RAN Node IP Interface for Direct IMS Connectivity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current mobile network architectures burden the Radio Access Network (RAN) by requiring voice over IP (VoIP) data to traverse through a Radio Network Controller (RNC) or its gateways, leading to inefficiencies and connection losses when these components are unavailable.

Innovation Solution

A node within the RAN is equipped with an Internet Protocol (IP) interface, allowing direct communication with an IP Multimedia System (IMS) core network via a broadband local loop network, bypassing the need for a controller and packet-switched core network.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If VoIP data traverses through the RNC or its gateways, then the data can be routed through existing network infrastructure, but the RAN becomes burdened with processing overhead and connection reliability decreases when controllers are unavailable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidRAN processing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the IP data processing function from the RNC controller and implements it directly in the RAN node. The RAN node now has integrated IP interface capabilities that allow it to handle VoIP and other IP data packets locally without requiring controller intervention, thereby reducing RAN processing burden and improving connection reliability when controllers are unavailable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a direct IP interface as an intermediary pathway between the RAN node and the IP network. This new interface acts as a mediator that bypasses the traditional RNC gateway path, allowing IP data to flow directly through the RAN node to the IP network, reducing the burden on existing controller infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If IP data is routed through the RNC and packet-switched core network, then existing network elements can be utilized, but transmission delays increase and productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transmission efficiencyVSAvoiddata transmission delay

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the network path into two separate channels: one for traditional circuit-switched voice through the RNC, and another for IP data directly from the RAN node to the IP network. This segmentation allows IP data to take a direct, optimized path that bypasses unnecessary intermediate nodes, reducing transmission delays and improving overall data transmission efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of routing IP data upward through the RNC and core network as in traditional architecture, the patent inverts the approach by enabling the RAN node to directly interface with the IP network. This inversion creates a more efficient data path that eliminates redundant routing steps and reduces transmission time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Data Source

PatentUS9191995B2Radio access network node with IP interface

Publication Date: 2015.11.17 AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I L P

AI summary

Devices, systems, and methods are disclosed to directly connect a node of a Radio Access Network (RAN) with an Internet Protocol (IP) network. The node is provided with an interface to a broadband local loop network. Access to the local loop network or last mile enables the node to communicate directly with an IP network, including an IP Multimedia System (IMS) core. The node need not access a packet-switched core network via a controller. Embodiments include a Node B with an IP interface in a UMTS system and a Base Transceiver Station (BTS) with an IP interface in a GSM system.