SDN Wireless Network Controller for Multi-RAT Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication networks using different Radio Access Technologies (RATs) operate independently, leading to sub-optimal performance due to separate configuration and management, resulting in increased operational and management overheads and lack of harmonization.
Innovation Solution
A single wireless communication system based on Software Defined Networking (SDN) with a generic Wireless Network Controller (WNC) and data plane nodes that manage multiple RATs, enabling seamless communication and service provision across different networks without altering existing User Equipments (UEs) or communication protocols.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple RAT networks are controlled and managed separately, then each network can maintain its proprietary architecture and communication protocols, but the operational and management overheads increase substantially and network performance becomes sub-optimal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate RAT network controllers into a single unified SDN controller that manages LTE, WLAN, and other RATs through a common control plane. This consolidation reduces the number of separate management entities while maintaining support for diverse radio access technologies through abstracted interface layers.
Solution Approach 2:
The SDN controller is designed as a universal management entity that can handle multiple RAT types simultaneously. It provides multi-functional capabilities including authentication, authorization, accounting, and handover management across different network types through standardized interfaces and protocols.
2Stability of the object's composition
If each RAT network is managed in isolation, then proprietary network architectures can be maintained, but harmonization between networks is lacking and operational overheads increase
Solution Approach 1:
The SDN controller acts as an intermediary layer between the core network and multiple RAT-specific access networks. It provides a standardized interface that mediates between diverse proprietary architectures and the unified management plane, enabling harmonized control without requiring changes to underlying network structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments network control functions into distinct modular components within the SDN controller, including authentication modules, handover management modules, and resource allocation modules. This segmentation allows independent management of different RATs while maintaining overall system coordination through a unified control plane.
3Productivity
If separate control systems are used for different RATs, then each system can optimize for its specific protocol requirements, but unified control and coordination between networks is achieved sub-optimally
Solution Approach 1:
The SDN controller dynamically adjusts operational parameters such as authentication methods, resource allocation policies, and handover thresholds based on the specific RAT type and current network conditions. This parameter adaptation enables optimized service delivery for each RAT while maintaining unified control through centralized parameter management.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for controlling an SDN-based multi-RAT communication network. Embodiments herein disclose a wireless communication system, which can support/enable services that are currently being provided by multiple wireless communication systems. Embodiments herein disclose a wireless communication system based on SDN (Software Defined Networking). Embodiments herein disclose a network comprising of a generic control plane node. Embodiments herein disclose a method for communication between the proposed wireless communication system and existing UEs that are in use in today's 3GPP-LTE networks or IEEE 802.11 based WLANs without any changes in the mobile communication protocol. Embodiments herein disclose a method for providing services to the users, such as handover of a device from WLAN to 3GPP-LTE and vice versa.