Radio Access Network Resource Sharing in Multi-Operator Core Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile communications systems are complex and costly to implement due to the need for extensive base station and control functionality distribution, leading to high expenses in installation and maintenance, particularly in providing and maintaining radio access networks.
Innovation Solution
A method for handling service requests in a multi-operator core network (MOCN) configuration, where a radio access network communicates with mobile terminals to select the appropriate core network based on identity information, enabling efficient sharing of radio access resources among multiple core networks without the need for a shared gateway core network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a single radio access network is shared by multiple network operators, then costs for installation and maintenance are reduced, but network complexity and resource management difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the radio access network into virtualized network slices, where each slice can be independently managed and allocated to different network operators. This allows cost-sharing infrastructure to be divided into manageable segments with dedicated resource pools, reducing the complexity burden while maintaining economic benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a centralized resource management entity that acts as an intermediary between multiple network operators and the shared radio access network. This mediator coordinates resource allocation, handles authentication, and manages connectivity requests, thereby containing network complexity in a single control point rather than distributing it across all network elements.
2Productivity
If radio access network elements are shared among multiple operators, then resource utilization improves, but service management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal resource management platform that serves multiple network operators through a single system. This platform provides multi-functional capabilities including authentication, authorization, resource allocation, and service management, allowing one system to perform multiple roles and thereby improving resource utilization without proportionally increasing management complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter-based resource allocation where network resources are dynamically assigned based on configurable parameters such as operator priority, service type, and network conditions. By changing management parameters rather than reconfiguring the entire system, the patent achieves flexible resource utilization while keeping service management complexity manageable through parameter adjustment.
3Adaptability or versatility
If core networks remain separate while sharing radio access network, then operator independence is maintained, but connectivity management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the connectivity management function from individual operator core networks and consolidates it into the shared radio access network's resource management entity. This extraction allows operator core networks to remain independent and simple while the shared entity handles all cross-operator connectivity matters, thereby maintaining operator independence without distributing connectivity management complexity across multiple systems.
Data Source
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Figure 3
AI summary
A method of handling a service request in a communication system comprising a radio access network providing radio access capability to a plurality of core networks, the method comprising: a BSC in the radio access network receiving a service request from a mobile terminal; the BSC making a first core network selection; the BSC sending the service request received to a first MSC; the MSC communicating with the mobile terminal in handling the service request; the MSC sending an IMSI of the mobile terminal to the BSC; in the event that the core network selected as a result of the first core network selection does not provide service, the radio access network making a second core network selection; and the BSC sending the service request and the IMSI to the core network selected as a result of the second core network selection.