Residential Control Node Local Breakout for Wireless Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current communication networks face bottlenecks in communication capacity due to limited resources in backhaul networks, leading to reduced end-user experience in residential areas when wireless communication devices exchange user data.
Innovation Solution
Implementing residential control nodes that split RAN node functionality to handle lower communication protocol layers, enabling direct communication between wireless devices without routing user data through the core network, and deriving encryption keys from pre-installed keys of the devices to secure and route user data efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If user data is routed through the core network via eNodeB, then secure communication is maintained, but communication capacity is limited due to backhaul network bottlenecks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the communication path by introducing a residential control node that handles local breakout of user data traffic. This node divides the traditional core network routing into two paths: control signaling still routes through the core network for security, while user data can be locally routed within the residential area, thereby increasing capacity without compromising security.
Solution Approach 2:
The residential control node acts as an intermediary between wireless communication devices and the core network. It establishes secure connections with devices using derived encryption keys while enabling local data routing, thus mediating between the security requirements of the core network and the capacity needs of local communication.
2Productivity
If local breakout is implemented to increase communication capacity, then end-user experience is improved, but communication security may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The residential control node performs preliminary key derivation from pre-installed device keys before local breakout communication begins. This advance preparation of security credentials ensures that secure encryption is established prior to local data routing, maintaining security while enabling capacity improvement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different security mechanisms to different parts of the system: core network control signaling maintains traditional security protocols, while local user data communication uses device-specific derived keys. This localized security approach allows capacity improvement in the residential area without compromising overall system security.
3Loss of time
If residential control nodes are deployed to enable direct communication, then delays are decreased and communication rates increase, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The residential control node is designed with multi-functionality, handling both control signaling relay and user data local breakout routing. By consolidating these functions in a single node with standardized interfaces, the system avoids the need for multiple specialized devices, thereby reducing overall system complexity while achieving low-latency direct communication.
Data Source
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AI summary
Method and residential control node (206) of enabling encrypted residential communication of user data between a first wireless communication device (202) and a second wireless communication device (204). The method comprises receiving (3:3) a radio bearer mapping from a communication network node (220, 700), establishing (3:4) a connection with the first wireless communication device (202), in accordance with the radio bearer mapping, and establishing (3:5) a connection with the second wireless communication device (204), in accordance with the radio bearer mapping. Furthermore, the method comprises obtaining (3:7) a first key which is based on a key of the first wireless communication device (202), from the communication network node (220, 700), and obtaining (3:7) a second key which is based on a key of the second wireless communication device (204). Thereby, the residential control node (206, 600) is enabled to decrypt (3:10) user data received (3:9) from the first wireless communication device (202) by the first key, and encrypting (3:10) the user data by the second key, before sending (3:11) the user data to the second wireless communication device (204). By arranging residential control nodes locally, wireless communication devices may be enabled to communicate securely with each other without passing the user data via the core network, which may reduce load on communication links of transport networks. Furthermore, end users of the wireless communication devices may perceive increased communication rates and less delay when communicating user data.