Relay Node OAM Connectivity via User Plane Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Relay nodes in LTE networks face challenges in establishing connectivity with the OAM system without a dedicated backhaul link, limiting their ability to self-configure and integrate into the network.
Innovation Solution
A method is introduced to establish connectivity between a network node and a configuration entity by setting up a connection to the user plane, addressing communications to a configuration entity subnet, and routing them from the user plane to the configuration entity subnet, allowing the network node to be configured and integrated into the network automatically.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If relay nodes use the Uu interface to connect to the mobile network, then they can establish radio connectivity without dedicated backhaul links, but they cannot access the OAM system for configuration and management
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by enabling the Uu interface to serve dual purposes: traditional UE access and RN configuration access. By configuring the Uu interface to provide access to both user plane services and the OAM system, the patent eliminates the need for separate dedicated backhaul links while maintaining OAM accessibility for relay nodes.
2Device complexity
If relay nodes are deployed without dedicated backhaul links, then deployment cost and complexity are reduced, but automatic self-configuration capability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling relay nodes to automatically configure themselves through the OAM system via the Uu interface. Relay nodes can perform self-commissioning, obtain configuration parameters, and integrate into the network automatically without manual intervention, while still operating without dedicated backhaul links.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring the mobile network to recognize and support relay node configuration requests through the Uu interface. The network is prepared in advance to handle RN configuration traffic, allocate resources, and facilitate automatic integration before the relay node fully joins the network.
3Ease of manufacture
If relay nodes use the same radio resources as UEs for backhaul communication, then infrastructure costs are reduced, but network management and configuration become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by separating different types of traffic flows: UE access traffic and RN configuration traffic are routed through different paths and handled by different network functions. This allows the Uu interface to serve RNs for configuration purposes while maintaining separate management of UE services, reducing operational complexity despite shared infrastructure.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of establishing connectivity between a relay node and an OAM entity in a communications network, the method comprising the steps of: establishing a connection between the relay node and a user plane of the communications network; addressing communications to the OAM entity defined as residing in an OAM subnet via a gateway in the user plane; and routing the communications from the user plane to the OAM subnet.