Unified Network Layer Integration for Multi-Access Radio Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radio-based networks face challenges in seamlessly integrating multiple access technologies like 5G, Wi-Fi, and LoRa, leading to interrupted network flows and increased complexity due to distinct physical and media access control layers, which hinders seamless handovers and efficient resource management.
Innovation Solution
The integration of multiple access technologies at the network layer using common processing elements, such as modified User Plane Functions (UPFs), enables seamless handovers and efficient resource management by utilizing Internet Protocol (IP) at the network layer, allowing devices to switch between technologies based on quality of service (QoS) requirements and dynamically scaling network resources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple access technologies (5G, Wi-Fi, LoRa) are integrated in a radio-based network, then network versatility and coverage are improved, but device complexity and network management complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple access technologies (5G, Wi-Fi, LoRa) into a unified network architecture where they operate under common management protocols and shared infrastructure, reducing the complexity of managing separate networks while maintaining versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The network architecture is designed with universal components that can handle multiple access technologies through common processing elements and standardized interfaces, allowing a single network infrastructure to serve multiple purposes and technologies
2Adaptability or versatility
If devices switch between different access technologies, then network adaptability is improved, but network flow continuity deteriorates due to interrupted flows during handover
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary actions by pre-establishing network flow contexts and maintaining buffer states before handover occurs, allowing seamless transition between access technologies without interrupting the network flow
Solution Approach 2:
The network architecture ensures continuity of useful action by maintaining active network flows across technology boundaries through coordinated handover protocols that preserve connection state and data transmission without interruption
3Reliability
If distinct physical and media access control layers are used for each access technology, then technology-specific performance is optimized, but integration complexity and resource management difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network architecture into distinct layers where technology-specific physical and MAC layers maintain their optimized characteristics, while upper network layers provide unified management and integration, allowing both specialization and integration to coexist
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are various embodiments for integrating multiple access technologies in a radio-based network. In one embodiment, first data is received from a first wireless device connected to a radio-based network via a first access technology. Second data is received from a second wireless device connected to the radio-based network via a second access technology. The first access technology and the second access technology use a different physical layer and a different media access control layer but use a network layer that is in common. The first data and the second data are processed at the network layer in the radio-based network using a common processing element.