Shared Radio Access Network Controller for Multi-Core Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication systems face challenges in supporting multiple core networks and user devices, as they are typically dedicated to a single operator, leading to resource constraints and inability to accommodate different messaging protocols and location identifiers, resulting in missed connections and revenue loss during peak traffic times.
Innovation Solution
A shared radio access network architecture that allows multiple core networks to connect through a single radio network controller and base stations, using a rule set to map access network location identities to core network identities, enabling unique behaviors and messaging protocols for each operator, and dynamically assigning location areas to optimize resource allocation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a dedicated access network is used for each operator, then network reliability and operator control are improved, but resource utilization and network sharing capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The radio access network is designed to serve multiple core networks simultaneously through a single interface. The network controller can handle different messaging protocols (GSM MAP, UMTS MAP, WAP) and route traffic to different core networks based on the mobile device's identity and service requirements, enabling one network infrastructure to perform multiple operator-specific functions.
Solution Approach 2:
A network controller acts as an intermediary between the shared radio access network and multiple core networks. It translates and adapts messages between different protocols, routes signaling appropriately, and manages the mapping between mobile devices and their serving core networks, thereby enabling network sharing while maintaining operator-specific reliability.
2Measurement precision
If location area boundaries are fixed and follow geographic features, then location tracking accuracy is improved, but frequency of location updates and network load increase during peak traffic times
Solution Approach 1:
Location area boundaries are made dynamic rather than fixed. The system adjusts the effective location area boundaries in real-time based on traffic conditions, mobile density, and network load. During peak traffic times, boundaries can be expanded to reduce the frequency of location updates required, while maintaining accurate tracking through the network controller's awareness of mobile positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of location area boundary definitions based on operational conditions. By modifying boundary parameters dynamically and using protocol adaptation to handle location update messaging efficiently, the system reduces unnecessary network signaling during high-traffic periods while maintaining location tracking precision through intelligent message routing.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple core networks are supported through a shared access network, then resource utilization and adaptability are improved, but message routing complexity and protocol handling difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The message routing function is segmented into distinct protocol handlers, each specialized for a specific core network protocol (GSM MAP, UMTS MAP, WAP). The network controller divides the complex routing task into manageable segments, routing messages through appropriate protocol-specific processing paths, thereby reducing overall routing complexity while supporting multiple networks.
Solution Approach 2:
The network controller serves as an intermediary that simplifies message routing between the shared radio access network and multiple core networks. It performs protocol translation, message format adaptation, and intelligent routing based on mobile device identity and service type, thereby reducing the complexity burden on individual network elements while enabling multi-network support.
4Measurement precision
If location update requirements are strict and frequent, then location tracking accuracy is improved, but network resource consumption and missed connections during peak traffic increase
Solution Approach 1:
The location update frequency and requirements are made dynamic based on network conditions and mobile behavior patterns. During peak traffic times, the system can relax update frequency requirements while maintaining tracking accuracy through alternative methods such as network-side position estimation and optimized paging strategies, thereby preventing missed connections due to resource constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the network controller monitors location update success rates, network load, and mobile movement patterns. Based on this feedback, it dynamically adjusts location update requirements, optimizes paging area selections, and routes location update messages through available resources, thereby maintaining tracking accuracy while improving connection success rates during peak traffic.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method support user devices (109-113) and multiple core networks (125, 126) with a network. A rule set for a user device is associated with a core network (125, 126). Access information associated with a network is converted to core network behaviors using the rule set. A network element (400) can be employed to map the network information to core network information using the rule set for network uses.