Multi-TNL CU-DU Association for 5G Reliability and Service Flexibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing 5G CU-DU architecture faces challenges in network reliability and service requirements due to the establishment of a single TNL association between a CU and a DU, which cannot accommodate centralized CU deployment, varying service demands, and different latency requirements for diverse user equipment.
Innovation Solution
Establishing multiple TNL associations between a CU and a DU, allowing for flexible selection of CU devices with different TNL addresses based on service requirements, and managing these associations through various signaling methods to ensure robust connectivity and adaptability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single TNL association is established between a CU and a DU, then the device complexity is reduced and the ease of operation is improved, but the network reliability deteriorates because network breakdown risk increases when the CU is centrally deployed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the single TNL association into multiple TNL associations between the CU and DU. Each TNL association can be independently managed and controlled, allowing the system to divide the connection into multiple redundant paths. This segmentation enables selective activation and deactivation of associations based on service requirements and network conditions, thereby improving reliability without overwhelming complexity through structured management mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of TNL association from a single fixed connection to multiple configurable connections. By allowing dynamic adjustment of the number of TNL associations and their respective configurations, the system can adapt to different deployment scenarios and service requirements. This parameter flexibility enables the network to optimize between reliability and complexity based on actual needs.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a single TNL association is established between a CU and a DU, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability deteriorates because different service requirements with varying latency demands cannot be accommodated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the TNL association mechanism universal by designing it to serve multiple functions and different service types through a unified framework. The same multi-association mechanism can accommodate various service requirements (eMBB, URLLC, etc.) with different latency and reliability demands, eliminating the need for separate mechanisms for each service type. This multi-functionality achieves adaptability without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic characteristics to the TNL association management, allowing associations to be flexibly created, modified, and deactivated based on real-time service requirements and network conditions. This dynamic approach enables the system to adapt to changing demands while maintaining manageable complexity through automated control mechanisms.
3Productivity
If centralized CUs are deployed in a core convergence room with cloud platform virtualization, then the productivity and resource utilization are improved, but the network reliability deteriorates due to higher risk of network breakdown
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements beforehand cushioning by pre-establishing multiple TNL associations and defining failover mechanisms before network breakdown occurs. When the CU is centrally deployed in a cloud environment, these pre-configured redundant associations act as a cushion against potential single points of failure. The system can switch to backup associations proactively or reactively, cushioning the impact of network failures and maintaining service continuity despite centralized deployment risks.
4Adaptability or versatility
If one TNL association is established between a CU and a DU, then the ease of operation is improved, but the adaptability deteriorates because CU instances with different IP addresses cannot be flexibly selected for different services
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the CU-DU connection into multiple TNL associations, each potentially targeting different CU instances with different IP addresses. This segmentation allows the network to route different services through different CU instances based on their specific requirements. The association management system segments the control logic to handle multiple associations independently, making the complexity manageable through structured approaches.
Data Source
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AI summary
An association handling method and device are provided. The method includes: determining one or more TNL addresses of a CU; and establishing multiple TNL associations between a DU and the CU according to the one or more TNL addresses.