RAN Transport Interface Discovery Through LLDP TLV Signaling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current 5G network configurations require manual configuration of logical interfaces between transport nodes, which is time-consuming and prone to errors, and existing LLDP protocols only facilitate discovery of lower-level information, necessitating manual configuration of higher-level interface types.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a new LLDP TLV field to automatically identify interface types and sub-interfaces, enabling nodes to determine the type of connection and configure appropriate services such as DHCP, IP, and MPLS services based on the identified interface types.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If manual configuration of logical interfaces is used, then configuration accuracy can be maintained through human review, but configuration time and complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfiguration accuracyVSAvoidconfiguration time

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables automated self-configuration of logical interfaces by having network nodes automatically discover interface types, sub-interfaces, and activate appropriate services through LLDP message exchange, eliminating the need for manual configuration while maintaining accuracy through protocol-based automated detection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The invention implements a feedback mechanism where nodes send LLDP messages containing interface type information and receive responses, allowing automated determination of logical interface types and sub-interfaces based on the exchanged information, thereby resolving the contradiction between automation and accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Loss of information

If existing LLDP protocols are used, then lower-level information can be discovered, but higher-level interface types require manual configuration

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvediscovery capabilityVSAvoidconfiguration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention segments the interface identification process into distinct components by introducing separate TLV fields for interface type identification and sub-interface type identification in LLDP messages, allowing hierarchical discovery from general interface types to specific sub-interface types, thereby reducing configuration complexity while maintaining comprehensive information discovery

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention adds a new dimension to the LLDP protocol by introducing type-length-value (TLV) fields that carry interface type and sub-interface type information, extending the protocol's capability from lower-level physical discovery to higher-level logical interface identification without increasing manual configuration complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS12445366B2RAN transport interface discovery

Publication Date: 2025.10.14 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)

AI summary

A method of operating a first node in a communication network includes detecting establishment of a new physical communication link with a second node in the communication network, receiving a link layer discovery protocol, LLDP, message from the second node, wherein the LLDP message may include a field that identifies an interface type that is to be supported over the new physical communication link, identifying a service associated with the identified interface type, and activating the identified service.