Transit AMF Routing for Shared RAN in Multi-Operator Core Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
The operational complexity of interconnections between shared RAN elements and core networks in multi-operator core network architectures increases significantly with the number of participating operators, necessitating a new sharing model that avoids direct connections between shared RAN and core networks.
Innovation Solution
A transit mobile core network provides interconnect services via transit core network functions, with a transit AMF acting as a proxy to facilitate control plane communications between UEs and home AMFs, and a transit UPF for data plane communications, eliminating the need for direct interconnections between shared RAN and home core networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If direct interconnections are established between shared RAN elements and core networks of multiple operators, then communication connectivity is ensured, but operational complexity increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a transit core network as an intermediary between the shared RAN and home core networks. The transit AMF acts as a mediator that receives control plane communications from the shared RAN and forwards them to the appropriate home AMF, eliminating the need for direct N2 connections between shared RAN and multiple home core networks. This intermediary approach maintains communication reliability while significantly reducing operational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the communication path into distinct functional components: the shared RAN, the transit core network (with transit AMF and transit UPF), and the home core networks. This segmentation allows each component to have a specific, simplified role rather than requiring complex direct interconnections between all entities, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining connectivity.
2Ease of operation
If direct N2 links are provided between home MNOs and shared RAN elements, then control plane communication is streamlined, but network architecture complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transit AMF serves as an intermediary that handles control plane communications between the shared RAN and home AMFs. Instead of requiring direct N2 links from each home MNO to the shared RAN, the transit AMF receives these communications and forwards them appropriately, maintaining communication efficiency while simplifying the network architecture.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple transit AMFs are deployed to serve different home MNOs, then service coverage is improved, but selection complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary registration procedures where home AMFs register with transit AMFs in advance, providing mobility management information and establishing routing paths before actual user communications occur. This preliminary action allows the shared RAN to efficiently select appropriate transit AMFs based on pre-configured information, reducing selection complexity while maintaining comprehensive service coverage.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided herein are techniques to facilitate radio access network sharing for a Multi-Operator Core Network (MOCN) environment. In one instance, a method may include obtaining, by a radio node of a shared RAN, home mobile network identifiers that are associated with a home access and mobility management function (AMF) in which the home mobile network identifiers are obtained from a first transit AMF that include first priority values and from a second transit AMF that include second priority values. The method may further include obtaining a control plane communication from a user equipment (UE) including a particular home mobile network identifier, identifying the first transit AMF or the second transit AMF that is associated with a highest priority value for the particular home mobile network identifier; and transmitting the communication to the identified transit AMF that is to proxy control plane communications between the UE and the home AMF.