On-Premises Router VRF Overlay for Multi-Protocol 5G Cloud Functions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing telecommunication networks face challenges in efficiently routing network traffic between on-premises routers and cloud service provider environments, particularly in handling multiple virtual routing and forwarding protocols in a 5G NR cellular telecommunication network radio access network.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a cloud-native, autonomous 5G network architecture that utilizes a hybrid underlay and overlay network structure, leveraging AWS cloud infrastructure, with virtual routers and encapsulation tunnels to manage traffic between on-premises and cloud-based network functions, ensuring high availability and geo-redundancy through automated infrastructure as code deployment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional routing protocols are used between on-premises routers and cloud service provider environments, then basic connectivity is maintained, but handling multiple virtual routing and forwarding protocols becomes inefficient and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces virtual routers as intermediary devices between on-premises routers and cloud service provider network functions. These virtual routers run virtual routing protocol instances that act as mediators, translating and managing multiple VRF protocols (such as VRF-lite, MPLS VRF, and VXLAN VRF) without requiring the physical router to handle all protocol complexities directly. This intermediary layer simplifies the routing complexity while maintaining adaptability to multiple VRF protocols.
2Adaptability or versatility
If network traffic is routed between on-premises routers and cloud-based network functions, then service flexibility is improved, but routing efficiency and latency optimization become challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network into distinct virtual routing instances, each handling specific VRF protocols and traffic types. By dividing the routing function into multiple specialized virtual router instances rather than a single monolithic routing system, the network achieves both service flexibility through multi-protocol support and routing efficiency through dedicated optimized paths for different traffic types.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple virtual routing instances are configured on router devices, then protocol versatility is enhanced, but configuration and management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements virtual router instances as virtualized copies of routing functionality rather than requiring physical hardware copies. Each virtual routing instance can be configured and managed as a software entity, allowing protocol versatility through multiple VRF instances while simplifying operations through centralized virtualization management, automated configuration templates, and consistent interface patterns across instances.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments are directed towards systems and methods for routing network traffic in a fifth-generation New Radio (5G NR) cellular telecommunication network radio access network (RAN) to network functions provided in a cloud service provider environment. One such method includes: configuring first virtual routing and forwarding (VRF) instances on a first router device using information that identifies the network functions and information that identifies Internet Protocol (IP) subnets; configuring second VRF instances on a second router device using information that identifies the network functions and information that identifies the subnets; controlling a first virtual private cloud (VPC) in the cloud service provider environment, the first VPC performing a first network function; and transmitting a first network packet to the first VPC using a first one of the first VRF instances and a first one of the second VRF instances.