Non-Access Stratum Messaging Over Ethernet Fixed Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fixed access networks based on Ethernet connectivity do not support the radio resource control (RRC) protocol, preventing the transport of NAS messages between user equipment and the 5G core network, which is essential for mobility management and session maintenance.
Innovation Solution
Implementing an additional protocol layer, NAS over Ethernet (NASoE), to encapsulate NAS messages for transmission over Ethernet-based fixed access networks, using control plane information to identify entities in the 5G core network and establish point-to-point control plane sessions between user equipment and an interworking function.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If Ethernet-based fixed access networks are used, then data transmission capability is improved, but NAS message transport capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary function (N3IWF - Non-3GPP Interworking Function) that bridges Ethernet-based fixed access networks and the 5G core network. This intermediary translates and adapts protocols between the two systems, enabling NAS messages to be transported over Ethernet networks that originally do not support them, thus resolving the contradiction between improved data transmission and maintained message transport capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the protocol parameters and message formats to enable NAS message transport over Ethernet. By adapting the message structure and transport mechanism to fit Ethernet characteristics while maintaining core functionality, the system achieves both high-speed Ethernet transmission and reliable NAS message delivery
2Reliability
If RRC protocol is used for NAS message transport, then mobility management is improved, but Ethernet network compatibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the protocol stack into distinct layers, separating the mobility management functions (handled by NAS protocol) from the transport functions (handled by Ethernet). This segmentation allows each layer to operate independently with its own optimized protocol, enabling mobility management to remain intact while adapting to Ethernet network characteristics
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a radio-access-specific protocol dimension (RRC) to a more general network dimension (Ethernet with N3IWF). By adding this new dimensional approach, the system maintains mobility management capabilities while gaining Ethernet network compatibility, effectively operating in multiple protocol dimensions simultaneously
Data Source
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AI summary
User equipment appends a header to a non-access stratum (NAS) message to form an encapsulated NAS message. The header is formed according to a wireline access network protocol. The user equipment transmits the encapsulated NAS message over a wireline connection between the user equipment and an interworking function of a core network. The interworking function receives the encapsulated NAS message over the wired connection and forwards the NAS message to a core network entity selected based on addressing information included in the header. A point-to-point control plane session can be established between the user equipment and the interworking function in response to a session request transmitted by the user equipment. The point-to-point control plane session can be used to convey encapsulated NAS messages, which can be used to request establishment of an NAS session for a user plane connection to the core network.