N3IWF VPN Bridging for Non-3GPP Network Slice Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

N3IWFs in 3GPP networks do not effectively support wireless network slices outside of the 3GPP network and are not efficiently deployed to support non-3GPP slices.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a Non-Third Generation Partnership Project Interworking Function (N3IWF) that establishes a Virtual Private Network (VPN) with a wireless communication device over a non-3GPP access node, exchanges network signaling with a 3GPP network for authorization, and facilitates user data exchange with a non-3GPP communication system.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If N3IWFs are deployed within 3GPP networks to support network slices, then support for 3GPP network slices is achieved, but support for non-3GPP network slices is ineffective

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupport for non-3GPP network slicesVSAvoidN3IWF deployment complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary component that bridges 3GPP and non-3GPP network slices. This intermediary enables the N3IWF to communicate with both 3GPP core network elements (AMF, SMF) and non-3GPP network slice instances, allowing seamless interoperability without requiring separate deployment architectures for different network types.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The N3IWF is enhanced to perform multiple functions: it acts as both a 3GPP network element (communicating with AMF/SMF via N2/N3 interfaces) and a non-3GPP network element (communicating with non-3GPP slice instances). This multi-functionality allows a single deployment to support both 3GPP and non-3GPP network slices effectively.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If N3IWFs are deployed outside 3GPP networks to support non-3GPP slices, then accessibility to non-3GPP slices is improved, but deployment efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess to non-3GPP network slicesVSAvoiddeployment efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The N3IWF is pre-configured with knowledge of both 3GPP network slice instances and non-3GPP network slice instances before deployment. This preliminary configuration includes pre-established signaling relationships and data paths, enabling rapid deployment without requiring complex post-deployment integration work.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the functionality of separate 3GPP and non-3GPP N3IWF deployments into a single unified N3IWF instance. This consolidation combines the 3GPP network interface functions and non-3GPP network interface functions into one deployment unit, improving deployment efficiency while maintaining full functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If traditional N3IWF architecture is used, then 3GPP network slice support is maintained, but non-3GPP network slice integration is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improve3GPP network slice supportVSAvoidnon-3GPP network slice integration

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The N3IWF architecture is segmented into distinct functional modules: a 3GPP network interface module (for reliable 3GPP slice support via N2/N3 interfaces), a non-3GPP network interface module (for non-3GPP slice integration), and a control module (for coordinating between them). This segmentation maintains reliability for 3GPP operations while enabling adaptability for non-3GPP integration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The N3IWF implements dynamic path selection and resource allocation based on the type of network slice being accessed. It can dynamically switch between 3GPP and non-3GPP data paths, adjust QoS parameters, and allocate resources appropriately based on real-time requirements, thereby maintaining reliability for 3GPP slices while providing adaptability for non-3GPP slices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS12501354B2Data communications over a wireless communication network slice

Publication Date: 2025.12.16 T MOBILE INNOVATIONS LLC

AI summary

A data communication system serves a wireless communication device over a Non Third Generation Partnership Project (non-3GPP) network slice. The data communication system receives a request for the non-3GPP slice from the wireless communication device over a non-3GPP access node. The data communication system exchanges network signaling with a 3GPP network. The data communication system receives an authorization from the 3GPP network for the wireless communication device to use the non-3GPP network slice. The data communication system establishes a Virtual Private Network (VPN) for the wireless communication device over the non-3GPP access node in response to the authorization from the 3GPP network. The data communication system exchanges user data with the wireless communication device over the VPN. The data communication system exchanges the user data with a non-3GPP communication system over the VPN or another VPN for the non-3GPP communication system.