Unified Backhaul Relay Node for Multi-RAT Interoperability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current network communication systems face complexity and cost inefficiencies due to the need for separate core networks to support multiple Radio Access Technologies (RATs), which complicates interoperability and increases deployment and maintenance burdens.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize a unified backhaul transport network to support multiple RATs by instantiating a virtual UE layer at a relay node, establishing connections via pre-existing radio interfaces, and employing a Generic Access Network Controller to manage and translate data between different RATs, allowing for a common core network to serve diverse RATs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate core networks are deployed to support multiple RATs, then interoperability between different RATs is guaranteed, but device complexity and deployment cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate core networks into a single unified core network that supports multiple RATs (GERAN, UTRAN, LTE, 1xRTT, WiMAX, WiFi) through a common infrastructure. The relay node architecture consolidates network functions, allowing one core network to handle multiple access technologies simultaneously, thereby reducing deployment complexity while maintaining interoperability.
Solution Approach 2:
The unified core network is designed with multi-functional capabilities to support various RATs through a single infrastructure. The relay node and gateway architecture provides universal access, enabling the same core network elements to serve different radio access technologies without requiring separate dedicated networks for each RAT.
2Ease of manufacture
If base station equipment supports multiple RATs, then capital and operation cost savings are achieved, but separate core networks are still required for each RAT
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple core network functions into a unified architecture where a single core network supports multiple RATs. The relay node architecture integrates network functions that previously required separate core networks, allowing cost savings from multi-RAT base stations to be fully realized without the burden of maintaining separate core networks for each access technology.
3Reliability
If new inter-working interfaces are added to support multiple RATs, then interoperability is enhanced, but maintenance complexity and equipment requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The unified core network architecture provides universal interfaces that work across multiple RATs through a common protocol stack. The relay node and gateway design standardizes inter-working mechanisms, reducing the number of specialized interfaces needed and simplifying maintenance operations while maintaining full interoperability support.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments are provided for supporting multiple Radio Access Technologies (RATs) using a common backhaul transport network. A relay node is configured to instantiate a virtual-user equipment (V-UE) layer for a UE, upon determining that the UE uses a different RAT than the backhaul transport network. A connection is then established between the V-UE layer and a V-UE gateway using a pre-existing radio interface between the relay node and a base station. Upon receiving data from the UE, the relay node translates the data into a RAT format supported by the backhaul transport network, and sends the data on the connection via the base station, wherein the RAT format of the UE is transparent to the base station. A generic access network controller is also configured to connect and exchange signaling with the relay node to establish a service for the UE and configure radio resource on the relay node.