Radio Network Node TNL Address Discovery via Proxy

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Solution Overview

Problem

In 5G wireless communications networks, establishing a communications interface between radio network nodes providing E-UTRA and NR resources is challenging due to the lack of S1-MME connectivity for NR nodes, leading to tedious and error-prone O&M configurations, especially when NR nodes lack control plane connectivity to the core network.

Innovation Solution

The method involves obtaining the Transport Network Layer (TNL) address of the second radio network node from a core network node or a proxy node configured to provide E-UTRA resources, allowing the first radio network node to establish a communications interface without prior configuration, using S1-MME connectivity between the NR node and the core network, and enabling inter-system address discovery.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual O&M configuration is used to establish communications interface between RNNs, then interface establishment is possible, but the process becomes tedious and error-prone

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfiguration accuracyVSAvoidinterface establishment complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables automatic address discovery where the first RNN autonomously discovers the TNL address of the second RNN through S1-MME connectivity without requiring manual O&M configuration. The network nodes self-configure the communications interface by automatically obtaining and using the TNL address, eliminating manual intervention and reducing configuration errors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The S1-MME connectivity acts as an intermediary mechanism that enables indirect address discovery. The first RNN uses the existing S1-MME connection (which both nodes have to the core network) as a mediator to obtain the TNL address of the second RNN, avoiding the need for direct pre-configuration between RNNs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If direct interface establishment between RNNs is implemented, then communication efficiency improves, but configuration complexity increases due to lack of S1-MME connectivity for NR nodes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication efficiencyVSAvoidconfiguration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The solution leverages the pre-existing S1-MME connectivity that NR nodes already have to the core network as a preliminary foundation. This existing connection is used in advance to discover the TNL address, which then enables the direct interface establishment without requiring additional preliminary configuration steps between RNNs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The S1-MME connectivity serves multiple functions: it provides both core network access for the NR node and a discovery path for obtaining the TNL address of other RNNs. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate address discovery mechanisms, simplifying the overall configuration process while maintaining direct communication capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Measurement precision

If manual configuration is used for address discovery, then address accuracy is ensured, but time consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaddress discovery accuracyVSAvoidconfiguration time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically performs address discovery by having the first RNN autonomously obtain the TNL address of the second RNN through the S1-MME connection. This self-service mechanism eliminates manual configuration time while maintaining address accuracy, as the address is obtained through standardized network procedures rather than manual input.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The S1-MME connection provides a feedback path where the first RNN can query and receive the TNL address information from the network. This feedback mechanism ensures accurate address discovery by using established network signaling paths that validate and verify the address information before use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS11330670B2First radio network node (RNN), a second RNN and methods therein for establishing a communications interface between the first RNN and the second RNN

Publication Date: 2022.05.10 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)

AI summary

Embodiments include methods, performed by a first radio network node (RNN) in a wireless network, to establish a communications interface with a second RNN in the wireless network. Such methods include receiving, from a third RNN in the wireless network, a Transport Network Layer (TNL) address associated with the second RNN. The first and third RNNs are configured for wireless communication with wireless devices via an E-UTRA radio access technology (RAT), and the second RNN is configured for wireless communication via an NR RAT. The third RNN can be a proxy node for discovery of TNL addresses associated with a plurality RNNs configured for wireless communication via the NR RAT. Such methods include establishing the communications interface with the second RNN based on the TNL address received from the third RNN. Other embodiments include complementary methods performed by a second RNN, and RNNs configured to perform such methods.