NAS over Ethernet Convergence Sublayer for 5G Control Plane
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Solution Overview
Problem
5G networks require an access agnostic core to support multiple radio technologies and service types, but existing solutions face challenges in decoupling the Non-Access Stratum (NAS) protocol from underlying radio protocols, particularly in setting up IP connectivity for control plane messaging.
Innovation Solution
Introducing NAS over Ethernet (NASoETH) as a transport method, using an Ethernet convergence sublayer to encapsulate protocol data units and enable NAS messaging independence from radio access technologies, allowing NAS to run over any supported radio access technology, including 5G and Wi-Fi.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If NAS protocol is tightly coupled with radio access protocols, then control plane messaging is reliable for specific radio technologies, but adaptability to multiple radio technologies is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an Ethernet convergence sublayer as an intermediary between the NAS protocol and radio access protocols. This sublayer acts as a mediator that translates and encapsulates NAS protocol data units into Ethernet frames, enabling NAS to communicate over Ethernet without being directly coupled to specific radio access technologies. The convergence sublayer handles the protocol translation and formatting, allowing NAS to maintain reliability while achieving adaptability across different radio technologies (5G, Wi-Fi, etc.).
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the control plane protocol stack by introducing a separate Ethernet convergence sublayer between the NAS protocol and the radio access layer. This segmentation decouples the NAS protocol from radio access-specific protocols, allowing NAS to operate independently over Ethernet. The convergence sublayer is segmented as a distinct functional layer that handles Ethernet-specific operations, while NAS maintains its core functionality without radio technology dependencies.
2Adaptability or versatility
If IP connectivity is established before NAS messaging, then access agnostic control plane messaging is enabled, but setup complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by establishing IP connectivity through the Ethernet convergence sublayer before NAS messaging occurs. The convergence sublayer sets up the necessary IP connectivity infrastructure in advance, creating a ready-to-communicate pathway between the UE and network. This preliminary IP connectivity setup enables subsequent NAS messages to be transmitted without requiring complex, technology-specific connection establishment procedures, thereby reducing overall setup complexity while achieving access agnostic messaging.
3Adaptability or versatility
If NAS protocol is decoupled from radio access protocols, then flexibility across multiple access networks is improved, but protocol complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by designing the Ethernet convergence sublayer to serve multiple functions across different access networks. This sublayer can operate over various radio technologies (5G, Wi-Fi, LTE) and non-radio accesses, providing a universal interface for NAS protocol communication. The convergence sublayer handles Ethernet-specific operations universally, while NAS maintains its core functionality. This multi-functional design achieves flexibility across multiple access networks without requiring separate protocol implementations for each technology.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of control plane messaging between a user equipment and a network element in a core network in which Non-Access Stratum protocol layer messages are sent in a Non-Access Stratum protocol layer wherein an Ethernet convergence sub- layer is provided between the Non-Access Stratum protocol layer and a radio protocol layer. Systems, apparatuses, and computer program products for control plane messaging are also provided.