NWt Protocol for 5G Non-3GPP Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

In 5G networks, establishing network connections via a trusted non-3GPP access network poses challenges due to the need for secure and efficient encapsulation protocols to facilitate communication between remote units and mobile communication networks, particularly in ensuring secure data transmission and registration procedures.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of the NWt protocol for encapsulating NAS messages and PDU session data, which establishes a layer-2 connection using VLAN IDs for control plane and user plane connections, eliminating the need for layer-3 connectivity and security associations, thereby ensuring secure and efficient data transmission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If traditional layer-3 encapsulation protocols are used for non-3GPP access, then compatibility with existing networks is maintained, but network connection efficiency and security are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork connection efficiencyVSAvoidencapsulation protocol complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional layer-3 IP-based encapsulation mechanisms with a layer-2 based NWt protocol that uses VLAN tags for encapsulation. This substitution eliminates the need for complex IP tunneling and routing mechanisms, thereby improving connection efficiency while reducing protocol implementation complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the encapsulation parameter from IP-level (layer-3) to data link level (layer-2) by introducing VLAN-based tagging in the NWt protocol. This parameter change enables more efficient frame handling and eliminates the need for complex IP header manipulation, directly improving productivity and reducing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Loss of time

If layer-3 encapsulation is used for control plane and user plane connections, then routing flexibility is maintained, but connection setup time and processing overhead increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection setup timeVSAvoidconnection establishment simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the connection establishment process into distinct control plane and user plane components, each handled by the NWt protocol with dedicated VLAN tagging. This segmentation allows independent optimization of signaling and data paths, reducing overall connection setup time and simplifying the operational procedures for network entities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The NWt protocol performs preliminary VLAN tag insertion and encapsulation at the data link layer before IP routing is required. This preliminary action eliminates the need for subsequent layer-3 routing processing, thereby reducing connection setup time and simplifying the overall connection establishment operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If secure encapsulation protocols are implemented for non-3GPP access, then data transmission security is improved, but protocol implementation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transmission securityVSAvoidprotocol implementation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces VLAN tags as an intermediary mechanism that provides security encapsulation at the data link layer. This intermediary approach simplifies security implementation compared to full layer-3 protocols, as the VLAN tags provide a straightforward way to authenticate and encrypt data frames without requiring complex IP security protocols or additional routing security mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Adaptability or versatility

If multiple encapsulation protocols are supported for different access types, then network adaptability is improved, but message processing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess network compatibilityVSAvoidmessage processing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The NWt protocol is designed as a universal encapsulation mechanism that handles both control plane and user plane messages, as well as different access types (3GPP and non-3GPP), through a single unified approach. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate processing logic for different access types, thereby maintaining network adaptability while reducing message processing complexity through standardized VLAN-based handling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12082274B2Accessing a 5G network via a non-3GPP access network

Publication Date: 2024.09.03 LENOVO (SINGAPORE) PTE LTD

AI summary

For establishing network connections via a trusted gateway function, a method includes relaying a first set of messages of a first type between a remote unit and a mobile communication network via a non-3GPP access network, sending a connection setup request to the remote unit via the non-3GPP access network, and relaying subsequent messages of the first type between the remote unit and the mobile communication network via the non-3GPP access, where the first set of messages are encapsulated with a first encapsulation protocol and where the first set of messages initiate a registration procedure to the mobile communication network, where the connection request setup contains information for activating a second encapsulation protocol, where the subsequent messages are encapsulated with the second encapsulation protocol, and where the subsequent messages complete the registration procedure.