Radio Access Node Packet Encapsulation Using Configuration Information
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current packet-based data communication systems lack the capability for protocol-independent encapsulation and decapsulation, requiring extensive reconfiguration and standardization changes to support new packet protocols.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for encapsulating and decapsulating data packets at a radio access node, using configuration information to perform operations independently of the protocols used in formatting the packets, allowing for protocol-independent packet handling and flexible support of multiple service function chaining implementations without extensive standardization changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If protocol-dependent packet handling is used, then packet processing accuracy is improved, but system adaptability to new protocols deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces configuration information as an intermediary layer between the packet data and the processing logic. This configuration information acts as a mediator that translates protocol-specific packet formats into universal processing operations, allowing the system to handle different protocols without changing the core processing architecture. The configuration controller generates and transmits this intermediary configuration data to radio access nodes, enabling them to process packets from various protocols using the same underlying mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameters of packet handling by using configurable offset and length parameters instead of hard-coded protocol interpretations. By adjusting these parameters through configuration information, the system can adapt to different packet formats and protocols. This parameter-based approach allows the same processing logic to work with multiple protocols by simply changing the extraction and manipulation parameters rather than rewriting the processing code.
2Adaptability or versatility
If protocol-independent packet handling is implemented, then system adaptability is improved, but packet processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the packet handling function into distinct components: a configuration controller that generates protocol-independent configuration information, and radio access nodes that execute the processing operations. This segmentation separates the complexity of protocol understanding from the execution side. The configuration controller handles the protocol-specific details and generates standardized configuration data, while the radio access nodes perform simple, standardized processing operations based on this configuration, reducing their individual complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses configuration information as a template or copy that contains all the necessary protocol-specific details. Instead of each radio access node needing to understand and store multiple protocol implementations, the system creates a single copy of the configuration information that encapsulates the protocol specifics. This copied configuration data is then transmitted to the radio access nodes, which simply follow the instructions in the copy without needing to understand the underlying protocols themselves.
3Adaptability or versatility
If extensive standardization changes are made to support new protocols, then protocol compatibility is improved, but implementation cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic configuration information that can be generated and transmitted as needed, rather than requiring static, pre-built protocol support in the network infrastructure. The configuration controller dynamically creates protocol-independent configuration data tailored to specific packet formats, and this dynamic configuration is transmitted to the appropriate radio access nodes. This dynamic approach allows the system to adapt to new protocols without requiring extensive pre-standardization changes to the network hardware or software architecture.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for handling a packet. The packet handling may include receiving the packet, associating the packet with configuration information, and performing packet handling operations on the packet according to packet handling instructions defined by the configuration information. A method and apparatus for encapsulating packets, decapsulating packets, or both, at a radio access node. The encapsulation and/or decapsulation operations are performed based on updateable configuration information specifying the operations to be performed without having to process the packet using the protocol with which it has been encoded.