Router-Based Packet Capture for 5G Base Station Troubleshooting
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity of modern 5G New Radio (NR) cellular networks, with components sourced from different vendors and executed as software on general-purpose hardware, requires improved monitoring and troubleshooting methods to manage network connectivity and performance efficiently, while conventional approaches like using a separate server for packet capture are costly and manpower-intensive.
Innovation Solution
A router-based method is employed at the base station, where a container is loaded into a container engine to capture and analyze packet data between the radio unit and the distributed unit, leveraging existing on-site router resources for lightweight packet capture and performance analysis, thus avoiding the need for additional servers and reducing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate server is used for packet capture and network analysis, then network monitoring capability is improved, but infrastructure cost and manpower requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the packet capture and network analysis functions with the existing router by loading a container into the router's container engine. This merging eliminates the need for a separate server, reducing infrastructure resources while maintaining network monitoring capability. The router simultaneously performs its traditional routing function and the new packet capture/analysis function through the loaded container.
Solution Approach 2:
The router is transformed into a multi-functional device that performs both traditional routing operations and packet capture/analysis operations. By loading a container with packet capture capabilities, the router becomes a universal platform that can handle multiple network functions without requiring additional dedicated hardware, thereby reducing infrastructure costs.
2Adaptability or versatility
If network components are virtualized and sourced from different vendors, then system flexibility and adaptability are improved, but troubleshooting complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The container loaded into the router acts as an intermediary that provides a standardized interface for packet capture and analysis across multi-vendor, virtualized network components. This intermediary layer simplifies troubleshooting by offering a unified approach to monitoring network traffic regardless of the underlying hardware or software vendor, thereby reducing troubleshooting complexity in flexible, multi-vendor environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service troubleshooting by providing automated packet capture and analysis capabilities directly at the router. The container automatically captures packet data and performs analysis without requiring manual intervention or complex diagnostic procedures, allowing the network system to self-diagnose issues in the virtualized, multi-vendor environment.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for analyzing communication traffic at a base station of a cellular network is provided. The method includes logging into a router at the base station of the cellular network, where: the router is connected with a radio unit and a distributed unit, the radio unit, the router, and the distributed unit being located on-site as part of the base station. The method also includes loading, by the router, a container into a container engine being executed by the router. The method also includes capturing, controlled by the container loaded into the container engine of the router, packet data transmitted from a first component of the cellular network to a second component of the cellular network that is part of the base station.