SR Gateway Packet Conversion for Network Slice Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current communication systems face complexity in managing network slices, particularly in IP networks, due to intricate path information settings, which hinder efficient communication between user equipment and data networks.
Innovation Solution
The proposed communication system incorporates an N4BGPC and SRGW within a Segment Routing Network, utilizing converter units to translate packets between GTP-U and SRv6 formats, and employing VRFs and SMF to manage path information and routing, simplifying the setting process through the use of PFCP session information and SR policies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual path information settings are used in IP networks for network slicing, then network slice management can be achieved, but the complexity of setting path information increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automated path information setting through the SMF and N4BGPC interaction. The SMF automatically acquires DN information, generates SR policies with path information, and configures SRGWs without manual intervention. This self-service mechanism resolves the contradiction by eliminating complex manual settings while maintaining network slice management capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The N4BGPC acts as an intermediary between the SMF and SRGWs. It receives SR policies from the SMF, processes the path information, and distributes it to appropriate SRGWs. This intermediary layer simplifies the overall system by centralizing the complex path information management function, reducing the burden on individual components and enabling automated network slice management.
2Adaptability or versatility
If converter units are introduced to translate packets between GTP-U and SRv6, then communication between mobile network and IP network is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The SRGW is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a gateway between GTP-U and SRv6 networks and as a routing device within the SR network. It can handle both packet conversion and segment routing operations, reducing the need for separate dedicated conversion devices and simplifying the overall network architecture while maintaining interoperability.
Solution Approach 2:
The converter unit within the SRGW acts as an intermediary between the mobile network (GTP-U protocol) and the IP network (SRv6 protocol). It transparently translates packets between these protocols, enabling communication without requiring changes to the end systems. This intermediary approach enables network interoperability while containing the conversion complexity within a single component.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a communication system comprising: a controller; an SR gateway, wherein the SR gateway includes: an advertisement unit which advertises, when path information of the IP network and an SID of a VRF are received from the VRF, an SR policy including the information of VRF to an ED of an NLRI and an SID of the SR gateway to the controller, and the controller includes: a matching unit which matches the VRF and the SR gateway; an identification unit which identifies, by referring to a PFCP session, a UPF and a gNB corresponding to the IP network to which the VRF is connected; and an advertisement unit which advertises path information of the UPF and an SID of the SR gateway to a VRF corresponding to the gNB identified by the identification unit.