Multicast User Plane Tunnel Merging for 5G Resource Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems face inefficiencies in resource utilization and service continuity for multicast services in shared access networks, particularly in 5G and beyond networks, where different operators may transmit the same multimedia broadcast service using different temporary terminal group IDs, leading to redundant resource allocation and reduced network efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The proposed method dynamically establishes a multicast transmission user plane by determining whether to establish F1 tunnels and user planes between network nodes, allowing for shared resource allocation and error detection through GTP-U mechanisms, thereby optimizing resource usage and ensuring service continuity by reusing existing tunnels and configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate user planes are established for each operator's multicast service in shared access networks, then service continuity and reliability are improved, but resource utilization deteriorates due to redundant allocation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges user planes from different operators that transmit the same multicast service into a single shared user plane. When the network node detects that multiple operators are transmitting identical service content, it consolidates their user planes, allowing multiple operators to share the same physical resources while maintaining service continuity and reliability for all of them.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal user plane that can serve multiple operators simultaneously for the same multicast service. Instead of dedicated separate planes, a single user plane is designed to handle traffic from multiple operators, making the resource multi-functional and eliminating redundancy while preserving service reliability.
2Quantity of substance
If dynamic user plane establishment is implemented, then resource utilization improves through sharing, but system complexity increases due to tunnel management
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service mechanisms where the network node automatically detects when multiple operators are transmitting the same service and autonomously performs user plane merging. The system monitors service identifiers, compares content, and dynamically establishes or consolidates tunnels without manual intervention, reducing the perceived complexity while maintaining high resource utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary detection of service identity and operator information before establishing user planes. By pre-identifying when services are duplicates across operators, the system can proactively configure shared tunnels, avoiding the need for complex real-time decision-making and simplifying the overall management process.
3Productivity
If redundant user planes are eliminated, then network efficiency improves, but service reliability may deteriorate due to shared resource dependencies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the state of the user plane from operator-specific to shared-multiple-operator by modifying the parameters that define user plane isolation. Instead of maintaining separate planes with different parameters for each operator, the system adjusts parameters to allow multiple operators to share the same plane while maintaining their service reliability through proper identification and management of service flows.
Data Source
AI summary
A method performed by a first network node in a wireless communication system is provided. The method includes determining whether to establish an F1 tunnel with a third node, transmitting, to a second node, a first message including a first indication, wherein the first indication indicates that a user plane between the third node and the first node has not been established, and transmitting, to the third node, a second message including a second indication, wherein the second indication indicates that the user plane between the third node and the first node has not been established.