RAN Wi-Fi 5G Convergence via WLAN ANC
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 3GPP solutions for integrating 5G and WLAN access within the 5G Core Network have limitations, including less responsiveness to radio/channel conditions, lack of support for control plane data traffic management, higher backhaul overhead, and higher infrastructure costs due to the need for specific components like N3IWF and TNGF.
Innovation Solution
Converging Wi-Fi access with 5G New Radio access at the Radio Access Network (RAN) level, enabling mutual anchoring for control and user plane traffic, and implementing new interfaces like Xz to facilitate data exchange between cellular and WLAN CUs, allowing for traffic management and policy control within the RAN.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If 5G and WLAN access are integrated at the 5G Core Network level using current 3GPP solutions, then the integration is achieved, but the responsiveness to radio/channel conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the integration function by introducing a WLAN Access Network Controller (WLAN ANC) that operates independently at the RAN level, separate from the 5G Core Network. This allows the WLAN access network to be controlled locally with fast responsiveness to radio conditions, while the core network maintains integration functionality. The segmentation enables independent optimization of each layer's response characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new architectural dimension by adding the WLAN ANC layer between the WLAN access network and the 5G core network. This creates a multi-layered architecture where control functions are distributed across different levels, enabling simultaneous achievement of core network integration and rapid local response to channel conditions through the intermediate control layer.
2Reliability
If current 3GPP integration solutions are implemented, then 5G and WLAN access are integrated, but control plane data traffic management is not supported
Solution Approach 1:
The WLAN ANC is designed as a universal control entity that handles both user plane and control plane traffic management functions. It provides multi-functional capabilities including authentication, authorization, accounting (AAA), quality of service (QoS) management, and policy control for both user data and control plane traffic, making the system adaptable to diverse traffic types and management requirements.
3Reliability
If current 3GPP integration solutions are used, then 5G and WLAN access are integrated, but backhaul overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts control plane functions and local traffic management capabilities from the core network and places them in the WLAN ANC at the RAN level. This extraction reduces the amount of traffic that must traverse the backhaul connection to the core network, as local decisions about traffic routing, QoS, and policy enforcement are made at the access network edge, minimizing backhaul overhead.
4Reliability
If current 3GPP integration solutions are implemented, then 5G and WLAN access are integrated, but infrastructure costs increase due to N3IWF and TNGF components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions including authentication, authorization, accounting, QoS management, and policy control into a single WLAN ANC entity. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate N3IWF and TNGF components required by current 3GPP solutions, reducing infrastructure complexity while maintaining integration capability between 5G and WLAN access networks.
Data Source
AI summary
Some embodiments of this disclosure include apparatuses and methods for mechanisms to converge the Wi-Fi access network with the 5G New Radio (NR) access network within the radio access network. Some embodiments are direct to a base station (BS) apparatus. The BS apparatus can include at least a cellular distributed unit (DU); a cellular central unit Communicating with a 5G core network (5GC) via a (CU), coupled to the cellular DU; a wireless local area network (WLAN) CU, coupled to a WLAN DU; and the WLAN CU, coupled to the cellular CU.