TEID Allocation for Multi-CU-CP 5G RAN Connectivity

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Solution Overview

Problem

The current 5G Radio Access Network (RAN) architecture lacks a standardized mechanism for exchanging Tunnel Endpoint Identifiers (TEIDs) between Distributed Units (DUs) and Central Unit-User Planes (CU-UPs) over the F1-U interface, particularly when a CU-UP connects to multiple CU-Control Planes (CU-CPs, requiring efficient TEID allocation and management.

Innovation Solution

The proposed solution involves methods and systems for allocating TEIDs by CU-CPs and CU-UPs, including receiving and sending UL and DL TEIDs between DUs and CU-UPs, using various mechanisms such as sequential, parallel, and semi-static allocation, to establish and manage data radio bearers, ensuring unique TEIDs and efficient connectivity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a CU-UP connects to multiple CU-CPs to improve network resilience and connectivity options, then the network's adaptability and reliability are improved, but the complexity of TEID allocation and management increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork resilienceVSAvoidTEID allocation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the TEID allocation process into distinct phases: initial TEID allocation by the first CU-CP, and subsequent TEID allocation by secondary CU-CPs. This segmentation allows each CU-CP to manage TEIDs independently, reducing the complexity of coordination while supporting multiple connections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary action by having the first CU-CP allocate and configure TEIDs before the CU-UP connects to secondary CU-CPs. This ensures that TEID conflicts are avoided in advance and that the CU-UP has ready-to-use TEIDs when establishing additional connections, simplifying the overall management process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If TEIDs are allocated sequentially to ensure uniqueness and proper connection establishment, then connection reliability is improved, but the setup time and processing delay increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection establishment reliabilityVSAvoidTEID allocation time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses preliminary action by pre-allocating TEIDs to the CU-UP before actual data transmission begins. The first CU-CP allocates initial TEIDs in advance, and subsequent CU-CPs can independently allocate additional TEIDs without waiting for sequential confirmation, thereby reducing overall setup time while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic TEID allocation where the CU-UP can request TEIDs from multiple CU-CPs simultaneously based on current network conditions. This dynamic approach allows parallel processing of TEID allocation requests, reducing time loss while ensuring unique and reliable TEID assignment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS11678388B2Bearer setup and establishment using tunnel endpoint identifiers (TEIDs)

Publication Date: 2023.06.13 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)

AI summary

According to certain embodiments, a method for allocating TEIDs by a CU-CP of a network node includes receiving, from a CU-UP, at least one uplink TEID (UL TEID) associated with a DRB. The at least one UL TEID is sent to a distributed unit (DU). At least one downlink TEID (DL TEID) associated with the DRB is received from the DU. The at least one DL TEID associated with the DRB is then sent to the CU-UP.