TSN Translator Integration for LLDP Discovery Over 3GPP Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current communication systems, such as 3GPP networks, do not support the integration of wireless communication networks with Time Sensitive Networking (TSN) systems, which require deterministic and reliable communication, due to the lack of support for link layer discovery protocols like LLDP, leading to inconsistent network topology discovery and management.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a TSN Translator (TT) and TSN Translator Client (TTC) within the 3GPP network, acting as a bridge, to translate TSN protocols into 3GPP commands and vice versa, ensuring consistent network discovery and management by mapping LLDP messages into 3GPP control and user plane messages, and handling QoS and time-sensitive communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If 3GPP wireless communication networks are integrated into TSN systems, then network flexibility and scalability are improved, but network topology discovery consistency deteriorates due to lack of LLDP support
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a TSN translator as an intermediary component that bridges the 3GPP wireless network and TSN system. This translator converts LLDP messages from TSN devices into 3GPP-compatible signaling messages, enabling topology discovery in 3GPP networks without native LLDP support. The translator mediates between the two different protocol domains, allowing wireless devices to participate in TSN topology discovery while maintaining protocol compatibility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If TSN protocols are translated into 3GPP commands, then protocol compatibility is improved, but device complexity increases due to translation overhead
Solution Approach 1:
The TSN translator serves as a dedicated intermediary device that handles all protocol translation operations. By concentrating the translation functionality in a separate component rather than embedding it in every network device, the patent reduces the complexity burden on individual devices. The translator maintains translation tables and message format mappings, absorbing the complexity overhead while keeping end devices simpler.
Solution Approach 2:
The TSN translator is designed as a universal component that can translate multiple TSN protocols into 3GPP commands and vice versa. It handles various message types including LLDP, SRP, and other TSN-specific protocols, providing multi-functional protocol conversion capabilities. This universal translator can serve different TSN applications and device types without requiring device-specific translation logic.
3Adaptability or versatility
If link layer information is forwarded through wireless connection paths, then network integration capability is improved, but information consistency deteriorates due to protocol differences
Solution Approach 1:
The TSN translator acts as a mediator that receives link layer information from TSN devices via wireless connections and forwards translated information to 3GPP network elements. It maintains information consistency by implementing bidirectional translation - converting TSN link layer messages to 3GPP formats for forwarding, and converting 3GPP responses back to TSN formats. This ensures information consistency across protocol boundaries while enabling wireless integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the TSN translator monitors and tracks the translation process. It maintains translation state information and can detect inconsistencies in forwarded messages. The feedback system allows the translator to verify that translated messages preserve the original meaning and intent, ensuring information consistency even across protocol differences.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for use by a network agent element or function configured to conduct a link layer information related processing, the apparatus comprising at least one processing circuitry, and at least one memory for storing instructions to be executed by the processing circuitry, wherein the at least one memory and the instructions are configured to, with the at least one processing circuitry, cause the apparatus at least: to receive first link layer related information from at least one neighboring network element or function, and to forward second link layer related information to at least one communication network control element or function, and to receive third link layer related information from at least one communication network control element or function, and to forward fourth link layer related information to at least one neighboring network element or function, wherein the second and fourth link layer related information are generated using first and third link layer related information, respectively, wherein receiving and forwarding of second and third link layer related information from and to at least one communication network control element or function is executed at least in part via a wireless connection path by using resources of a wireless communication network, wherein the apparatus is connected to or part of one of the communication element or function, a communication network control element or function and a communication network data element or function.