SRv6-to-GTP-U Gateway Control for Automated Network Slice Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing techniques for managing network slices in mobile networks are complex and cumbersome, particularly in setting route information, which complicates the management of IP networks.
Innovation Solution
A communication system incorporating an N4 border gateway protocol controller (N4BGPC) and a segment routing gateway (SRGW) that facilitates the conversion between SRv6 and GTP-U compliant packets, enabling efficient route setting and management of network slices by using Segment Identifiers (SID) for precise VRF identification and slice identification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional route setting methods are used in mobile networks, then network slice management is achieved, but the complexity of setting route information increases and management becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an N4 border gateway protocol controller (N4BGPC) as an intermediary device that mediates between the segment routing network and the mobile network. This controller automatically performs route setting by generating and advertising routing information between the segment routing gateway and mobile network elements, eliminating the need for manual route configuration and reducing operational complexity while maintaining network slice management capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables automatic route setting where the N4BGPC autonomously generates routing information, advertises routes to the segment routing gateway, and updates routing tables without human intervention. The controller self-manages the route establishment process by receiving network slice information from the mobile network and automatically configuring the corresponding routes in the segment routing network, thereby simplifying operations and reducing management burden
2Adaptability or versatility
If network slices include IP network, then network coverage and functionality are improved, but setting of route information becomes considerably complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The N4BGPC acts as an intermediary that bridges the IP network and mobile network segments. It receives network slice information from the mobile network, automatically translates and generates corresponding routing information for the IP network segment, and advertises these routes to the segment routing gateway. This mediation process enables comprehensive network slice coverage across different network types while keeping route setting complexity managed through automation
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes routing parameters automatically based on network slice requirements. The N4BGPC receives slice identification information and other routing parameters from the mobile network, transforms them into appropriate segment routing parameters (such as SIDs - Segment Identifiers), and configures the routing tables accordingly. This parameter transformation process enables versatile network slice support across IP and mobile networks while eliminating manual route setting complexity
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a communication system including: a controller; and an SR gateway which converts an SRv6-compliant packet received from an IP network into a GTP-U-compliant packet. The SR gateway includes a notification unit which notifies the controller, and a router connected to an IP network, of a route including an IP prefix including an address of a reachable gNB in NLRI and an SID of the SR gateway in a BGP attribute, and the controller includes a storage unit which stores an IP prefix including the address of the gNB, and a SID of the SR gateway, in association with each other, and an advertisement unit which searches the storage unit by using, as a key, an address of a gNB included in a UE session information in SMF notified when UE is attached, and when a match is found, advertises route information of the UE to the router.