TSN Bridge Virtual Topology for UE-to-UE 5G Multiplexing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current 5GS TSN models fail to effectively depict UE-to-UE communication through base stations, leading to high jitter and poor performance due to structural issues when attempting to add connections for such communication, and do not optimize wireless performance and capacity, especially when packets are transmitted in TDMA fashion.

Innovation Solution

A method for determining a virtual topology of a wireless bridge in a time-sensitive network, comprising a user plane function (UPF) ring bridge connected to separate sides for uplink and downlink communication, utilizing multiplexers and demultiplexers to optimize performance and capacity, allowing UE-to-UE communication through base stations while minimizing transmission jitter.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If connections are added between specific ports to enable UE-to-UE communication, then communication capability is improved, but transmission jitter increases and performance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveUE-to-UE communication capabilityVSAvoidtransmission jitter
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The bridge model is segmented into separate functional components: a first side for uplink communication, a second side for downlink communication, and a UPF ring bridge connecting them. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each communication direction and enables UE-to-UE communication without creating direct connections that cause jitter, instead routing traffic through the segmented UPF ring structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The UPF ring bridge acts as an intermediary component between the first side (uplink) and second side (downlink). It mediates the communication between UEs by routing packets through the user plane function, enabling UE-to-UE communication while maintaining controlled transmission paths that reduce jitter and improve reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a traditional bridge model is modified to support UE-to-UE communication, then communication functionality is improved, but wireless performance and capacity optimization is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveUE-to-UE communication functionalityVSAvoidwireless performance and capacity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The bridge model segments communication into separate uplink and downlink paths with dedicated handling. The first side handles uplink traffic from UEs to the network, while the second side handles downlink traffic from the network to UEs. This segmentation enables independent optimization of each direction and allows the system to achieve both UE-to-UE communication functionality and optimized wireless performance through proper resource allocation and scheduling on each side.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The UPF ring bridge serves multiple functions: it enables UE-to-UE communication, optimizes wireless performance, manages capacity, and handles both uplink and downlink traffic. This multi-functional design allows a single component to address multiple requirements simultaneously, improving both communication functionality and wireless performance without compromising either aspect.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If multiplexing capabilities are utilized for TDMA packet transmission, then capacity is improved, but transmission complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewireless capacityVSAvoidtransmission complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The multiplexer and demultiplexer components automatically manage packet routing and resource allocation based on the virtual topology configuration. The system self-adjusts to optimize capacity utilization for TDMA transmission without requiring complex manual configuration or control, thereby improving wireless capacity while keeping the operational complexity manageable through automated mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP4436126A1A TSN bridge model for UE-to-UE 5g systems with multiplexing capabilities
Publication Date: 2024.09.25 MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC R&D CENTRE EUROPE BV
  • EP4436126A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4436126A1 patent drawingFigure 2~4
  • EP4436126A1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for determining a virtual topology of a wireless bridge of a communication system within a time-sensitive network, the wireless bridge handling a set of user equipments, the communication system further comprising a centralized network configuration node, the method comprising building a virtual topology of the wireless bridge and providing the virtual topology of the wireless bridge to the central network configuration node, wherein the virtual topology comprises a first side for handling uplink communication, a second side for handling downlink communication and at least a user plane function ring bridge connected to the first and the second sides. The invention further relates to a corresponding communication system and to a corresponding computer program.