Node-Level Tunneling for 5G Data Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication networks, particularly in 5G systems, face inefficiencies in data transmission due to the limitations of per node-level tunneling protocols, which lack flexibility in accommodating diverse devices and services, and require improvements in session management and traffic handling.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a method and apparatus that facilitates customized service processing by encapsulating packets and transmitting them through virtual network tunnels, allowing for different types of tunnels to support various data flows, services, or user groups, with customizable encapsulation headers and the use of protocols like GTP-U, enabling efficient data transmission and simplified signaling procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If per node-level tunneling protocols are used in current wireless communication networks, then data transmission can be maintained through established protocols like GTP-U, but flexibility in accommodating diverse devices and services is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the tunneling protocol into modular components: a fixed header portion containing standard GTP-U fields and a flexible extension header portion that can be customized for different services and devices. This segmentation allows the protocol to maintain backward compatibility while accommodating diverse requirements through optional extension fields.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic tunneling capabilities where tunnel parameters, including encapsulation headers and QoS policies, can be dynamically adjusted based on service requirements, device type, and network conditions. This enables the same protocol framework to adapt to varying demands without requiring separate protocol definitions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple tunnels are specified between virtual network endpoints to customize services, then service flexibility increases, but signaling overhead and processing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple service-specific tunneling requirements into a unified tunneling framework using a common GTP-U protocol structure with service-differentiating extension headers. This consolidation reduces the number of separate protocol implementations needed while maintaining service customization capabilities through header field variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes tunnel parameters and service policies in advance during network setup and session establishment, allowing subsequent data transmissions to proceed with minimal signaling. Pre-configured tunnel endpoint identifiers (TEIDs) and QoS parameters enable rapid service deployment without repeated negotiation overhead.
3Productivity
If GTP-U protocol with TEID-based tunneling is used, then user traffic can be transmitted across tunnels, but efficiency is reduced when accommodating increasing number of devices and services
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality differentiation by incorporating service-specific parameters and QoS policies directly into the packet headers at the point where they are needed. Different service types (e.g., voice, video, IoT) receive customized header treatments and processing rules tailored to their specific requirements, enabling efficient handling of diverse traffic types within a unified protocol framework.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method and apparatus for connecting a user equipment (UE) to a wireless communication network such as a 5th generation network. The network supports node-level tunnelling. Node-level tunnels can be pre-configured prior to receipt of UE attach requests. The tunnels can be shared by plural UEs, flows, or services. A policy function is connected to a network management function and performs tasks such as applying constraints to the node-level tunnels. A session management function pre-establishes node-level tunnels based on policy information from the policy function. Operations of network elements such as the access network node and user plane function to handle UE attachment, session establishment, and handling of mobile-originated and mobile-terminated traffic are described. Also described is a method and apparatus for packet transmission in which packets are processed according to an identified tunnel type. The tunnel type can be identified using a field in the tunnel encapsulation header.