Network Slice VPN Bridging for Non-3GPP Enterprise 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
A method is implemented to authorize user communication devices to communicate with enterprises via a 3GPP network, establishing user and enterprise Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) to facilitate data exchange over non-3GPP networks, and associate User Equipment (UEs) with network slices, transferring context for communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If N3IWFs are deployed within the 3GPP network to provide secure IPsec tunnels and enforce QoS policies, then data security and network control are improved, but the ability to support network slices outside the 3GPP network is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary component that bridges the 3GPP network and non-3GPP network slices. This intermediary enables N3IWF functionality to operate outside the traditional 3GPP boundary while maintaining security policies and QoS enforcement. The intermediary acts as a mediator that translates and enforces 3GPP network policies in the non-3GPP domain, allowing network slices to be supported externally while preserving data security through inherited policy control.
2Adaptability or versatility
If N3IWFs are deployed outside the 3GPP network to support non-3GPP slices, then adaptability and network flexibility are improved, but deployment efficiency and proper support for slices are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal N3IWF deployment model that can function both within and outside the 3GPP network. The solution provides multi-functionality by enabling the same N3IWF architecture to support traditional 3GPP connections and external non-3GPP network slices simultaneously. This universal approach maintains deployment efficiency by using standardized procedures and inherited policy control, while achieving network flexibility through external slice support.
3Productivity
If N3IWFs enforce QoS and network policies over 3GPP N3 links, then network control and service quality are improved, but the ability to properly support non-3GPP slices is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring policy control mechanisms and QoS enforcement rules before N3IWF deployment in non-3GPP environments. The solution inherits policy control frameworks from the 3GPP network and pre-establishes the necessary control planes and user plane functions. This preliminary setup ensures that service quality and network control are maintained from the outset, while enabling proper support for non-3GPP slices through advance policy configuration.
Data Source
AI summary
Via a Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) communication network, a communication system authorizes a user communication device to communicate with an enterprise. The communication system establishes a user Virtual Private Network (VPN) between the user communication device and a non-3GPP network element. The communication system establishes an enterprise VPN between the non-3GPP network element and the enterprise. The communication system exchanges user data between the user communication device and the enterprise over the user VPN, the non-3GPP network element, and the enterprise VPN.