity is implemented locally between specific DU nodes that require direct communication, rather than globally across the entire network. This allows direct peer-to-peer connections to be established only where needed, reducing overall network complexity while still providing latency benefits for specific node pairs.
3Productivity
If mesh connectivity is implemented, then data exchange efficiency is improved, but control and coordination overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the mesh connectivity functionality from the control plane and places it in the user plane. This separation allows data exchange to occur efficiently through direct DU-to-DU connections in the user plane, while control signaling remains managed through the hierarchical control plane, minimizing control overhead.
Solution Approach 2:
By segmenting the network protocols into control plane and user plane components, the patent enables efficient data exchange in the user plane without requiring proportional increases in control plane signaling. The control plane maintains minimal oversight while the user plane handles high-speed data transmission directly between DU nodes.
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments disclosed herein provide for facilitating creating a mesh connectivity between network nodes in a hierarchical network. According an embodiment, a method comprising receiving a first condition, wherein the first condition indicates whether to setup a mesh connection with a first distributed unit node of a first node device. The method further comprising, in response to determining that the first condition indicates establishment of the mesh connection, facilitating establishing a peer-to-peer connection directly with the first distributed unit node of the first node device and a second distributed unit node of a second node device, wherein the first distributed unit node comprises wireless communication technologies and the second distributed unit node comprises wireless communication technologies. The method further comprising facilitating transmission of a control message or a user plane message in order to exchange connection information between the first distributed unit node and the second distributed unit node.