RAN Aggregation via Unified gNB-CU Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional 3GPP 5G networks lack mechanisms for unified control and management of multiple Radio Access Technologies (RATs) at the Radio Access Network (RAN) level, preventing multi-connectivity between 5G NR and WLAN, and requiring signaling through the core network for handovers.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system where a Centralized Unit (gNB-CU) controls multiple Distributed Units (DUs) of different RATs, enabling uniform radio resource management and multi-connectivity without core network signaling, by aggregating 5G NR and WLAN at the RAN level, and using a unified interface to the 5G core network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple RATs are connected to a common core network without RAN-level aggregation, then network coverage and access options are improved, but signaling latency increases and control complexity is distributed inefficiently
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple RATs (5G NR and WLAN) under a single gNB-CU control entity, combining previously separate access networks into a unified RAN architecture. This allows the gNB-CU to manage multiple DUs of different RATs through a common control plane, reducing signaling latency by eliminating redundant core network interactions while maintaining comprehensive network coverage across heterogeneous access technologies.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate UE registration areas are maintained for different RATs, then RAT-specific optimization is improved, but signaling overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gNB-CU is designed as a universal control entity that can manage multiple DUs supporting different RATs simultaneously. A single UE registration area in the gNB-CU can encompass multiple RATs, allowing the system to maintain RAT-specific optimizations through individual DU configurations while reducing overall signaling overhead by eliminating the need for separate registration areas for each RAT.
3Adaptability or versatility
If WLAN AP connects to 5GC through N3IWF, then interworking functionality is improved, but device complexity and control fragmentation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the WLAN AP connection into the existing gNB-CU control structure, eliminating the need for separate N3IWF interworking functionality. The gNB-CU directly controls both 5G NR DUs and WLAN DUs through unified F1 interface protocols, consolidating control functions and reducing device complexity by removing redundant interworking entities while maintaining full interworking capabilities.
4Productivity
If gNB-CU controls multiple DUs of different RATs, then resource utilization and multi-connectivity are improved, but control complexity at gNB-CU increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments control functions by separating the gNB-CU (control plane) from multiple DUs (data plane) of different RATs. The gNB-CU maintains high-level control policies and resource allocation decisions, while individual DUs handle RAT-specific physical layer operations. This segmentation allows the gNB-CU to manage multiple RATs effectively without being overwhelmed by low-level control complexity, as each DU autonomously handles its specific RAT protocols.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for Radio Access Network (RAN) aggregation of multiple Radio Access Technologies (RATs). A method disclosed herein includes aggregating the RATs at a RAN level to provide at least one User Equipment (UE) with multi-connectivity. The method further includes enabling at least one Centralized unit (gNodeB-CU) within at least one RAN node to uniformly control Distributed Units (DUs) of different RATs (5G New Radio (NR) and Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) RATs). The method further includes enabling the at least one gNB-CU to control the at least one UE and allow the at least one UE to connect with an additional RAT irrespective of an initial RAT, the UE is connected to. The method further includes controlling WLAN Access Point (AP) as a 5G distributed unit (gNB-DU).