Non-3GPP Access Node Signaling via 3GPP Protocol Embedding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Non-3GPP access nodes lack effective RRC links and N1 links to user devices, resulting in inefficient signaling and throttling during network overloads.
Innovation Solution
Establishing a signaling link using 3GPP signaling between non-3GPP access nodes and user equipment (UE) through an Interworking Function (IWF) and Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF), enabling effective communication and overload management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If non-3GPP access nodes use Y1 links to communicate with user devices, then basic data exchange is possible, but effective signaling link functionality is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary signaling mechanism where the non-3GPP access node embeds 3GPP signaling messages within data packets transmitted over the Y1 link. The UE extracts and processes these embedded signaling messages, enabling full 3GPP signaling functionality without requiring a separate dedicated signaling link or increasing protocol complexity at the access node
Solution Approach 2:
The Y1 link is enhanced to serve dual purposes: carrying both user data and 3GPP signaling messages. This multi-functional approach allows the same physical link to support both data exchange and control plane functions, eliminating the need for separate signaling infrastructure
2Reliability
If non-3GPP access nodes throttle user access during overloads, then network overload is managed, but access efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the AMF provides overload information to the non-3GPP access node via embedded signaling messages. The access node uses this feedback to dynamically adjust access throttling decisions, ensuring that throttling is applied only when necessary and at the appropriate level, thereby maintaining access efficiency while managing network overload
Solution Approach 2:
The access throttling mechanism is made dynamic rather than static. The access node continuously monitors network conditions and adjusts throttling parameters in real-time based on feedback from the AMF, allowing the system to adapt to changing load conditions and maintain optimal access efficiency
3Reliability
If dual N1 links are established to user devices, then redundant connectivity is achieved, but signaling link effectiveness is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the signaling paths homogeneous by embedding identical 3GPP signaling messages in both the direct N1 link and the indirect link through the non-3GPP access node. This ensures that both redundant paths carry equivalent signaling information, maintaining signaling effectiveness while providing connectivity redundancy
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless communication system transfers signaling messages between a wireless access node and a wireless user device. The wireless access node and the wireless user device wirelessly exchange user data with one another. The wireless communication system establishes a node signaling link with the wireless access node. The wireless communication system establishes a user signaling link with the wireless user device. The wireless communication system receives a signaling message from the wireless access node over the node signaling link and transfers the signaling message to the wireless user device over the user signaling link. The wireless communication system receives another signaling message from the wireless user device over the user signaling link and transfers the other signaling message to the wireless access node over the node signaling link.