Network Sharing Proxy for Multi-Operator Small Cell Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The high cost and complexity of deploying multiple small base stations by network operators in limited spaces to improve indoor network coverage and transmission rates, especially in areas like public transportation and offices, necessitate a method for network sharing among multiple operators.
Innovation Solution
A network sharing management proxy device is positioned between access points and core networks, receiving and processing control messages to determine the corresponding network operator for user equipment, generating tunneling information, and transmitting messages to the appropriate core network, thereby facilitating network sharing and resource allocation among multiple operators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple network operators deploy their own small base stations in limited indoor spaces, then each operator can provide network coverage to its users, but the deployment cost and installation difficulty significantly increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple network operators share a single small base station infrastructure through a network sharing management proxy device that routes control messages and user data to respective core networks, eliminating the need for each operator to deploy separate physical base stations in limited indoor spaces
Solution Approach 2:
The network sharing management proxy device enables a single small base station to serve multiple network operators simultaneously by implementing multi-operator support and intelligent message routing to different core networks, making the infrastructure universally applicable to various operators
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple network operators deploy separate small base stations, then each operator maintains independent network control, but the deployment cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The network sharing management proxy device acts as an intermediary between the shared small base station and multiple operator core networks, enabling independent network control for each operator while sharing the expensive physical infrastructure, thus reducing deployment costs without sacrificing operator autonomy
3Device complexity
If a sharing access point allows multiple network operators' end users to access, then infrastructure sharing is achieved, but message routing to different core networks becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The network sharing management proxy device serves as an intermediary that simplifies message routing by intercepting control messages from the shared access point, identifying the target operator through tunneling information, and automatically routing messages to the appropriate core network, thereby reducing operational complexity despite multi-operator support
Data Source
AI summary
A method for network sharing of multiple network operators includes steps of: providing a network sharing management proxy device adapted to be disposed between a sharing access point (AP) and a plurality of core networks of the network operators, wherein the sharing AP allows one or more end user equipment (UE) of the network operators to access; receiving a control message by the network sharing management proxy device, wherein the control message is corresponding to an UE, and the UE is an end UE of a first network operator of the network operators; checking the control message to determine that the UE is corresponding to which one of the network operators, and generating tunneling information accordingly; and transmitting the control message to a first core network of the first network operator according to the tunneling information.