Midhaul Gateway Proxy for Private 5G Network Sharing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Providing reliable and cost-effective mobile network coverage inside large facilities is challenging due to signal degradation and the need for multiple network operators to install separate equipment, which is logistically and financially prohibitive.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a hybrid 5G network that shares private 5G network infrastructure via Midhaul-GW, utilizing modified F1-interface or integrated access backhaul technology to support both private and public network access while maintaining security, using F1-protection proxy or IAB-protection-proxy to facilitate connection and traffic management between mobile network operators and private 5G-RAN.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If each mobile network operator installs separate equipment inside a facility to provide coverage, then each operator can ensure network access for their users, but the cost and logistical complexity become prohibitive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork coverage reliabilityVSAvoidequipment deployment complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple MNO network access functions with private 5G network operations into a single shared radio access network infrastructure. The private 5G-RAN is configured to simultaneously support public MNO traffic from multiple operators while maintaining private network capabilities, eliminating the need for separate equipment installations for each MNO.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The private 5G-RAN infrastructure is designed with multi-functionality to serve multiple purposes: it provides private network access for facility occupants while simultaneously enabling public MNO network access for multiple different mobile operators. This universal infrastructure replaces the need for operator-specific equipment while maintaining reliable network coverage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate network equipments are operated to support both private 5G network and multiple MNO operations, then both private and public network access can be provided, but the cost and logistical complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork access versatilityVSAvoidnetwork equipment quantity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges private 5G network operations and multiple MNO public network operations into a single integrated radio access network. The shared infrastructure includes common radio units, distributed units, and core network elements that handle both private and public traffic, reducing the total equipment quantity while maintaining full versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The shared radio access network infrastructure is designed to be universal, supporting multiple network types (private 5G and public MNO networks from different operators) simultaneously. The system can dynamically allocate resources to serve different network functions, providing adaptability without requiring separate dedicated equipment for each network type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Device complexity

If a private 5G network shares infrastructure with multiple MNOs, then cost and complexity are reduced, but security requirements for both private and public networks must be maintained

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork infrastructure complexityVSAvoidnetwork security

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the shared radio access network into isolated logical domains using network slicing and virtualization technologies. Private 5G traffic and public MNO traffic are separated into different network slices with dedicated security policies, ensuring that security requirements for each network type are maintained independently while sharing the same physical infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces intermediary security elements including authentication servers, policy control functions, and security gateways that mediate between the shared infrastructure and different network types. These intermediaries enforce security policies, manage access control, and ensure that security requirements for both private and public networks are met without compromising the shared infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS20230379721A1Systems and methods for sharing private network via midhaul-GW interface to facilitate mobile network operator access

Publication Date: 2023.11.23 THE MITRE CORPORATION

AI summary

Described herein are systems and methods for implementing a hybrid 5G-RAN solution using one or more F1-GWs or IAB-GWs connecting to a F1-PP or IAB-PP of a Private 5G-RAN that can be configured to allow one or more mobile network operators and/or private network operators access to a shared radio access network. In one or more examples, the Private 5G-RAN can be shared via secure F1 or IAB protection-proxy connection to a MNO's F1 or IAB gateway at the mid-haul level of a 5G wireless network. In one or more examples, the F1 or IAB protection-proxy can be configured to receive network traffic from MNO's CU or IAB donor nodes associated with mobile network operator (MNO). The IAB protection-proxy can receive the traffic from the one or more MNO's IAB-gateway nodes, and can transmit the traffic to one or more distributed units based on the intended recipient of the traffic.