Terminal Registration via Mobility Mediation for Shared Access Networks
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The high costs associated with implementing access network sharing due to the need for physical optical fiber connections between shared access networks and core networks hinder efficient network deployment and service continuity.
Innovation Solution
A method for registering a terminal device using a mobility management network element to establish a connection with a second network without a direct physical link, allowing registration and service provision through a second mobility management network element, thereby reducing costs and simplifying the registration process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a direct physical connection (optical fiber) is established between the shared access network and each core network, then access network sharing can be implemented, but the implementation cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a first mobility management network element as an intermediary between the shared access network and the second mobility management network element. This mediator enables indirect communication and registration functionality without requiring direct physical connections, thereby reducing deployment costs while maintaining access network sharing capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent allows the second mobility management network element to be copied or virtualized across different network locations. Instead of building separate physical infrastructure for each core network connection, the same mobility management functionality can be instantiated multiple times or accessed remotely, reducing redundant physical deployments
2Reliability
If a physical optical fiber is deployed between the shared access network and a core network to establish connection, then access network sharing is enabled, but the complexity of network deployment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The first mobility management network element serves as a mediator that simplifies the network topology. Instead of requiring the shared access network to directly connect to multiple core networks, the intermediary handles routing and registration, reducing the physical complexity of network deployment
Solution Approach 2:
The mobility management network elements are designed to perform multiple functions: they can serve as intermediaries for indirect connections, handle registration requests, and manage mobility across different networks. This multi-functionality reduces the need for specialized infrastructure for each function, simplifying overall deployment
3Reliability
If the second mobility management network element directly interacts with network elements in the first network, then complete registration control is achieved, but the registration process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The registration process is segmented into distinct stages: the first mobility management network element handles initial registration requests from the access network, while the second mobility management network element handles authentication and final registration. This segmentation allows each element to focus on specific tasks, reducing overall process complexity while maintaining complete control
Data Source
AI summary
This application provides a method for registering a terminal device, and an apparatus, to reduce costs of implementing access network sharing. The method includes: A first mobility management network element in a first network receives a first message from an access network element, and the first mobility management network element requests a second mobility management network element in a second network to register a terminal device. In this way, even if there is no physical connection between the second network and the access network element, the second network can establish wireless communication with the access network element, and provide a service for the terminal device, to implementing access network sharing. This reduces costs of implementing access network sharing.