Transport Network Path Setup for Flexible 5G U-Plane Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current network configurations in 5G wireless communication systems do not allow for independent development or selection of U-plane transport network functions, limiting flexibility and efficiency in network architecture.
Innovation Solution
Introduction of a generic Transport Network (TN) system with a network node that facilitates TN path setup requests and complete indications, enabling independent development and selection of U-plane transport network functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional GTP-U based transport network is used, then network stability and compatibility are maintained, but flexibility and adaptability for independent development of transport network functions are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the transport network control into a separate transport network control node, distinct from the core network control nodes (AMF, SMF). This segmentation allows the transport network to be independently configured and managed, enabling flexible selection of transport protocols (GTP-U, SRv6, optical) without affecting core network stability. The transport network control node receives transport network configuration information from the SMF and independently controls transport network nodes,实现ing decoupled architecture that resolves the contradiction between adaptability and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a transport network control node as an intermediary between the core network (SMF) and transport network nodes. This intermediary receives transport network configuration information from the SMF, processes it, and distributes it to appropriate transport network nodes. The intermediary abstracts the complexity of transport network management from the core network while enabling flexible protocol selection, thus resolving the contradiction by providing a dedicated mediation layer.
2Adaptability or versatility
If transport network functions are tightly integrated with core network nodes, then system simplicity is maintained, but independent development and selection of transport protocols become impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the network control functions into separate domains: core network control (AMF, SMF) and transport network control (transport network control node). The transport network control node is responsible exclusively for transport network configuration and management, receiving configuration information from the SMF and controlling transport network nodes independently. This segmentation enables independent development of transport functions while maintaining operational simplicity through clear interface definitions.
Solution Approach 2:
The transport network control node serves multiple transport network nodes and supports multiple transport protocols (GTP-U, SRv6, optical transportation) through a unified control interface. It receives transport network configuration information from the SMF and adapts it for different transport technologies, providing universal control functionality that enables independent protocol selection without complicating network operations.
Data Source
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AI summary
A network node includes: a transmission unit configured to transmit, to a third network node, a TN (Transport Network) path setup request including traffic characteristics information, a destination address for UL (Uplink) provided by a first network node, and a destination address for DL (Downlink) provided by a second network node; and a reception unit configured to receive a TN path setup complete indication from the third network node. The transmission unit transmits a UE context modification request indicating TN path setup complete to the first network node and transmits a bearer context modification request indicating TN path setup complete to the second network node.