Private Network Mesh Routing Across Licensed and Unlicensed Bands
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional private networks, such as Enterprise 5G networks, require significant bandwidth for control channels, which reduces network throughput.
Innovation Solution
A group of access point devices communicate using 5G and Wi-Fi technologies to form a self-optimizing mesh network with licensed and unlicensed frequency bands, utilizing licensed spectrum for control information and creating a mesh topology to maintain accessibility, and employing an embedded SIM card for user equipment devices to enable roaming.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional private networks use significant bandwidth for control channels, then network reliability and control functionality are improved, but network throughput is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network into a control plane and user plane by separating control channel communications (using licensed spectrum) from user data traffic (using unlicensed spectrum). This segmentation allows control functions to maintain reliability while user data can utilize the full bandwidth of unlicensed channels, resolving the throughput-reliability tradeoff.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where access points use licensed spectrum channels for control information exchange and mesh topology maintenance, while user equipment communicates through unlicensed spectrum channels. This intermediary separation allows the system to achieve both control reliability and data throughput without mutual interference.
2Adaptability or versatility
If access point devices use multiple frequency bands for communication, then network adaptability and accessibility are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-functionality in access point devices by enabling them to operate on multiple frequency bands (licensed and unlicensed) simultaneously. Each access point can function as both a control node (using licensed spectrum) and a data relay node (using unlicensed spectrum), providing universal adaptability across different network conditions without requiring separate dedicated devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic frequency band selection where access points can flexibly switch between licensed and unlicensed spectrum based on real-time network conditions. This dynamic adaptability allows the mesh network to optimize performance by selecting the most appropriate frequency band for each communication task, improving overall network versatility.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a method performed by a first Access Point (AP) device of a private network that communicates with a fifth-generation New Radio (5G NR) cellular telecommunication radio access network (RAN). The method includes transmitting one or more first messages using a first licensed frequency band; receiving one or more second messages using the first licensed frequency band; receiving data for a user equipment device; determining a second AP device of the private network to which the data for the user equipment device is to be transmitted based on the one or more second messages; and transmitting the data for the user equipment device to the second AP device of the private network using a second licensed frequency band or an unlicensed frequency band.