SDN Controller UE Relay for RBS Core Network Connectivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
In modern telecommunication networks, disruptions in the S1 connection between radio base stations and the core network can lead to a loss of control and payload data transmission, even if the radio interface Uu is available, necessitating a solution for maintaining connectivity between radio access network nodes and core network nodes.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus utilizing a Software Defined Network (SDN) Controller to select and utilize user equipment (UE) within overlapping radio connectivity areas to establish an alternative data forwarding path between isolated and non-isolated radio base stations, enabling continued data transmission to the core network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a direct S1 connection is established between radio base station and core network node, then data transmission reliability is improved, but network complexity increases when alternative paths are needed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces UE (User Equipment) as an intermediary node to establish indirect connectivity between the isolated radio base station and the core network. The UE acts as a relay, receiving data from the isolated base station via radio interface and forwarding it to the non-isolated base station, which then transmits to the core network through the S1 interface. This mediator approach resolves the contradiction by providing alternative connectivity without requiring complex direct reconfiguration of the S1 interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-dimension direct S1 connection to a multi-dimensional indirect path involving radio interfaces and multiple base stations. By adding spatial and topological dimensions to the connectivity path, the system achieves reliability without increasing logical interface complexity, as the indirect path uses existing standardized interfaces (X2, Uu, S1) rather than creating new complex direct connections.
2Reliability
If alternative data forwarding path via UE is established, then network resilience is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The UE serves as a mediator that simplifies the alternative path establishment. Instead of requiring complex reconfiguration of base station and core network nodes, the UE is activated as an SDN-controlled device that automatically forwards data between the isolated base station and the non-isolated base station using existing radio interfaces, thereby improving resilience without significantly increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The UE is utilized for its multi-functionality, serving both as a normal user device and as an SDN-controlled data forwarding relay. This universal approach allows the same device to perform multiple roles, improving network resilience without requiring dedicated relay infrastructure or significantly increasing overall device complexity in the network.
3Reliability
If SDN Controller activates control onto UE for data forwarding, then connectivity is restored, but control overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The SDN Controller implements feedback mechanisms to monitor the connectivity status of base stations and dynamically activate or deactivate UE-based alternative paths. By continuously monitoring S1 interface status and triggering UE activation only when needed, the system restores connectivity reliably while minimizing control overhead by avoiding continuous activation of alternative paths when direct connections are functional.
Solution Approach 2:
The SDN Controller pre-configures the UE with forwarding rules and capabilities before connectivity disruptions occur. When a direct S1 connection fails, the pre-configured UE can be rapidly activated as an alternative path without requiring complex real-time configuration, thereby restoring connectivity efficiently while reducing the control overhead needed during actual failure events.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for attaching a first radio base station (RBS) to a core network via a radio access network (RAN), wherein a forwarding of data within the RAN is being controlled by a Software Defined Network, SDN, Controller, the RAN comprising a plurality of further RBSs being capable of providing radio connection to a plurality of UEs, and being under the control of the SDN Controller. At least one UE from the plurality of UEs is selected, wherein the selected at least one UE is located within an overlapping radio connectivity area of the first RBS and one of the further RBSs, denoted as a second RBS. The SDN Controller activates control onto the at least one selected UE. The SDN Controller connects the first RBS to the second RBS via the radio connections of the at least one selected UE. The SDN Controller enables the forwarding of data between the first RBS and the core network via the second RBS.